In a memorable and thought-provoking episode of the entrepreneurial reality show Startup Singham, children took center stage to voice a unique protest — demanding skincare designed especially for them. The playful yet powerful demonstration highlighted a real concern: while babies and adults have dedicated personal care products, children and teenagers are often left using formulations not suited for their developing skin.
This message set the stage for Tikitoro, a pioneering kids’ and teens’ personal care brand founded by Prasanna Vasanadu, which recently appeared on the show and captured the attention of both the audience and investors.
During the episode, the show opened with children staging a mock protest asking for “justice” for their skin. Their message was simple yet impactful: if babies, adults, and even grandparents have dedicated skincare products, why don’t children? The segment beautifully introduced the problem Tikitoro aims to solve — the lack of safe, age-appropriate skincare solutions for children aged 4 to 16 years.
Addressing this gap, founder Prasanna Vasanadu shared how Tikitoro was born from her personal journey as a mother searching for safe products for her child. Concerned about harmful ingredients such as endocrine disruptors found in many personal care formulations, she set out to create a brand that focuses on clean, safe, and scientifically formulated products specifically designed for kids and teens.
Since its launch, Tikitoro has grown significantly. What started as a small two-member operation has now expanded into a 40-member team, offering 25 carefully formulated products across kids and teens categories. The brand has earned the trust of over two lakh parents, with a strong repeat purchase rate of 45%. Each and every product is dermatologically tested and paediatrician-verified.
No product is launched without undergoing stringent testing and trials, along with feedback from focus groups. The brand also holds international safety certifications, including recognition from Safe Cosmetics Australia.
During the pitch, Prasanna sought an investment of ₹1.2 crore for 1.5% equity, valuing the company at ₹81 crore. The investors appreciated the brand’s category-creating vision and the founder’s strong clarity on safety, research, and product development.
Tikitoro ultimately secured a strategic investment from HNI Mohan LKN for a valuation of 72 crores, marking an important milestone for the brand. The investment is expected to support Tikitoro’s expansion plans as it works towards becoming a ₹100-crore brand with global presence in the coming years.
With its mission to provide safe, effective, and age-appropriate skincare solutions, Tikitoro is not only building a brand but also leading a conversation around children’s skin health — ensuring that the youngest consumers finally have products designed just for them.
