In the ever-expanding Indian beauty market, one name that is steadily carving a niche in the suncare segment is Qurez. Founded by Prerna Karidhal, Qurez is more than just a sunscreen brand. It is a movement towards prevention, conscious living, and ethical beauty. In this candid conversation with Indian Startup Times, Prerna shares her journey, philosophy, and the future of suncare in India.
Beginnings & Inspiration
Prerna’s entrepreneurial spirit traces back to her college days with a small venture called BagYourBook, a book rental service. But her true calling emerged after a life-altering moment.
A poem, Pretty by Katie Makkai, had planted the seeds of deeper reflection during her student years. Later, after gaining valuable experience at HUL, Jabong, and CarDekho, life threw her a curveball. She and her family survived a serious road accident. “That experience made me pause and realize how short life can be,” she recalls. “I knew I had to follow my passion, and that’s when Qurez was officially born.”
For her, the gap was clear. Most people in India invest in skincare only after the damage is visible. Sunscreen was rarely emphasized as daily care, despite our harsh climate. This personal observation drove her to create a suncare brand rooted in prevention, efficacy, and values.
The Brand Philosophy
Qurez is proudly vegan, cruelty-free, and PETA certified. For Prerna, this was never negotiable. “Beauty should never come at the cost of harm, neither to animals nor to people. Being cruelty-free isn’t marketing, it’s our value system.”
Her brand also avoids harmful UV filters such as Oxybenzone and OMC, known to damage coral reefs and aquatic life. Instead, Qurez chose safer, new-generation ingredients like Tinosorb M and Uvinul A Plus, which are stable under sunlight, skin-friendly, and environmentally safe.
Product Development & Innovation
Sunscreens often face criticism for being sticky or leaving a white cast. Overcoming this challenge became one of Qurez’s biggest priorities. “We refused to settle until our products blended well into all skin tones while being lightweight and safe,” says Prerna.
By educating manufacturing partners and investing in R&D, Qurez successfully developed sunscreens that not only protect but also offer a pleasant user experience. Their choice of advanced UV filters ensures broad-spectrum protection without compromising comfort or safety.
Recognition & Customer Love
Qurez has already earned its place among the Top 10 emerging beauty brands in India, recognized by reputed publications. But for Prerna, the biggest validation comes from her customers.
“People often tell us Qurez feels like the OG of sunscreens for them, that their search for the perfect sunscreen ends with us. That feedback is what keeps me going,” she shares with a smile.
Sustainability & The Future of Beauty
Qurez extends its values beyond formulations into packaging and shipping. All orders are dispatched plastic-free, and the brand actively collaborates with agencies to reduce its carbon footprint. “Sustainability is a continuous journey. It is about responsible choices today for a healthier planet tomorrow,” Prerna explains.
Looking ahead, she believes awareness around sun protection in India is rapidly evolving. “In the next five years, sunscreen will become as basic as brushing your teeth, an everyday ritual.”
Personal Growth & Future Vision
Building Qurez hasn’t just shaped the brand, but also Prerna herself. She says the journey has made her more resilient and empathetic, teaching her that entrepreneurship is ultimately about service, not just sales.
As for what’s next, Qurez plans to deepen its expertise in suncare while exploring adjacent categories where innovation and ethics are needed. “Our core will always be sun protection done right. If we expand, it will be with the same focus on ethics and efficacy,” she concludes.
Conclusion
Qurez stands at the intersection of science, ethics, and sustainability, making sunscreen not just a cosmetic choice but a conscious lifestyle decision. Prerna Karidhal’s vision is clear: prevention is better than cure, and beauty should never compromise the planet. With its growing recognition and loyal customer base, Qurez is not just protecting skin. It is reshaping the future of Indian beauty, one sunscreen at a time.
-by Bhumika Rawat
