Yes. Nandikesam talks about using a “pure, slow-made Ayurvedic” style based on natural and plant ingredients while eschewing animal-based components. Because cruelty-free usually means no animal testing nor using ingredients derived from animals, Nandikesam fits well under that regard.

Maybe – most of Nandikesam products are made with gentle raw materials like virgin coconut oil, which tends to be safe and moisturizing.

However, pregnancy can also make the skin more delicate, and not everyone will agree that “natural” necessarily equals “safe” (ie, some herbs or essential oils – wherever mentioned – could end up being harmful during pregnancy).

The best advice: talk over these things first with your doctor (OB-GYN or dermatologist) and do some patch-testing.

You might observe small improvements within 3 to 4 weeks, with more significant changes, such as stronger, healthier hair, typically becoming evident after 6 to 8 weeks of consistent usage.