Varun Alagh - The Progress Catalyst
A consumer goods and entrepreneurship leader
Varun Alagh’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his passion for creating sustainable, toxin-free products that prioritise health and wellness. As the co-founder and CEO of Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Mamaearth, Varun has redefined the Indian personal care market with an emphasis on eco-consciousness, quality, and innovation. His leadership has positioned Mamaearth as a pioneering brand in the D2C space.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 1984
Hometown: Haryana, India
Spouse: Ghazal Alagh
Education: Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering, XLRI Jamshedpur; PGDBM in Finance and Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur; MBA from Indian School of Business (ISB).
Employment History: In the beginning of his career, Varun worked with brands like Unilever, Smirnoff at Diageo PLC, and Coca-Cola
Co-founder and CEO of Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd., overseeing brands like Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, and more.
Varun Alagh's career reflects a unique blend of corporate expertise and entrepreneurial drive, allowing him to transform personal care into a customer-centric, environmentally responsible sector.
Varun Alagh, revolutionising personal care
Varun Alagh co-founded Mamaearth in 2016 alongside his wife, Ghazal Alagh, inspired by their personal journey as parents seeking safe, toxin-free products for their child. Realising the gap in the Indian market, Varun introduced a range of eco-friendly, dermatologically tested, and cruelty-free products designed to meet the needs of modern families.
Under his leadership, Mamaearth became a trailblazer as India’s first MadeSafe-certified brand, ensuring that all products are free from harmful chemicals. The company’s success paved the way for Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd., which houses several purpose-driven brands that reflect Varun’s vision of combining sustainability with innovation.
Today, Mamaearth caters to millions of customers and has expanded its portfolio to include baby care, skincare, hair care, and wellness products, with a strong presence both online and in retail stores.
Impact Maker Varun Alagh
Varun Alagh’s leadership has had a profound impact on the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business landscape in India. He is recognised for popularising the concept of toxin-free, natural products in the personal care market. His efforts have not only set new benchmarks for quality but have also inspired other brands to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
His focus on sustainability extends to Mamaearth’s “Plant Goodness” initiative, which commits to planting a tree for every order placed. As of 2023, the initiative has resulted in the planting of more than 300,000 trees.
Change Maker Varun Alagh
In 2022, Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd. became India’s first unicorn of the year, achieving a valuation of over $1 billion. This milestone reflects Varun Alagh’s ability to scale a purpose-driven business into a global success.
Beyond the numbers, Varun has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of sustainability in personal care, challenging the status quo and redefining customer expectations.
Varun's entrepreneurial journey also underscores the importance of family, as he credits much of Mamaearth’s ethos to his experience as a parent and his partnership with his wife and co-founder, Ghazal Alagh.
Progress Catalyst Varun Alagh
Varun Alagh’s long-term vision focuses on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. Through advanced data analytics and a customer-first approach, he has streamlined operations and created personalised solutions for consumers.
With his extensive corporate experience at leading companies like Coca-Cola and Hindustan Unilever, Varun has leveraged his expertise in brand building and consumer behaviour to grow Mamaearth and other Honasa Consumer brands exponentially.
Achievements
Co-founding Mamaearth in 2016: Introduced India’s first toxin-free, MadeSafe-certified personal care brand.
Building India’s first unicorn of 2022: Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd. achieved a $1 billion valuation under his leadership.
Sustainability Advocate: Launched eco-friendly initiatives like “Plant Goodness,” contributing to global afforestation efforts.
Empowering Customers: Delivered high-quality, safe, and affordable products for families worldwide.
Expanding Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd.: Diversified into multiple brands catering to skincare, wellness, and personal care.
Awards & Recognitions
Featured in Fortune India’s “40 Under 40” (2023) for entrepreneurial excellence.
Recognised as CEO of the Year at the India Business Awards.
Honoured by Entrepreneur India for contributions to the D2C sector.
Listed among the top 10 Indian entrepreneurs in the personal care industry by Startuptalky.
Awarded for sustainability initiatives by the Environmental Sustainability Forum (2022).
