Natural and sustainable skincare from Pitra London - review

Imagine a silky veil of ancient wisdom - a skincare range crafted from the very treasures that once graced the flawless complexions of Indian royalty. Now manifest that dream and discover products from Pitra London - a brand dedicated to delivering 100% natural and sustainable skincare.

Founded by Somya Singh, Pitra London offers a niche collection of ‘no cosmetics’ skincare. Derived from pure ingredients, each product is formulated with traditional botanicals.

Natural and sustainable skincare products, beautifully packaged, from Pitra London.

What drew me to this brand is Somya’s commitment to avoiding hormone disruptors as well as synthetic fragrances, sulfates and parabens. As someone currently taking a cancer drug that switches off my body’s production of oestrogen, I don’t want to take any chances - especially with beauty products. I feel assured that this sustainable skincare range is also free from other toxins, including artificial preservatives. Vegan and totally natural, it is all about being ethical - from sustainable ingredient sourcing to only using recyclable packaging. 

At the heart of Pitra London is its signature ingredients - rose petals and sandalwood, both of which are revered for their timeless benefits. 

Sustainable skincare that isn’t boring

As well as delivering a unique skincare experience, products from Pitra London arrive in the most exquisite packaging. Carefully wrapped and tied with a bow, or popped inside a cute hessian bag, they are totally gift-worthy. I was blown away by the sprinkles of dried rose petals and the prettiest little gold measuring spoon I have ever seen. Small details like this are everything when it comes to an overall purchasing experience.

So, what did I get? Inside my package was Rajasi Chandan Masque, described as ‘a royal skin detox’, and a bottle of Saumya Rose Mist. I’ve used rose mists in the past and found them beneficial, but the masque - and its powder formula - was completely new to me. 

The mist is sold in a 60ml bottle and the masque comes in an 80g jar. 

My experience of using Rajasi Chandan Masque

One of the things that first struck me about the face and body masque was its green credentials. Not only is it all-natural, it isn’t manufactured using excess water. This is the way the beauty industry is headed and Pitra London is among the first in the UK to adopt the format for a traditional masque.

What does it do? This product is formulated to purify the skin and soothe it. The masque also has rejuvenating properties that boost radiance. It is suitable for a wide range of skin types - from those looking for a clearer complexion, including those who suffer from acne, to people like myself who are on a constant quest to keep the ravages of time at bay.

How do you use it? This is the intriguing part! Pitra London provides comprehensive use instructions on its website, and I was careful to follow each step to the letter. First up, I used the little gold spoon to scoop up four measures of the powder. The brand advises the powder be placed into a clean porcelain bowl before being mixed with… the rose mist! I wasn’t expecting that.

Next, I applied the paste to my face and neck with upward strokes and then waited for it to dry.

The drying time was …. Around 7 minutes, possibly a bit less. The scent of this product is really lovely but subtle. I wasn’t overpowered by it. 

The masque washes off easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and refined. 

As a ritual, I can see it gaining popularity. I mixed the masque at my dressing table - with no need to go to a sink until it was time to wash it off. I enjoyed the mixing process - it was relaxing - and the fact that the mask doesn’t take very long to dry. A big plus point, particularly if you are a fan of sustainable skincare, is that no water was required to make up the formula. There is also no product wastage because the mixing instructions ensure you only make what you will use.

I finished this routine with my favourite moisturiser. 

Rajasi Chandan Masque retails at £39.99 - an investment that will last a long time. The four scoops I used on my first application hardly made a dent in what was in the jar.

Saumya Rose Mist

This product is made from distilled Indian rose petals, all hand-picked, and smells absolutely divine. It is formulated to hydrate, tone and even tighten the skin. A multi-use skincare essential, it can be used for on-the-go hydration, as part of a routine or, as demonstrated above, with the Rajasi Chandan Masque.

Before realising it was an essential ingredient for the masque, I used it as a face mist. As well as enveloping my senses with the fragrant scent of rose, it left my skin ultra-smooth - and I mean textureless. I am going to try it under makeup and as a setting spray, because of the sheer smoothness it delivered. 

Very refreshing on the skin, this all-organic product is inspired by Ayurvedic traditions. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian regimen of rituals and medicine that focus on balancing the body, mind and spirit through holistics. While it includes diet and lifestyle choices, it is strongly rooted in natural treatments. 

Saumya Rose Mist retails at £11.99.

Pitra London’s product range also includes the brightening and deep cleansing Varnika Rose Clay Masque and the Prithvi Detox Masque. Products are available to buy on their own or as part of sets.

My sustainable skincare journey with Pitra London

As well as immersing myself in traditional Indian skincare rituals, I’ve enjoyed a unique experience and benefits. Luxurious and relaxing, Pitra London products go beyond 100% natural and sustainable skincare to deliver just that bit more - something really different.

Somya founded Pitra to amplify the true purity of traditional Indian skincare. ‘Designed to nourish, not alter’ is what it’s all about - with nature and sustainability at the core. Importantly, Somya wants to underline the importance of the ritual in not just effective skincare but in overall self-care. I can understand that because the ritual was a big part of my positive experience.

Her products are formulated to honour recipes passed down by generations for hundreds of years. Their popularity is rooted in efficacy, not trends. They don’t rely on hype or marketing ploys. Instead they share the bounty of nature together with sustainably and, as I discovered, in rather beautiful paper packaging. 

Bottom line? If nature doesn’t do it for you, the link to ancient Indian queens, known for their breathtaking beauty, certainly will! 

For more information about Pitra London, click here.

*Pitra London sent me a selection of products in return for an honest review.

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