Founded in 2018 by Pooja Kaul, Organiko is India’s first skincare brand built around the rare and powerful ingredient — donkey milk. What started as a field project during her studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences has now grown into a social venture and luxury brand that blends Ayurvedic wisdom with Egyptian beauty traditions.

Join the Conversation – Live on YouTube

Organiko was born with a dual mission:

• To create 100% natural skincare products that are safe, effective, and rooted in India’s heritage.
• To provide livelihood opportunities for donkey-owning communities, who often face seasonal unemployment and declining incomes.

The Founder’s Journey

During her fieldwork in Solapur, Maharashtra, Pooja Kaul observed how migrant laborers relied on donkeys for construction and brick kiln work, yet earned barely enough to survive. She also discovered the untapped potential of donkey milk, historically linked to Cleopatra’s beauty rituals.

This sparked an idea: What if donkey milk could be used to create natural skincare products while also supporting rural families?

Advertisement

With just ₹60,000 in seed capital — part savings and part crowdfunding — Pooja began experimenting with handmade soaps. Early batches sold through social media received positive feedback, validating her vision.

Products & Innovation

Organiko’s product line includes:

• Donkey Milk Soaps – Gentle, nourishing, and hydrating.
• Natural Skincare Formulations – Combining Ayurvedic herbs with donkey milk.
• Hydrating Essentials – Designed to address skin dryness and irritation.

What makes Organiko unique is its ethical sourcing of donkey milk and the use of pure, high-quality oils to enhance its natural properties. Every product is crafted to be 100% natural, cruelty-free, and sustainable.

Social Impact

Organiko is more than a beauty brand — it’s a social enterprise. By purchasing donkey milk directly from rural families at fair prices, the company has helped over 150 families increase their income, in some cases nearly tripling it.

This model not only improves livelihoods but also contributes to preserving India’s donkey population, which has been declining sharply.

Recognition & Growth

Organiko’s journey has been marked by milestones such as:

• Recognition on Bharat Ke Super Founders, giving the brand national visibility.
• Support from startup incubators and entrepreneurship programs.
• Growing customer base across India, with products available online and through specialty stores.

The brand has positioned itself as both a luxury skincare line and a social impact venture, making it stand out in India’s crowded beauty market.

Vision for the Future

Organiko aims to lead a “Golden Milk Revolution” in India by:

• Expanding its product portfolio with more donkey milk-based skincare.
• Scaling its social impact to support more rural families.
• Building global recognition as a brand that combines heritage, sustainability, and innovation.

Conclusion

The story of Organiko is a powerful example of how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can create both business success and social change. From a small college project to a growing skincare brand, Pooja Kaul has shown that innovation rooted in tradition can transform lives.

Organiko isn’t just about skincare — it’s about dignity, sustainability, and a future where beauty and social impact go hand in hand.