12 Beauty Products Pritika Swarup Uses in Her Holistic Wellness Routine
The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to Pritika Swarup, CEO and founder of Prakti Beauty, model, philanthropist, and entrepreneur about her recommendations for the best everyday essentials in the wellness and beauty space.
With a background in finance and fashion modeling and a passion for Ayurvedic beauty, launching skin-care brand Prakti was a natural next step for Pritika Swarup. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to skin care and wellness that draws from India's customs, in which health is maintained from within by achieving balance of the mind, body, and consciousness. From a beauty perspective, this means that the skin is seen as a reflection of the internal state of health, as explained by Swarup. "By restoring balance, Ayurveda offers a framework for achieving radiant skin and optimal health," she tells PS. An added bonus? "Ayurvedic beauty also focuses on preventing skin care issues like acne, skin aging, and inflammation, rather than just treating them after they occur. This philosophy is all about addressing the root causes of imbalances rather than simply addressing symptoms."
[Swarup wants] to encourage a sensorial, nurturing approach to self-care, rather than viewing it as a chore or simply part of a routine.
Swarup noticed a lack of skin-care lines with these values that were actually clinically effective and accessible. She also wanted to encourage a sensorial, nurturing approach to self-care, rather than viewing it as a chore or simply part of a routine. With friends in all the right circles — Swarup has collaborated with world-class makeup artists and experts on numerous campaigns — she was able to enlist a team of former Estée Lauder and L'Oréal executives to help develop the products that now comprise Prakti. The key was to craft a lineup that delivers instant results and transformative moments that feel like experiences.
Of course, the endeavor wasn't always a walk in the park. "My background in finance and fashion played a vital role in my journey as an entrepreneur, equipping me with a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer preferences, operational strategies, financial forecasting, etc.," Swarup says. "However, venturing into product creation and development was a completely new challenge for me."
Luckily, after three years of research and development, Prakti is now gearing up for its biggest, most innovative launch yet with a category expansion in fall 2024. "Our goal is to empower each person to embrace their beauty through holistic self-care. Our top priority as a brand is to listen to and grow our community," Swarup says.
Getting a bit more personal, the 27-year-old explains that she grew up with a mother who is a holistic wellness expert and father who is an eye surgeon, leading her to develop a strong stance on integrative wellness and natural remedies combined with science-driven solutions. She takes a preventative approach to caring for her skin and body, and has opened up about many of these methods with her shopping guide ahead.
Keep reading to learn why Swarup swears by these 12 must haves, and pick up the ones that sound right for you.
A Facial Spray
Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray ($28)
This spray is meant to soothe and purify irritated skin, beneficial to those with eczema, acne, and redness. While some reviewers find it to be drying, others use it every day. Swarup is a major fan: "Everyone needs this spray. It's perfect for travel or a post-workout skin reset. This daily toner treatment is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, helping to calm your skin and prevent breakouts." It's equipped with hypochlorous acid (the main ingredient), which has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the brand.
Magnesium Supplement
Moon Juice Magnesi-Om ($31, originally $44)
While this magnesium supplement is one of the pricier options on the market, it helps when it's on sale. And, as Swarup notes, it tastes great, too. Moon Juice says the product includes magnesium citrate for digestive health, magnesium acetyl taurinate for brain function and PMS relief, and magnesium gluconate for muscle relaxation, with the addition of L-theanine to help with brain function and relieve stress. Reviewers have reported better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved focus. "Everyone naturally has a magnesium deficiency so I take a magnesium supplement daily," Swarup says.
A Wellness Water Bottle
Prakti Copper Wellness Water Bottle ($34)
Prakti's Copper Wellness Water Bottle holds 32 ounces and is made from 100 percent copper, which the brand claims helps with clarifying the skin and soul. "When water is stored in a copper vessel, small amounts of copper ions gently dissolve in the water," the brand states, indicating the purifying effect. "[It's] one of my daily must have wellness accessories," Swarup elaborates. "It naturally alkalizes water, providing numerous health benefits for the immune system, skin, and gut."
Mouth Tape
The Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape ($35)
If you've never heard of mouth tape, the product is designed to help improve sleep quality by encouraging nasal breathing. Those who have used it for a long period of time tend to notice increased energy levels thanks to more restful sleep, as well as physical signs such as a more defined jawline and whiter eyes. The tape itself is medical-grade, hypoallergenic, and breathable so as not to cause irritation. Swarup started using it after listening to the Skinny Confidential Podcast, and hasn't looked back since.
