Kenne’s: Redefining Nepali skincare through Himalayan wisdom

Photos: Kenne’s

In a beauty market crowded with imported brands and glossy promises, Kenne’s | Kenne Cosmetics has emerged as a distinctly Nepali voice, grounded in the country’s natural wealth, shaped by its climate, and driven by transparency rather than trends. Built on the belief that skincare should nourish rather than mask problems, Kenne’s is steadily redefining how Nepali consumers think about beauty and wellness.

The inspiration behind the brand came from a growing frustration with how Nepal’s powerful natural ingredients were being overlooked or misrepresented. Despite the abundance of hemp seed oil, yak butter, Chuiri butter, and Himalayan herbs, most skincare products available in Nepal are either imported or locally branded but manufactured abroad.

Hence, Kenne’s was born to change the narrative that skincare ingredients available in Nepal are powerful, which had been either overlooked or misunderstood.

About Kenne’s

Trio Ashish Shah, Aastha Neupane and Suraj Bhandari founded the brand in 2025. About the brand name, Neupane says, “The name originates from “Kenevir,” the Turkish word for hemp, blended conceptually with cannabis to form “Kennebis,” reflecting hemp’s healing qualities without intoxication. Over time, it evolved into “Kenne’s,” a name that feels warm, personal, and trustworthy.”

Hemp lies at the heart of the brand, not just as an ingredient, but as a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and harmony with nature, much like Nepal itself. The brand’s philosophy is defined through its values: knowledge of nature, ethical sourcing, natural formulations, Nepali identity, and eco-conscious impact.

Kenne’s maintains a selective presence in curated spaces that promote Nepali craftsmanship and conscious living. With products priced from Rs 250 to Rs 2,500, it balances accessibility with quality, offering sustainably crafted items rooted in tradition and designed for a global audience.

Filling the gaps in Nepal’s beauty market

One of the biggest gaps Kenne’s identified was the lack of climate-specific skincare. Nepal’s environment is defined by intense sun, cold winters, pollution, and altitude-related stress, yet most products are formulated for completely different conditions.

“Most products available in Nepal are not made for our climate, our sun, or our lifestyle. Kenne’s was created to solve that gap honestly,” Neupane explains.

Another concern was the widespread misuse of terms such as “organic” and “herbal,” often without ingredient transparency or traceability. The founders also saw a missed opportunity in hemp-based skincare, an ingredient long confined to a narcotic narrative despite its proven nutritional and dermatological benefits. “Hemp has long been misunderstood in Nepal, but hemp seed oil is one of the most skin-compatible oils we have,” she says.

A brand built on “Farm to Skin” philosophy

At the core of Kenne’s lies its guiding philosophy: From Farm to Skin. Every product begins with respect for the soil, the farmer, and the ingredient before reaching the consumer. “Our philosophy is simple, skincare should nourish and strengthen the skin, not just cover up problems,” she says.

Rather than relying on harsh chemicals or synthetic shortcuts, Kenne’s focuses on ingredient-first formulations. Cold-pressed oils, traditional butters, and Himalayan herbs are used to support natural healing and skin strength. Transparency is central to the brand’s identity, with full ingredient disclosure and an emphasis on educating consumers. “We believe transparency builds trust, and trust builds long- term brands,” she adds.

Kenne’s began as a small, research-driven initiative. The founders combined ancestral knowledge of Himalayan remedies with modern cosmetic science, carefully refining formulations through small-batch testing and feedback. “At Kenne’s, every product begins at the farm, with respect for the soil, the farmer, and the ingredient,” she says.

Production remains local and hands-on, allowing close control over quality, freshness, and formulation integrity. This approach has helped the brand bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary skincare needs. “We don’t chase trends or labels. We focus on ingredients that actually work for Nepali skin,” she says.

Product development at Kenne’s starts with real, everyday concerns: dryness caused by harsh winters, pigmentation from sun exposure, smoker’s lips, and sensitivity aggravated by pollution and altitude. Ingredients such as hemp seed oil, yak butter, Chuiri butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba, turmeric, saffron, hibiscus, and beetroot form the backbone of the formulations.

“Our products are designed for real conditions, strong sun, cold winters, pollution, and high altitude,” she says.

Minimal processing techniques such as cold infusion and gentle emulsification are used to preserve nutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Safety and effectiveness are ensured through volunteer testing, stability checks, and strict quality control.

Small batches, big intent

Unlike mass-produced cosmetics, Kenne’s operates on a small-batch model. This allows the brand to maintain consistency, freshness, and accountability at every stage of production. “Small-batch production allows us to maintain quality, freshness, and full control over every formulation,” the founders say.

This philosophy extends beyond skincare. Kenne’s also offers raw hemp seeds and unfiltered hemp seed oil that is free from THC and CBD, reinforcing the brand’s belief in ingredients that are both edible and functional.

Kenne’s primary audience includes Nepali men and women aged 15 to 45 who are seeking natural, effective alternatives to imported products. Many customers are drawn to the brand after experiencing dissatisfaction with products unsuited to Nepal’s climate.

“Every positive customer response reassures us that function matters more than hype,” she notes.

Hero products such as the Smoker’s Balm and Citric Punch Lip Balm have received particularly strong feedback, with users reporting improved hydration, repair, and pigmentation reduction. Social media engagement and repeat purchases have helped build a loyal and informed community.

Changing perceptions around hemp

One of the brand’s early challenges was addressing misconceptions around hemp. Educating consumers about its safety, nutritional value, and skincare benefits required consistent communication and transparency.

“Every challenge taught us to be more resourceful and reinforced the importance of honesty, quality, and persistence,” Neupane says. Despite limitations in local cosmetic infrastructure and competition from heavily marketed imported brands, Kenne’s chose to focus on credibility rather than shortcuts.

Sustainability is deeply embedded in Kenne’s operations. The brand follows cruelty-free practices, sources ingredients from local farmers and cooperatives, and minimises waste through controlled production.

“Sustainability for us is not a marketing tool; it is a responsibility,” she emphasises. Packaging is kept minimal and recyclable, with future plans including refill systems, compostable materials, and renewable energy use in production.

Taking Nepali skincare to the global stage

Looking ahead, Kenne’s aims to become Nepal’s leading natural cosmetics brand within the next three to five years, while expanding internationally, particularly among Nepali diaspora communities. “Our goal is to see Nepal recognised not just as a consumer of beauty products, but as a global source of trusted skincare,” she says.

Plans are underway to introduce new product lines, including serums, moisturisers, hair care, scar-reduction products, and herbal wellness solutions, all rooted in Himalayan ingredients and ethical sourcing. “This is not a fast-profit brand; it is a long-term mission to represent Nepal with integrity,” she concludes

For Kenne’s, skincare is more than a product; it is a statement of pride, responsibility, and belief in Nepal’s natural heritage. By choosing Kenne’s, consumers are not only caring for their skin but also supporting local farmers, ethical practices, and a growing movement that places Nepal firmly on the global skincare map.

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