Brands
Ceuticoz enters babycare with dermatology-led range for newborn skin
NATIONAL: Ceuticoz, one of India’s fastest-growing cosmeceutical brands, has stepped into the paediatric skincare aisle with Ceuticoz Baby, a science-led range built to protect newborn skin from day one.
Backed by more than two decades of dermatology and trichology expertise, the new line brings medical-grade rigour to a category where parents prize trust, transparency and proven safety. The launch signals Ceuticoz’s formal expansion into paediatric and family dermatology, extending its presence across hospitals, maternity centres, specialist doctors and modern retail.
The newborn-safe range debuts with seven essentials, from baby wash, moisture cream and massage oil to barrier repair and sunscreen formulations, all paediatrician-approved, hypoallergenic and free from SLS/SLES, parabens, mineral oil, silicones, sulphates and phthalates. Dermatology-grade tests indicate up to 24-hour moisturisation, an optimal pH of 5.5, and high suitability for sensitive infant skin.
Priced between Rs 500 and Rs 1,200, the products come in BPA-free, fully recyclable HDPE and Pet bottles, finished with a soft-touch texture that mirrors the gentle reassurance parents seek. A clean, medical-grade aesthetic reinforces the brand’s promise of safety and credibility.
Ceuticoz head of marketing Arvin Mondal, said the aim was to blend science with emotional comfort. “A baby’s skin communicates long before words. With Ceuticoz Baby, we wanted skincare parents can trust from day one: gentle, safe and backed by expertise.”
Managing director Sukhbir Singh Chimni called the launch a milestone for the company’s science-first philosophy. “We’ve spent over two decades delivering dermatology-grade innovation. Extending that to newborns was a natural step,” he said.
The brand is rolling out an exclusive medical-outreach kit and preparing phase-two extensions targeting specific baby skin and scalp needs. Offline availability has begun across leading pharmacies and clinics, with e-commerce launch details to follow.
Ceuticoz is setting its sights high: over the next five years, it plans to build a network of more than 30,000 dermatologists, expand global operations and generate up to 40 per cent of revenue from international markets, anchored by sustained investment in R&D, including its newly launched paediatric line.
Brands
Lotus Chocolate FY26 profit drops sharply, Q4 slips into loss
Revenue steady at Rs 579.55 crore, Q4 loss at Rs 4.47 crore
MUMBAI: Sweet on the top line, slightly bitter on the bottom Lotus Chocolate’s FY26 numbers tell a story that’s more dark cocoa than milk. The company managed to hold its revenue steady for the year, but profitability took a visible hit, capped by a loss-making fourth quarter. Lotus Chocolate Company Limited reported revenue from operations of Rs 579.55 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, marginally up from Rs 573.75 crore in FY25. Total income rose to Rs 615.61 crore, compared with Rs 574.56 crore in the previous year, supported by a sharp jump in other income to Rs 36.06 crore from just Rs 0.81 crore.
However, the gains at the top did little to cushion profitability. Net profit for FY26 fell dramatically to Rs 0.10 crore, down from Rs 17.23 crore in FY25, reflecting significant cost pressures across the business.
The March quarter proved particularly challenging. The company reported a net loss of Rs 4.47 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with a profit of Rs 0.14 crore in the previous quarter and Rs 1.42 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 138.01 crore, down from Rs 150.21 crore in Q3 FY26 and Rs 157.52 crore in Q4 FY25.
Expenses remained elevated throughout the year. Total expenses rose to Rs 614.44 crore in FY26 from Rs 551.50 crore in FY25, eating into margins. A key swing factor was the cost of materials consumed, which stood at Rs 304.44 crore, while changes in inventories also reflected volatility, with a negative impact of Rs 62.44 crore in the previous year reversing to a positive Rs 52.93 crore this year.
Employee benefit expenses nearly doubled to Rs 34.00 crore from Rs 17.98 crore, while finance costs surged to Rs 16.31 crore from Rs 7.11 crore, indicating higher borrowing and funding costs. Depreciation and amortisation expenses also increased to Rs 3.92 crore from Rs 1.81 crore, reflecting ongoing investments.
On the balance sheet front, total assets stood at Rs 275.96 crore as of March 31, 2026, slightly higher than Rs 270.34 crore a year earlier. Borrowings remained significant, with current borrowings at Rs 89.00 crore, highlighting continued reliance on external funding.
Cash flow dynamics showed improvement in operations, with net cash generated from operating activities at Rs 93.23 crore, compared with a negative Rs 129.60 crore in FY25. However, financing outflows remained high at Rs 74.90 crore, driven largely by repayment of borrowings and interest costs.
Despite stable revenue, the sharp drop in profitability underscores the pressure of rising input costs, higher finance expenses and operational adjustments. The contrast between steady sales and squeezed margins leaves Lotus Chocolate at a crossroads proving that in business, as in confectionery, the real test isn’t just in the sweetness of sales, but in the richness of returns.
