Indian Skincare Brands I Love: Personal Favorite Picks
Picture this: a journey through the kaleidoscope of Indian skincare, where age-old traditions meet the latest in beauty innovation. In a land renowned for its spices, colors, and cultural diversity, there lies a treasure trove of skincare secrets.
I never noticed when skincare turned into a therapy for me. Learning, trying, and studying more and more about skincare along with various brands, I have some Indian brands that are my favorites. So, here is a list of my top Indian skincare brands that use effective and clean formulations, have some of the biggest happy customer bases, and deliver what they promise.
Included in this compilation are my personal top picks from each brand, carefully chosen based on my extensive 3-month usage experience. I’ve selected only those products that have proven to be effective for my specific skin type — oily and prone to acne — without any adverse reactions.
Are you struggling with acne-prone skin? Read this quick guide of the dos and don’ts to combat acne.
Rest assured, my recommendations transcend skin types, ensuring suitability for everyone. Without further ado, let’s delve right in!
DR.SHETH’S
Dr. Sheth’s is my number one! The brand excels in meeting the unique needs of Indian skin. Their products are not only effective but also customized for specific concerns. I have used multiple products from Dr. Sheth’s ranging from facewashes to face masks. None caused me any purging instead, my skin felt brightened and glowy after the first use itself!
✨My Recommendation from Dr. Sheth’s: Multani Mitti & Mandelic Acid Face Mask
It’s a lightweight and hydrating paste-like face mask that not only actively works on your acne and acne scarring, but also improves your skin tone since its hero ingredient is Mandelic Acid in a 5% formulation that is safe and fragrance-free. It’s perfect for a skin detox twice a week.
FOXTALE
Foxtale is a game-changer in the skincare world. Their products are a testament to simplicity and effectiveness. I’ve been using their Salicylic Acid Clear Picture cleanser for quite a while now, and the results are remarkable. My skin feels cleaner, more hydrated, blemish-free, and less irritated.
Foxtale impresses with its ingredient safety and transparency. Their products come in airless pump packaging that is perfect for products like Vitamin C which is known to oxidise easily. Their formulations are stable, safe, and very effective.
✨My Recommendation from Foxtale: 5% Niacinamide Serum with Olive Leaf Extract
This serum worked wonders for me right from the first use! It’s non sticky, doesn’t sting your eyes, doesn’t feel heavy, and keeps your skin matte for upto 8 hours (yes, its true!). If youre an oily skin person like me, give this serum a try ASAP!
THE DERMA CO
The Derma Co is a holy grail for my acne-prone skin! I am a huge fan of their serums and masks. It is a skincare brand that has been making waves in the skincare industry with its science-backed approach to skincare. As a user of their products, I must say I’m quite impressed.
In terms of affordability, The Derma Co offers quality products at reasonable prices, making dermatologist-approved skincare accessible to a broader audience. Some of their serums come in different sizes, 10 ml and 30 ml, for you to try out the product before buying the original sized one.
✨My Recommendation from The Derma Co: 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid.
This product comes in two sizes, so I’d recommend trying out their 10 ml variant first to see how your skin reacts to it. I have been using their 10% Niacinamide serum and it has given me amazing results in just a month’s time of consistent use. With Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid, skin radiance is guaranteed!
MINIMALIST
Minimalist is a skincare brand that lives up to its name by focusing on simplicity and efficacy in its products. Without any denatured alcohols, fragrances, irritants, dyes, and other harmful toxins, Minimalist is the brand that skincare enthusiasts absolutely love!
✨My Recommendation from Minimalist: 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
Salicylic Acid is a mild BHA that exfoliates the upper layer of your skin to reveal that glow as well as remove any dead skin cells. This serum from Minimalist is a cult-favorite product for a reason! It works effectively on acne scarring, cleaning clogged pores, and uneven skin texture, and regulating oil and sebum production. You can start by using it twice a week, gradually increasing it to thrice a week as your skin gets used to it.
SEBAMED
Sebamed is a skincare brand that has been a staple in the market for those with sensitive and problematic skin for many years. Having used their products, I can attest to the brand’s reputation for gentle and effective skincare.
One of the standout features of Sebamed is its dedication to pH-balanced formulations. The brand’s products are designed to match the skin’s natural pH level of 5.5, which helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier. This is especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
✨My Recommendation from Sebamed: Clear Face Cleansing Foam
This is a perfect, non-drying, fragrance-free dermatologist-recommended face wash for irritated, acne-prone skin. This face wash can be used by all skin types as it also works on cleaning skin impurities. It will also hydrate skin and the best results are yielded from consistent use.
ACNE SQUAD
Acne Squad is a relatively newer brand in the skincare industry, but I must say, I am very impressed by its formulations and efficacy. As somebody with stubborn acne, this brand has become a personal favorite.
They live up to their claim of calming down acne assuring less irritated skin in just a matter of 7 days. From cleansers to serums, this growing Indian brand definitely has a golden future!
