Put Simply’s Skincare Revolution: How Anirudh Kastia Built a D2C Brand for Sensitive Indian Skin

author
TheStartupStories

06.08.2025

Put Simply’s Skincare Revolution: How Anirudh Kastia Built a D2C Brand for Sensitive Indian Skin

In the cluttered and competitive Indian skincare industry, where brands often promise more than they deliver, one startup decided to take the road less flashy and more honest. Put Simply, a D2C skincare brand launched in August 2022 by Anirudh Kastia, was born from a personal need—a genuine desire to solve a problem he lived with every day: sensitive, acne-prone skin.

From Frustration to Formulation

Anirudh’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started in front of a mirror. Battling acne and a damaged skin barrier led him to question most available products. Over a year was spent developing gentle, barrier-repairing skincare formulations in Korea—twice the time originally planned. But this delay was intentional. It meant crafting a skincare line that prioritized skin health over cosmetic marketing.

The D2C Rollercoaster: Ad Bans and Tech Troubles

Put Simply didn’t have a smooth launch. In its early days, the brand faced a near-crippling setback: both Facebook and Google ad accounts were unexpectedly banned. For a digital-first business, this was like being silenced at a megaphone rally. A 45-day effort went into resolving the issue. Meanwhile, the team rebuilt their entire website to fix backend tracking problems, all without pausing momentum.

First Wins: Word-of-Mouth and a Hero Sunscreen

Despite the early chaos, Put Simply quietly hit major milestones. Within the first 8 months, over 1,500 units were sold, generating ₹10 lakh in revenue. What started as a side hustle quickly became a growing business. Their hero product—"Beat the Sun" SPF 50+ sunscreen—stood out with its light texture, barrier-safe formula, and reliable UV protection. It became so popular it frequently went out of stock.

Smart Growth, No VC Strings

Put Simply’s growth wasn’t backed by VC cash but by persistence and profits. As of early 2025, no external funding had been raised. Instead, the brand scaled through internal revenue, lean operations, and founder-led execution. Shopify powered eCommerce, Shiprocket handled logistics, Convertway drove automation, and Judgeme reviews added social proof. It was a modern D2C stack running without fluff.

The Secret Sauce: Simplicity, Science, and Sensitivity

At its core, Put Simply’s USP was refreshingly clear: Korean skincare science adapted for Indian skin. No over-fragranced, harsh formulas. Just effective, minimal routines tailored for the diversity of Indian skin types. Anirudh’s no-compromise approach made the brand feel more like a skin ally than a seller.

Staying Small, Thinking Big

With no team in the early phase, Anirudh wore multiple hats—founder, product developer, marketer, customer support, and growth strategist. His background as a D2C consultant helped implement streamlined systems early. As word-of-mouth spread and repeat customers grew, it validated that being niche wasn't a limitation—it was an edge.

Packaging the Promise

In early 2025, the brand underwent a packaging revamp. The visual identity now mirrored its philosophy: clean, accessible, and modern. The refresh wasn’t just about looks—it attracted newer audiences and signaled a new phase of growth for the brand.

Wrapping Up

Put Simply’s journey is a case study in staying patient and customer-obsessed. By focusing on gentle, functional skincare and skipping the marketing theatrics, the brand carved out a loyal community. It’s not just skincare—it’s skin respect. In a world chasing hype, Put Simply quietly built trust. And sometimes, trust sells better than any ad ever could.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is the founder of Put Simply?

Anirudh Kastia, a skincare enthusiast and D2C consultant, founded the brand in August 2022.

Q2. What makes Put Simply different from other skincare brands?

The brand focuses on Korean-developed formulas tailored for Indian sensitive skin—no harsh actives, no artificial fragrance, and a strong emphasis on barrier care.

Q3. What is the most popular product of Put Simply?

"Beat the Sun" SPF 50+ sunscreen is their flagship product, known for its lightweight formula and strong sun protection.

Q4. Is Put Simply bootstrapped or funded?

As of 2025, the brand is entirely bootstrapped and scaling on internal revenue.

Q5. Where can I buy Put Simply products?

All products are available through the brand’s official Shopify-powered website.

Put SimplyAnirudh KastiaSkincare StartupIndian D2C BrandsKorean Skincare for Indian SkinBootstrapped Startups IndiaSensitive Skin ProductsBeat the Sun SPFKaroStartup