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Deepika Padukone's Skincare Brand 82°E Faces Financial Challenges Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts

11/26/2025, 10:36:24 PM

Financial Overview of 82°E

Deepika Padukone's skincare brand, 82°E, has reported a net loss of INR12.26 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, a significant reduction from the previous year's loss of INR23.4 crore. The brand operates under DPKA Universal Consumer Ventures Pvt. Ltd, where both Deepika and her father, Prakash Padukone, serve as directors. The company's revenue also saw a decline, dropping over 30% from INR21.21 crore in 2023-24 to INR14.66 crore in 2024-25, as per filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Cost-Cutting Measures and Revenue Decline

In response to its financial struggles, 82°E has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures. The company's total expenditure fell from INR47 crore in the previous fiscal year to just under INR26 crore in 2024-25. Marketing expenses were particularly affected, decreasing by 78% from INR20 crore to INR4.4 crore, indicating a strategic pullback on customer acquisition efforts after previous campaigns did not yield sustainable revenue.

Market Position and Competition

82°E competes in a crowded skincare market, facing challenges from both direct-to-consumer brands like Foxtale, mCaffeine, and Plum, as well as premium brands such as Estée Lauder and L’Occitane. Despite leveraging Deepika Padukone's celebrity status and substantial social media following to promote products priced between INR2,500 and INR4,000, the brand has struggled to achieve profitability since its launch in 2021. In contrast, Katrina Kaif's Kay Beauty, which launched in 2019, has reported consistent sales growth and profitability, highlighting the competitive landscape for celebrity-backed beauty brands in India.

Official Statements on Future Strategies

The management of 82°E has expressed a commitment to enhancing revenue and reducing expenses to establish a profitable track record. In their filings, they stated, “The management is continuously taking efforts to increase the revenue, reduce expenses to ensure it has a profitable track record.” This indicates a focused approach to navigating the current financial challenges.

Criticism and Market Challenges

Despite the reduction in losses, critics point out that the brand's ongoing unprofitability raises questions about its long-term viability. The stark contrast in performance compared to competitors like Kay Beauty underscores the difficulties faced by new entrants in the beauty industry, even with significant marketing resources and celebrity endorsements.

Conclusion

While 82°E has managed to narrow its losses in the fiscal year 2024-25, the brand continues to grapple with declining revenues and high operational costs. The company's future will depend on its ability to effectively implement cost-cutting measures while simultaneously enhancing its market presence and sales performance in a highly competitive environment.