Pillow Spray
Osea Vagus Nerve Pillow Spray ($38)
This Osea spray incorporates a blend of calming essential oils like lavender and chamomile, which are widely known for their soothing properties. The brand states that the spray targets the vagus nerve, which plays a part in regulating relaxation and stress, leading to better sleep. "As a founder, maximizing rest is crucial for me. That's why quality sleep is so important," Swarup says. "[This is] a soothing bedtime mist designed to help induce a relaxed state before sleep (some nights I really need it)."
A Facial Cleanser
Prakti DeviDetox Purifying Face Cleanser ($38)
This Prakti facial cleanser is a creamy formula that gently removes makeup while hydrating, without stripping essential natural oils from your skin. "Resetting your skin is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. This means purifying and balancing your skin every single day - I never skip this step," Swarup says. "This ensures that the products you use afterward can work effectively and achieve their intended results without clogging pores. I love how my skin feels afterward and the intoxicating, mood-boosting Jasmine aroma creates a calming, uplifting moment. This cleanser makes me so excited to dive into my morning and evening skin-care rituals." Key ingredients of the Prakti DeviDetox Face Cleanser include Ashwagandha extract for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Rosa Canina oil for deep hydration and brightening, and Arnica flower extract to reduce redness and soothe the skin, according to Prakti.
A Mineral Face Sunscreen
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen ($39)
This SPF 50 formula is a mineral-based sunscreen that works to brighten the skin and even tone with its key ingredients niacinamide and Viniferine. Many people love it for its lightweight, non-greasy feel that lends a natural glow and works with all skin types. The ingredients are fragrance-free and vegan. "Of course, I cannot go a day without using SPF," Swarup says. "It's so important to apply an SPF daily (even when you're working from home) to protect against UV damage, environmental pollutants, and for preventative measures against skin discoloration."
Immunity Powder Supplement
Armra Colostrum Premium Powder ($48)
According to Armra, the Immune Revival powder supports immune function, metabolism, and cellular repair with key ingredients such as immunoglobulins, growth factors, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its main goal is to enhance gut health and boost immunity, and Swarup definitely notices its impact. "Since I started taking Armra, I've noticed significant improvements in every aspect of my health, from my skin to my gut," she says. "I take the Immune Revival daily, and it has made such a difference." One important factor to note is that some reviewers felt they experienced bloating and constipation as side effects, though most tend to feel overall improvement.
A Detox Mask
Prakti PaviPure Warming Detox Mask ($56)
While it's not meant to be used every day, the PaviPure mask is designed with a push-pull technology that allows it to address impurities while infusing moisture at the same time. Swarup notes that for this reason, it's a prime product for sensitive skin. "Unlike other clay masks, it never dries on your skin (ensuring an irritation-free experience) and it instantly clears and minimizes pores," she says. "What makes this mask even more special is its warming sensation that makes you feel like you're at the spa — so relaxing. Plus, it goes on purple, adding a fun and playful element." Key ingredients include kaolin clay for absorbing excess oil, moringa oleifera seed oil for its omega fatty acids and antioxidants, and Ashwagandha extract for antiaging benefits and boosting collagen production, according to the brand.
A Hydrating Serum
Prakti SundaSkin Essential Hydrating Serum ($65)
Reviewers love this serum for the smooth, radiant complexion it achieves. Swarup uses it twice a day, explaining, "This all-in-one serum is formulated with clinically effective ingredients to give you deeply hydrated, radiant and healthy skin. Fun fact: it absorbs at the same rate as water (no greasy after feel or stickiness), making it the perfect makeup primer." The formula is made up of white snow mushroom for its intense hydration properties, licorice root to reduce pigmentation and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and niacinamide to restore the skin's lipid barrier and minimize fine lines and pores, according to the brand.
A Cleansing Balm
Goop Beauty Cleansing Balm ($68)
This cleansing balm is sort of like a magical product in that it transforms from a balm to an oil that removes makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities while also hydrating the skin. Many reviewers have commented that its minimized their wrinkles, though some folks say its rich formula — which includes saffron butter, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil — may not be best for oily skin types. Swarup uses a balm prior to her standard cleanser, noting that this one feels "effortless" without dehydrating her skin.
An LED Light Therapy Face Mask
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask ($380)
The CurrentBody Face Mask uses red and near-infrared light to promote collagen production, alleviate redness, and smooth overall skin tone. Reviews — one of which you can read in PS's own CurrentBody LED Mask Review — shed light on the flexible and comfortable structure, and skin improvements that were noticed at around four weeks. The product is made to boost blood circulation and skin healing at home, rather than at an appointment with a professional. "I have given into the red light therapy trend and started using the CurrentBody mask after they sent it to me," Swarup says. "I definitely see the results instantly."
Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at PS. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.