Welcome to the Story of 'Fika'.

The idea of a good skin is multifaceted and so is the meaning of Fika. The literal transition of fika in Hindi is insipid whereas in Swedish culture, it means to slow down and take a moment to appreciate the good things in life. We wanted to create something that embodied both in a single bottle

Taking a cue from the “insipid” part, Fika is sans any artificial fragrance. And taking a cue from appreciation, and, acceptance of who you are at the moment is the first step to start working towards a brighter self.

There are stages that our skin goes through and we at times may be experiencing our dullest moment, that is exactly when Fika shines for us. The colour of Fika represents melanin rich skin with a texture that is light yet engulfing like a warm hug asking you to take a moment and appreciate your skin and the process its going through while working on your skin like a silent workhorse.

We believe, the right mindset combined with the right dose of Fika is all you need when your skin is at its dullest. This is your Journey. This, is the birth of Fika.

 

FIKA – A Multi-Pathway Pigmentation Serum for Sensitive, Uneven Skin

Hyperpigmentation isn’t caused by one issue alone. It’s the result of multiple internal and external triggers — from sun exposure and inflammation to melanin overproduction and a weakened skin barrier. The idea of a good skin is multifaceted and so is the purpose of Fika. The literal transition of fika in Hindi is insipid whereas in Swedish culture, it means to slow down and take a moment to appreciate the good things in life. We wanted to create something that embodied both in a single bottle.

FIKA is built around this understanding. It’s a multi-pathway pigmentation corrector that works across five key fronts:

• Reducing excess melanin production
• Preventing pigment transfer to skin’s surface
• Calming inflammation
• Rebuilding the barrier
• Protecting against oxidative stress and future spots

Every ingredient in FIKA is chosen to be effective yet gentle — especially for sensitive, acne-prone, or melanin-rich skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

1. Targeting the Root: Reducing Excess Melanin

Pigment production starts when enzymes like tyrosinase and TRP-1 are activated in melanocytes — often due to inflammation, sun exposure, or hormonal triggers.

Key actives that address melanin at its source:

• Nonapeptide-1
  A lab-designed peptide that mimics natural skin signals to block the pigment-producing hormone α-MSH. It prevents the chain reaction that stimulates melanin production, helping reduce new dark spots without irritation.
• Artocarpus Lakoocha Extract
  A plant-derived ingredient rich in oxyresveratrol, a clinically studied tyrosinase inhibitor. It slows down melanin formation by blocking the conversion of tyrosine to melanin — effective even on stubborn melasma or sun spots.
• Bidens Pilosa Extract
  A plant-based retinoid alternative that supports cell turnover and collagen renewal. It helps fade existing pigmentation by gently accelerating skin renewal — without the irritation common with synthetic retinoids.

2. Preventing Pigment Transfer to Skin’s Surface

Even when less melanin is produced, existing pigment can still be transferred to visible skin layers, resulting in uneven tone.

How FIKA helps prevent this:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B₃)
  Prevents melanin from being transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This helps reduce visible discoloration and prevents new pigmentation from surfacing. It also supports skin barrier repair and soothes redness.
• Piperonyl Linoleate
  A dual-action active that inhibits TRP-1, a key enzyme in the melanin pathway, while also supporting skin lipids. It’s particularly effective for post-acne pigmentation and melasma, with added benefits for dry, inflamed skin.

3. Calming Inflammation to Prevent PIH

Inflammation is one of the most common triggers for pigmentation — especially in Indian and melanin-rich skin types. Whether from acne, irritation, or heat, inflammation often leads to long-lasting spots.

FIKA includes a botanical blend to calm and regulate inflammation:

• Triphala Extract
  An Ayurvedic blend of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, rich in vitamin C and polyphenols. It helps reduce oxidative stress, calm inflammation, and modulate melanocyte activity without sensitizing the skin.
• Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
  Contains glabridin, a tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces new pigment formation, and liquiritin, which helps disperse existing melanin. Also known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.
• Calendula Officinalis & Neem Leaf Extract
  Both help reduce inflammation-related redness and irritation. Calendula supports healing by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α, while Neem calms reactive skin and supports clarity.

4. Rebuilding the Skin Barrier

A compromised barrier makes skin more vulnerable to pigmentation triggers like inflammation, sensitivity, and moisture loss.

FIKA supports long-term skin health by reinforcing the barrier with lipid-rich, non-comedogenic oils and emollients.

Barrier-repairing ingredients in FIKA:

• Cold-Pressed Oils
• Hemp Seed Oil: Rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to soothe and strengthen the skin.
• Flaxseed Oil: High in ALA to reduce sensitivity and support barrier function.
• Cranberry Seed Oil: Nourishes and provides antioxidant protection.
• Carrot Seed Oil: Supports skin renewal and helps even tone.
• Cocoa Seed Butter & Wheat Germ Oil
  Both are emollient-rich sources of vitamin E that restore moisture and support elasticity.
• D-Panthenol & Sodium Polyglutamate
  These powerful humectants draw and retain moisture, reduce flakiness, and enhance ingredient absorption.

5. Antioxidant Defense Against Future Pigmentation

Free radicals from pollution and UV exposure can trigger pigment formation and slow down skin healing.

FIKA contains antioxidant-rich actives that help neutralize these triggers:

• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
  A lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress and photoaging.
• Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) Extract
  Rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and omega-7, it helps support barrier repair while fighting environmental stress.
• Sandalwood Seed Oil & Basil Oil
  Offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant support — ideal for acne-prone, inflamed, or reactive skin.

Why FIKA Works Differently

Most pigmentation treatments rely on exfoliation or bleaching agents that aren’t always suitable for sensitive skin. FIKA takes a different approach — it doesn’t strip the skin, it supports it.

