Brands
Deconstruct upgrades gel sunscreen with new-age UV filters
Reformulation adds four next-gen UV filters for stronger, longer sun protection
NATIONAL: Indian skincare brand Deconstruct has upgraded its bestselling gel sunscreen, becoming one of the first domestic brands to shift to a new generation of photostable UV filters tailored for Indian weather conditions and skin types.
The reformulated product uses four modern UV filters, including Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150, designed to deliver broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with improved durability under prolonged sun exposure. Unlike older filters that can degrade quickly, the upgraded formulation remains effective for longer periods, addressing concerns about real-world sunscreen performance in heat and humidity.
While the science has been strengthened, Deconstruct retained the product’s lightweight, non-greasy gel texture. The sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast and is designed for oily skin and daily use in humid climates: key factors behind its popularity with Indian consumers.
Photostability is increasingly seen as a critical benchmark in sunscreen efficacy, as unstable filters can weaken protection even with repeat application. By adopting globally recognised, highly stable UV filters, Deconstruct aims to narrow the gap between Indian formulations and international performance standards.
Deconstruct founder and CEO Malini Adapureddy, said the upgrade was driven by the need to improve protection without compromising user experience. She said Indian conditions demand sunscreens that remain effective under sustained sun exposure while staying comfortable enough for everyday wear.
The reformulation reflects a broader shift within India’s skincare market towards performance-led sun protection that prioritises durability and real-world use, rather than headline SPF claims alone.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
