Enterprise Profile

Herbal Pharm is a homegrown health and wellness brand best known for its all-natural supplements, such as the bestselling Dia-Med which helps to maintain healthy sugar levels. Set up in 2004, the company now employs over 50 people across offices in Singapore, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. In 2021, Herbal Pharm earned the Made With Passion mark – a national initiative which recognises Singapore brands that are dedicated to creating quality products.

Problem statement

While the company proudly carries a wide range of premium supplements under the Herbal Pharm name, it has never had its own hair or skincare products. Instead, it has been the exclusive distributor of an American haircare brand for the last 10 years.

Motivated by market potential and its Made With Passion accolade, Herbal Pharm decided to come up with its own made-in-Singapore haircare range.

Impact Achieved

After about 18 months of extensive trials, sensory evaluations, and stability testing, the Pro Capillus range comprising a shampoo, conditioner, and hair serum was launched in January 2024. The products feature environmentally friendly ingredients that tackle issues such as scalp irritation and hair damage.

While it is early days yet, Mr Sanjay says Pro Capillus is off “to a good start” and expects its sales to be “on a par with or overtake” the American brand that Herbal Pharm distributes. The homegrown range also won an Editors’ Choice Award for Best Scalp Care Set from local review site Beauty Insider in April.

“Now, we have a clearer picture. We know the process, we know certain ingredients, and we have a better idea of what Singaporeans are looking for,” said Mr Sanjay.

_{Ms Logeswari Shivaprakash, Herbal Pharm’s Chief Operating Officer, and its Assistant Vice President of Operations, Mr Sanjay Raja, hope to launch a skincare range next.}

“Now, we have a clearer picture. We know the process, we know certain ingredients, and we have a better idea of what Singaporeans are looking for,” said Mr Sanjay.

CCTC’s perspective

CCTC Manager and Senior Lead Research Scientist Chris Ching faced two main challenges in this project.

The first was to create haircare solutions that are not only safe and effective but also have “an optimal sensorial profile” and a long shelf life. The second was maintaining consistency, efficacy, and quality when scaling up the lab-tested formulation for commercial production.

From December 2021 to June 2023, Mr Ching and his team – four CCTC researchers and a student pursuing a Diploma in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science – worked to tackle the hurdles through numerous sensory evaluations, stability testing, and pilot-scale trials.

“Our comprehensive approach ensured that the products not only met performance requirements, but also delivered an exceptional sensory experience while maintaining stability over time,” he said.

He also took pride in upholding sustainability goals during the process by sticking to clean and eco-friendly ingredients and packaging. “This project exemplifies our commitment to making a positive impact through responsible and forward-thinking product development,” he added.