• No essential oil overload
• No sensitizing acids
• No harsh skin-lightening agents

Instead, it combines dermatological actives and time-tested botanicals to target melanin gently and effectively — while supporting skin barrier recovery and resilience.

 

·       Full Ingredient Glossary & Benefits (Deep Dive)

·       Every ingredient in Fika is chosen not just for function, but for purpose — to gently brighten, soothe, hydrate, and protect sensitive skin prone to pigmentation. Here's what each component does:

·       Core Actives for Pigment Correction

·       Nonapeptide-1: A lab-designed biomimetic peptide that mimics the skin's own signals to reduce melanin production. It works by blocking α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) from triggering pigment formation, helping prevent new dark spots from forming without bleaching or irritation.

·       Niacinamide (Vitamin B₃): A dermatologist-loved multitasker that fades existing pigmentation by inhibiting melanin transfer. It also strengthens the skin barrier, improves elasticity, reduces redness, and boosts hydration — making it especially effective for sensitive or inflamed skin.

·       Artocarpus Lakoocha Extract: Rich in oxyresveratrol, a natural tyrosinase inhibitor. Helps slow melanin production at the enzymatic level, gently brightening stubborn dark spots, melasma, or sun-induced pigmentation.

·       Piperonyl Linoleate: A plant-derived compound that modulates multiple steps of melanin synthesis. It works without irritation and also supports the lipid barrier — ideal for post-inflammatory pigmentation and dry skin types.

·       Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice Root) Extract: Contains glabridin and liquiritin, which help reduce excess melanin while calming inflammation. Particularly effective in preventing pigmentation from acne, heat, or sensitivity.

·       Bidens Pilosa Extract: A plant-based alternative to retinoids, this botanical supports gentle skin renewal and collagen stimulation without irritation. It encourages natural turnover of pigmented cells, aiding in gradual tone refinement.

·       Triphala (Terminalia Chebula, Terminalia Bellerica, Emblica Officinalis): A revered Ayurvedic trio rich in vitamin C and polyphenols. It helps reduce oxidative stress, boosts luminosity, and supports even tone over time — without exfoliating or sensitizing the skin.

·       Soothers, Protectors & Rebuilders

·       D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): A deeply hydrating and barrier-repairing agent that soothes irritated skin, supports regeneration, and relieves flakiness or tightness.

·       Allantoin: A calming ingredient that softens skin and aids recovery. It acts as a buffer, enhancing the skin’s tolerance to active ingredients.

·       Calendula Officinalis Extract: A gentle, anti-inflammatory herb that promotes healing in irritated, post-acne, or barrier-compromised skin.

·       Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract: An Ayurvedic purifying herb that soothes reactive skin and supports overall balance.

·       Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil: Offers antimicrobial benefits while balancing oil production and calming sensitivity.

·       Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Seed Oil: A sacred Ayurvedic ingredient that cools inflammation, refines tone, and soothes stressed skin.

·       Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil: Adds antimicrobial and antioxidant support — ideal for acne-prone or environmentally stressed skin.

·       Hydrators & Barrier Lipid Oils (Cold Pressed)

·       Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil#: Cold-pressed hemp seed oil that is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Soothes inflammation and strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier.

·       Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil#: Offers antioxidant protection while nourishing dry, dull skin.

·       Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil#: Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants. Supports skin repair and contributes to tone-evening effects.

·       Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed) Seed Oil#: High in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), it restores suppleness and calms sensitized skin.

·       Elaeis Guineensis Oil: A nourishing oil rich in tocotrienols and vitamin E that helps soften and reinforce the skin barrier.

·       Gossypium Herbaceum (Cottonseed) Oil: Provides emollient support for dry skin and helps calm irritation.

·       Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil: A vitamin E–rich oil that helps regenerate damaged skin and support elasticity.

·       Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter: Deeply emollient and antioxidant-rich, it conditions and comforts dry or depleted skin.

·       Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): A stable antioxidant that protects against free radicals and photoaging, while also helping preserve formula integrity.

·       Sodium Polyglutamate Crosspolymer: A next-generation humectant that retains moisture longer than hyaluronic acid, promoting plump, dewy skin.

·       Base, Texture + Delivery System

·       Rosa Damascena Flower Water: A soothing, antioxidant floral water that calms the skin and adds a sensory note of comfort.

·       Aqua (Water): The solvent that helps dissolve and deliver the other ingredients into the skin.

·       Glycerin: A classic plant-based humectant that draws moisture into the outer skin layers and enhances ingredient absorption.

·       Propylene Glycol: Enhances delivery and moisture retention.

·       Dextran: A sugar-based molecule that stabilizes peptides and improves texture.

·       Microcrystalline Cellulose: Adds silkiness and aids formulation consistency.

·       Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Monostearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum: These emulsifiers, thickeners, and texture enhancers ensure a smooth, non-greasy serum experience that absorbs well without clogging pores.

·       Preservatives & Stabilizers

·       Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, BHT, Disodium EDTA: Safe, globally approved preservatives and antioxidants that ensure the formula stays fresh, stable, and free from microbial contamination.

·       Note: Cold-pressed oils are marked with #. Fika contains no synthetic fragrance, and no sensitizing acids — just a curated mix of pigmentation-correcting actives, Ayurvedic wisdom, and skin-compatible emollients designed for real, visible clarity over time.

 

Summary at a Glance

Concern	FIKA’s Response
Melanin overproduction	Nonapeptide-1, Artocarpus Lakoocha, Bidens Pilosa
Pigment transfer	Niacinamide, Piperonyl Linoleate
Inflammation	Triphala, Licorice, Calendula, Neem
Barrier damage	Cold-pressed oils, Panthenol, Sodium Polyglutamate
Oxidative stress	Vitamin E, Sea Buckthorn, Sandalwood Seed Oil