In 2021, when short-form beauty content was exploding online, Nipun Kapur Sohal stepped in with something different — clear, science-backed skincare guidance. What began as simple TikTok reviews and “how-to” demos quickly revealed a critical gap in the marketplace: consumers weren’t struggling with products, but with information. Nipun’s content filled that void, positioning her as a trusted voice simplifying skincare in an increasingly crowded beauty ecosystem.
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Moving to Dubai
At its heart, Nipun’s journey has been about reinvention. Her professional journey began in digital marketing, long before the term became mainstream. In 2011, she co-founded a digital startup which, within four years, was acquired by the global media conglomerate Dentsu Aegis Network.
Following the acquisition, she moved to Dubai and joined the Landmark Group, managing e-commerce operations before transitioning to Chalhoub Group, the region’s joint-venture partner for LVMH. Today, she continues to lead e-commerce for the group — a role that keeps her rooted in the digital landscape that she has always loved. Chalhoub Group is a partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East with a portfolio of eight owned brands and over 300 international brands.
A career pause and a clause
She says her move to Dubai was partly serendipitous. Following the sale of her company, she was bound by a non-compete clause that restricted her from working in the digital marketing space in India or Southeast Asia until 2020. “So, at 30 — after having successfully built and sold a business — I found myself at a professional crossroads,” says Nipun, who was always passionate about skincare.
Transition into E-commerce
Relocating to Dubai opened new doors. “It allowed me to transition from marketing into the e-commerce ecosystem, bringing together creativity, strategy, and technology,” informs Nipun, whose life in Dubai is a balancing act between her corporate responsibilities and her role as a skincare educator and content creator. “My days are long and often demanding, but the duality keeps me grounded — one foot in the corporate world, the other in my purpose-driven passion.”
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Strengthening credibility
After her content on TikTok gained much traction, Nipun decided to strengthen her credibility. She pursued multiple certifications through platforms such as Harvard Medical Publishing and The Aesthetic College of Singapore. “My aim was to simplify skincare — to decode the science, make it accessible, and empower consumers to make informed choices,” says Nipun, who soon realised that people needed guidance more than merely information.
That’s when she started offering personal skincare consultations. “Though I only take a handful each week, it has allowed me to directly impact lives while balancing my full-time corporate role.”
Handling complex skin concerns
Among the most complex issues she has addressed is melasma, a chronic pigmentation disorder that affects millions. “Many people resort to steroid-based creams, which can cause long-term damage.”Through extensive experimentation and research, Nipun developed a gentle, multi-active approach using over-the-counter formulations — an approach that ultimately led her to create and trademark her own skincare philosophy — the C4 Method.
The C4 method
Elaborating, she says the C4 Method simplifies skincare into four intentional steps — Cleanse, Correct, Complement, and Cover — designed to eliminate confusion and complexity. “Begin with a suitable cleanser to prep the skin, apply a targeted serum to address your primary concern (like pigmentation, acne, or aging), layer with a supporting product such as a hydrating essence, secondary serum, or eye cream to enhance efficacy, and finish with sunscreen during the day or a nourishing moisturizer at night.”
She says this structure allows anyone — from beginners to experts — to build an effective skincare routine that is results-driven yet easy to maintain.
Growing up in an Army household
Born January 11, 1986, in Jammu, Nipun’s father served in the Indian Army, which meant her childhood was spent moving across the length and breadth of the country — from the untouched greens of the Northeast to the majestic deserts of Rajasthan. “This nomadic life gave me the rare privilege of experiencing India in its most authentic form.” She studied primarily in Army Public Schools, though whenever her father was posted to larger cities, Nipun attended convents and prominent public schools.
Academically, she was bright and curious — always drawn to languages, arts, and expression. “I had what people fondly called ‘the gift of the gab,’ and that sense of curiosity and articulation eventually shaped my career.”
A female-dominated home
She grew up in a female-dominated household. “Ours was a lively, multigenerational home — my parents, two elder sisters, and both grandmothers.”While her mother did not pursue a career herself, she was deeply committed to ensuring that her daughters did. “Her belief that women must be financially and emotionally independent became the cornerstone of my upbringing.”
After completing school, she graduated with Honours in History from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University — an experience that honed her perspective on culture, society, and storytelling.
India’s skin health landscape
She says India’s skin concerns differ significantly from those in the West. The most common issue she encounters is pigmentation — whether in the form of dark spots, melasma, or uneven tone. “This is largely due to India’s tropical climate, high UV exposure, and humidity.”
In contrast, Western countries see fewer pigmentation issues but more aging-related concerns due to cooler climates and older demographics. “India also faces a high prevalence of acne, especially among its younger population, making it one of the top dermatological challenges in the region.”
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Healthy skin aging
Even as a skincare creator, Nipun maintains a disciplined and minimalist routine. “My focus, as I approach forty, is on healthy skin aging — not perfection, but preservation,” says Nipun, whose daily essentials include peptides, a strong SPF, and in the evenings, a blend of retinol and barrier-repairing serums.
Regulation challenges
Nipun says India’s skincare industry has grown exponentially, but regulation remains its biggest gap. “At present, prescription-strength steroid creams can be purchased over the counter, and influencers often promote them without medical guidance.” Stressing the need for stricter differentiation between medical-grade and cosmetic products, she recommends a stronger framework for ingredient validation and clinical testing.
The sunscreen problem
Additionally, she says, the sunscreen market in India is becoming increasingly concerning. “Sunscreen is one of the most complex formulations in skincare science, yet we see new brands launching SPF products almost weekly — often without verified testing,” she says, pointing out that it’s vital to move towards science-backed transparency rather than marketing hyperbole.
Looking ahead
Nipun’s goal is to continue educating, empowering, and myth-busting — ensuring that every consumer understands not just what they’re applying, but why. “I’m working on expanding my community, developing educational resources, and building a bridge between beauty, science, and trust.”
Beyond skincare
When she is not immersed in skincare or strategy, Nipun finds joy in cooking and interiors. “Experimenting with global cuisines and designing serene home spaces are my creative outlets,” says Nipun, who loves exploring cultures, food, and design influences that often inspire her content and creativity.
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