✨My Recommendation from Acne Squad: Breakout Terminator Spot Corrector
This spot correcter works wonders for overnight spot treatment as it contains Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Zinc, and Tea Tree extracts. Another of my recommendations from this brand would be their Kickstart Cleanser which contains Salicylic Acid along with Thymol T Essence.
DOT & KEY
This is one of those brands that I will never stop talking about. Dot & Key is a skincare brand that has gained attention for its unique and innovative approach to skincare. Having tried a few of their products, I can say that they offer a refreshing twist to traditional skincare routines. A great plus is their over-the-counter cute packaging! I’ve found that their products are effective in addressing specific skin care concerns. Whether it’s their serums, moisturizers, or sunscreens, Dot & Key offers a range of solutions for issues like hydration, brightening, and anti-aging.
✨My Recommendation from Dot & Key: 72 HR Probiotics Gel Moisturizer
This is a lightweight oil-free moisturizer that hydrates, plumps, and absorbs in your skin within seconds like magic. It comes in a 60 ml jar packaging and has a mild fragrance with a light blue tint. It balances your skin’s pH, keeps the skin’s natural microbiome healthy, and suits all skin types. I am already on my third tub of this moisturizer and I cannot emphasize enough how impressed I am already. It’s the perfect boost of hydration your skin needs!
PLUM
Plum Goodness offers natural, vegan skincare solutions crafted with love and care. From nourishing cleansers to rejuvenating serums, each product is formulated with high-quality ingredients to promote healthy, radiant skin. With a commitment to sustainability and cruelty-free practices, Plum Goodness is your go-to for eco-conscious beauty that delivers results.
✨My Recommendation from Plum: Plum 5% Niacinamide Serum
This is one of the most lightweight water-like serums I’ve ever used! Honestly, I would always recommend this product with Plum along with Plum Thinkderma 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Clear Moisture Gel Cream. Especially for my oily acne-prone skin, these products were a holy grail. Though drier skin types can use the above-mentioned gel, I would also recommend their other moisturizers like E-Luminence Deep Moisturizing Creme. One of the best Indian brands for sure!
FIXDERMA
Fixderma is a skincare brand that has gained recognition for its dermatologist-formulated products aimed at addressing various skin concerns. It is still quite underrated. One of the notable aspects of Fixderma is its focus on science-based formulations. The brand collaborates with dermatologists and skincare experts to develop products that are designed to be effective and safe for the skin. This emphasis on professional guidance instills trust in the brand’s products.
If you’re looking for a trusted and science-driven skincare brand that offers targeted solutions, Fixderma is worth considering for your skincare needs.
✨My Recommendation from Fixderma: Shadow Sunscreen SPF 50+ Gel
This is the product that made me love wearing sunscreen! It offers high UV protection with this sunscreen, offering extended broad-spectrum defense against both UVA and UVB rays. Designed with acne-prone and sensitive skin in mind, this lightweight sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. It combines the effectiveness of both physical blockers and chemical absorbers, ensuring a long-lasting shield against harmful UV radiation. It sits so well on my skin, doesn’t feel heavy or oily, and acts like a decent primer under make-up, though I recommend using a proper primer for heavy make-up days.
DECONSTRUCT
Deconstruct is a skincare brand that has made a significant impact on the beauty industry due to its unique approach to skincare. After using some of their products, I can confidently say that Deconstruct is a brand worth investigating.
One of the most notable aspects of Deconstruct is its dedication to science and technology in skincare. Their formulations frequently include cutting-edge ingredients and ground-breaking technologies that are supported by scientific research. This innovative approach distinguishes them from many other skincare companies.
✨My Recommendation from Deconstruct: Skin Clearing Face Serum with 5% Niacinamide and 2% Alpha Arbutin.
This is one of my favorite serums out there, and here’s why. It not only works to brighten the skin, but also works on the texture, regulating oil production, reduces pigmentation, makes skin smoother, and is fragrance-free, making it a great choice for sensitive skin types. It’s also vegan.
✨ Confused about which skincare acid should you choose, is it Retinol or Salicylic Acid? Click HERE to have a mini beginner’s crash course in skincare acids — all from exfoliation to hydration!
As I wrap up my blog about my favorite Indian skincare brands, I can’t help but feel excited, being a huge skincare enthusiast. These brands bring together our age-old beauty traditions and the latest scientific advancements.
✨Lipcare is just as important as skincare, here’s a list of my favorite Indian lip care brands, read it here!
Celebrating the beauty of Indian skincare is like discovering a treasure trove right in our own backyard. These skincare brands are like the friendly neighborhood experts who have your skin’s best interest at heart. They bring together timeless traditions and the latest scientific breakthroughs, making skincare not only effective but also exciting. It’s a testament to the diversity and richness of Indian beauty secrets.
Here’s to embracing the magic of my favorite Indian skincare brands! Which one is your favorite skincare pick? Mine is the Dot & Key 72 HR Probiotics Gel Moisturizer!
💗 Are you someone who enjoys learning about skincare and reading through various novel recommendations, like me? Click HERE to surf through my reading list — all dedicated to the world of book reviews & skincare! Save the list if you like and let’s share a small corner of the internet :)
Thanks for reading < 3
