Calmé
founder: Usha Verma
course: Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science + Diploma in Organic Haircare Formulation + The Lab at Formula Botanica
Graduation year: 2023
location: India
Hero product: pH Balance Restore Facewash
Brand overview
Founded by Formula Botanica graduate Usha Verma, Calmé was born from a deeply personal journey. For as long as she can remember, sensitive skin has been part of her life. Growing up, Usha struggled with atopic dermatitis until the age of fifteen – a condition that left her feeling constantly uncomfortable and self-conscious. Years later, when both her daughters began facing similar challenges, she knew she had to find a better way forward.
With a professional background in sales, Usha understood markets and people, but her true passion lay in formulation science. Determined to create skincare that was gentle and effective for even the most delicate skin, she became a certified cosmetic chemist and organic skincare formulator.
Calmé is more than a skincare brand — it’s a promise of relief, comfort, and confidence for those who live with sensitivity. Each formulation is thoughtfully crafted to blend science and nature, soothing, protecting, and restoring balance to the skin. What began as a personal quest has evolved into a mission: to empower others with sensitive skin to feel cared for, understood, and calm in their own skin.
Usha credits Formula Botanica with refining her formulation skills and helping her bring Calmé to life. “I initially joined to learn about emulsions, but the courses fine-tuned my formulation skills to another level,” she explains. “Although I first planned to launch under an Ecocert-certified brand, commercial challenges in India led me to a non-Ecocert route – yet I continue to use natural extracts and maintain the same commitment to quality and integrity in every product.”
