Diipa Büller-Khosla On Must-Use Skincare, Men And The Magic Of Ayurveda

About a decade or so ago, it would’ve been hard to imagine Ayurveda as the new cool. Considering we barely even acknowledged its existence, there wasn’t any chance we’d ever even think about adapting it into our daily lives. But we’ve come around and how!

Ayurveda is the new Yoga – it’s India’s newest, most fascinating gift to the world.

It’s in our food, our way of living and now, even in our skincare. But like with everything, there’s enough and more chatter around Ayurveda, particularly when it comes to skincare, but enough clarity. Which is why, we got chatting with Diipa Büller-Khosla, founder of indē wild to help find answers, and also get the lowdown on her brand’s rise in the global grooming market, among other things.

Could you tell us why you think Ayurveda has caught the fancy of so many consumers across the world?

Ayurveda has always been here, it just needed the world to catch up. In an era where people are increasingly conscious of what they put on their skin, the rise of clean beauty felt inevitable. But what many are now recognising is that Ayurveda was the original clean beauty. Long before it became a buzzword, Ayurveda championed plant-based, minimal, intentional ingredients, everything modern skincare is trying to get back to. We’re also now seeing a shift: people are moving away from quick fixes and looking instead for time-tested rituals that actually support their health in the long run. That’s where Ayurveda thrives. It’s holistic, intentional, and deeply rooted in balance and that resonates across genders, especially as the grooming conversation moves beyond just looking good to feeling good too. At indē wild, we coined the term Ayurvedistry to reflect this new-age intersection: ancient Ayurvedic wisdom paired with modern chemistry. It’s our way of honouring tradition while innovating for today’s lifestyle. For men especially, who may be newer to wellness-led skincare, this fusion makes it easier to adopt routines that are rooted in tradition but backed by science.

The rise of indē wild continues to be a remarkable one, despite many other luxury Ayurveda brands in the market. What do you feel makes indē wild stand apart?

I think it comes down to two things: co-creation and radical relevance. We’ve built indē wild by staying connected to our community, across 65+ support groups globally where we speak directly to our audience about what they want, what’s missing, and how we can solve for that. That includes men, by the way. We’ve had so many conversations where guys would admit they want results, but without a complicated routine or overwhelming product language. And we listen. The second piece is innovation. From reinventing rose water with SPF to reimagining hair oils we grew up with to fit into modern lifestyles, we’re constantly solving real pain points. I think that’s what sets us apart, we don’t just repurpose Ayurveda in luxury packaging. We have a core belief that beauty is genderless. We were one of the first Ayurvedic brands to have a male ambassador, Ishaan Khatter, in a skincare campaign, not as a token face, but as someone who truly lives the brand ethos. That partnership was about showing that rituals like champi or products like our lip treatment aren’t just for women, they're for everyone. We’re building from the ground up with inclusivity at the forefront and Ayurvedistry™ as our compass and that’s truly what sets us apart.

The humble champi, despite being an integral Indian 'grooming' tradition is now back to being cool. Talk to us why champi remains the OG when it comes to haircare.

So many people tell us, “You made champi cool again”, and honestly, that means everything to me. Because while it’s having a big moment now, champi has always been effective. It’s one of India’s best-kept hair growth secrets, passed down through generations. It supports scalp health, reduces hair fall, improves circulation, and offers a moment of grounding that’s so needed in today’s world. At indē wild, we didn’t reinvent the wheel, we just made it easier to roll into your modern life. Our Champi Hair Oil blends therapeutic Ayurvedic ingredients like amla, bhringraj, and jasmine with a lightweight texture and dropper packaging that keeps things mess-free and luxurious. It’s still the same age-old ritual, but elevated into something you actually look forward to doing. What’s exciting now is how men are embracing it too. We often think grooming means trimming beards or styling hair, but scalp health is foundational, especially for men dealing with hair thinning or stress-related hair fall. The idea is to bring the power of this age-old ritual into routines that feel efficient but still deeply effective. Champi isn’t about gender. It’s about care, connection, and a culture that’s always known what real wellness looks like.

For skincare novices, how should one go about building a routine and identifying the right products?

Start simple: cleanse, treat, moisturize, protect. That’s it. You don’t need 10 steps to take care of your skin, just a few high-performance products that work for your needs. For men especially, I always say: think of skincare the way you think of fitness. Consistency is everything. Look for products that solve real concerns, whether it’s dullness, dryness, or breakouts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s exactly why we created our AM and PM serums at indē wild. Each one is designed to be 10 steps in 1, combining high-performance Ayurvedic ingredients with potent clinical actives to simplify your routine without compromising on results. These serums do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to overthink it. For men especially, skincare can feel overwhelming or overly marketed. But when you break it down, it’s just self-care in action. A few good products, used consistently, can make a huge difference. And it doesn’t have to be a “routine”, it can be a ritual.

Esquire India is all about man at his best. What are the 3 products from indē wild you'd recommend for modern men to look and feel their best?

Okay, narrowing it down to three is tough, but here’s what I’d say for men who want to look good and feel good, without overcomplicating things: First, our Moonlight Scalp Serum (MSS). This is a game-changer for anyone dealing with hair thinning or just looking to boost growth. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and fits into your life seamlessly; no mess, no fuss. And it works. You don’t have to change anything about your routine, just apply it at night and let it work while you sleep. Then our viral OG Dewy Lip Treatment (DLT). No one wants dry, chapped lips, especially if you’re presenting yourself at your best. This one’s subtle, hydrating, and gives you that clean, polished finish without being “too much.” And finally, I know this is technically two, but they work as a pair- our AM + PM Serums. These are ideal for beginners because they take all the guesswork out of skincare. Each one is like 10 steps in one, so you’re getting powerful results with zero overwhelm. Think of it as a starter kit for great skin and stronger hair, without the hassle.

Are there any grooming trends or specific products you feel will be big in the coming few months?

Grooming is becoming about wellness, not just appearance. Men today are looking for products that help them feel good, not just look polished. There’s a growing interest in rituals, in slowing down, and in understanding what goes into the products they use. I think scalp care is going to become even bigger, it’s like the next frontier in grooming. Most people focus on hair, but forget about the foundation, which is the scalp. There’s also a clear move towards multifunctional, ingredient-conscious skincare. Men don’t want clutter, they want products that do more with less. And that’s where Ayurvedic-meets-clinical formulas, like ours, are really starting to shine.

If you could only recommend one product from indē wild's catalogue for men, which one would it be and why?

This is like choosing a favourite child, but if I had to pick one for men, it would be our Moonlight Scalp Serum. Hair is such a big part of confidence for men, and we’ve seen how common concerns like hair fall or thinning can affect how they feel about themselves. What I love about MSS is that it’s so easy to use. There’s no oiliness, no mess, it’s designed to fit effortlessly into any lifestyle. And more than that, it’s often the first step into a larger self-care journey. Once you realise how good it feels to care for your scalp and see real results, you start becoming more mindful about the rest of your routine too. That’s the power of a good product, it makes you want to do the ritual.