Tejal Adulkar
Mumbai
Summary
Purpose-driven and strategic R&D professional with 10+ years of experience in Beauty & Personal Care. Proven ability to translate consumer insights into technically sound, efficacious, and market-ready innovations. Adept at digital-first, fast-paced, agile product development, ensuring a smooth transition from the lab to the market. Proficient in developing efficacious, consumer-focused, and innovative product solutions through close cross-functional collaboration—ensuring final mixes are well-aligned with user expectations and unmet market needs. Recognized for a balanced approach—scientific rigor, creative problem-solving, strong cross-functional teamwork, and a balanced, insight-informed approach.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ASST. R&D MANAGER
HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LTD
Mumbai
09.2021 - Current
- At Unilever, I lead the innovation roadmap by delivering disruptive formats and forward-thinking designs for fast-paced, digital-first brands within an agile, entrepreneurial environment. Drawing on deep R&D expertise, I’ve been instrumental in scaling brands like Love Beauty & Planet, Simple, and Acne Squad—translating emerging trends and evolving user expectations into impactful, high-performing product innovations.
- By integrating a deep understanding of consumer behavior, preferences, and sensorial expectations into the development process through close collaboration with insight-driven teams, I ensure that formulations are both scientifically robust and aligned with evolving consumer needs.
- In parallel, I contribute to the strategic Sun Platform by developing innovative sensorial formats and toolkits with light, effective sun care formulations that are both cost-efficient and competitive.
- I lead the development of scientific communications that strengthen brand credibility across derma and expert channels. Additionally, I design and implement MDM tools to effectively engage stakeholders while enabling the Marketing and Sales teams with clear scientific insights and breakthrough technologies that support and drive business growth.
Senior Research Executive
L'OREAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION
01.2018 - 07.2021
- At L'Oréal R&I, I played a pivotal role in driving strategic innovation projects, focusing on consumer-centric solutions
- I played a central role in delivering disruptive innovation by co-creating solutions with consumers and partnering closely with insights and evaluation teams. This collaborative approach enabled us to transform consumer feedback and sensorial preferences into technically advanced, high-performing hair care products.
- I proactively scouted new technologies and helped shape scientific strategies, ensuring end-to-end project management.
- Throughout, I ensured seamless cross-functional alignment, managed project timelines, and also supported IP creation through active contributions to patent and knowledge protection efforts.
Research Executive
L'OREAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION
11.2015 - 12.2017
- In my early tenure at L'Oréal R&I, I contributed to key product launches such as Garnier Ultra Blends across India and ASEAN, while leading new product development and renovation initiatives for L'Oréal Professionnel and Matrix India.
- I was involved in designing high-performance hair care formulations, shaping research strategies, and proactively introducing innovative technologies.
- Additionally, I managed technical project coordination and supported L'Oréal’s industry presence through contributions to scientific publications and conferences.
Regulatory Affairs Intern
L'OREAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION
04.2014 - 03.2015
- During my time at L'Oréal R&I Regulatory Affairs, I managed end-to-end documentation and dossier preparation for import registrations, ensuring full compliance with CDSCO guidelines and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules, 1945.
- I was responsible for handling new registrations, amendments, and labeling compliance, along with overseeing local cosmetic registrations for both domestic and export markets via the FDA Portal (XLNINDIA).
- Additionally, I streamlined internal regulatory workflows to improve operational efficiency and ensure timely submissions.
Education
M.TECH (GREEN TECHNOLOGY) -
Institute of Chemical technology
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY -
Prin. K. M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai, India
Skills
- HAIR CARE
- PERSONAL CARE
- SKIN CARE
- PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
- CONSUMER INSIGHTS
Accomplishments
PATENTS
- Composition comprising a silicone emulsion, a particular (meth)acrylamide polymer, a cationic polysaccharide and an alkyldiallylamine or dialkyldiallylammonium polymer. (WO2022136095A1 Issued Jun 30, 2022),
- Composition comprising a particular silicone emulsion,(meth)acrylamide polymer , surfactants and a cationic polysaccharide. (WO2021259973A1 Issued Dec 30, 2021)
- Hair cleansing process using a substrate impregnated with an aqueous composition comprising talc and/or perlite. (FR3119542A1 ISSUED FEB 8, 2021)
PUBLICATIONS
- Pre-treatment of high fat content dairy wastewater using different commercial lipase (Desalination of water treatment)
- Ultrasound assisted enzymatic pre-treatment of high fat content dairy wastewater (Ultrasonics sonochemistry)
Languages
Marathi
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
French
Elementary (A2)
A2
Certification
- Building up your Leadership skills- June 2020 (HEC PARIS- COURSERA).
- Creative Thinking technique & tools for success – JUN 2020 (IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON- COURSERA).
- Form idea to Startup- MAY 2020 (TECHNION ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY- COURSERA).
DECLARATION
I declare hereby that the information furnished above is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
REFERENCES
To be furnished on request
Timeline
ASST. R&D MANAGER
HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LTD
09.2021 - Current
Senior Research Executive
L'OREAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION
01.2018 - 07.2021
Research Executive
L'OREAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION
11.2015 - 12.2017
Regulatory Affairs Intern
L'OREAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION
04.2014 - 03.2015
M.TECH (GREEN TECHNOLOGY) -
Institute of Chemical technology
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY -
Prin. K. M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai, India
Similar Profiles
Sreedhar RouthSreedhar Routh
Project Head – Nutritional Site at Hindustan Unilever LtdProject Head – Nutritional Site at Hindustan Unilever Ltd
VIVEK D SHETTYVIVEK D SHETTY
SENIOR CUSTOMER STRATEGY & PLANNING at HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LTDSENIOR CUSTOMER STRATEGY & PLANNING at HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LTD
Krishna SharmaKrishna Sharma
R&D Packaging Intern at Hindustan Unilever LtdR&D Packaging Intern at Hindustan Unilever Ltd
Prashob VengalathPrashob Vengalath
Infra Lead at Marcellus Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd.Infra Lead at Marcellus Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd.
Hemant GirkarHemant Girkar
Senior Officer, Branch Compliance & Audit at Sindhudurg Sahakari Bank Ltd.Senior Officer, Branch Compliance & Audit at Sindhudurg Sahakari Bank Ltd.