Top Indian Skincare Brands Reviewed
Over the past few months, our team set out on a mission to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian skincare. With clean beauty, ayurvedic heritage, and science-backed innovation at the forefront, Indian skincare brands have carved out a powerful niche in the global beauty space. We tested a wide range of products — from cleansers and serums to moisturizers and sunscreens — to bring you this detailed review based on texture, results, ingredients, pricing, and long-term usability.
Here are the top Indian skincare brands we tried, tested, and rated:
1. Minimalist – Science-Driven Simplicity
⭐ Verdict: 9/10
Best For: Serums and targeted treatments
Tried Products: Niacinamide 10%, Vitamin C 10%, SPF 50 Sunscreen
We were pleasantly surprised by Minimalist’s clinical approach. Their packaging is bare, but the formulations are anything but basic. The Niacinamide 10% serum reduced redness and balanced oil production after just two weeks of consistent use. The Vitamin C added noticeable brightness without irritation — something most vitamin C serums struggle with. Their SPF 50 sunscreen is lightweight and leaves no white cast, even under makeup.
Why we liked it: Transparency in ingredients, dermatologist-tested formulas, and no added fragrance or dyes.
Minor downside: The dropper packaging for serums can be inconsistent.
2. Forest Essentials – Ayurvedic Luxury
⭐ Verdict: 8.5/10
Best For: Natural indulgence and sensorial skincare
Tried Products: Soundarya Radiance Cream, Delicate Facial Cleanser, Facial Ubtan Narangi & Nagkesar
Forest Essentials delivers a luxury Ayurvedic experience. The Soundarya Cream with 24K gold feels rich and nourishing — perfect for drier skin types or for nighttime rituals. The ubtan we tried smelled divine and doubled as a gentle exfoliator. This brand focuses heavily on ritualistic beauty and traditional Indian ingredients like saffron, turmeric, and sandalwood.
Why we liked it: Beautiful textures, 100% natural ingredients, and elegant packaging.
Minor downside: Pricing is on the higher end, and some products may not suit oily/acne-prone skin.
3. Dot & Key – Fun, Functional, and Affordable
⭐ Verdict: 8/10
Best For: Young, urban users with combination skin
Tried Products: Cica Night Gel, Water Drench Hydrating Toner, Vitamin C + E Super Bright Moisturizer
Dot & Key strikes a balance between K-beauty inspired textures and Indian skin needs. The Cica Night Gel was particularly soothing for our team member with hormonal breakouts, while the Vitamin C Moisturizer absorbed quickly and left the skin glowing. Their products are attractively priced and visually appealing — but they work too.
Why we liked it: Lightweight textures, fun packaging, and budget-friendly.
Minor downside: Some products have added fragrance, which may not suit sensitive skin.
4. Mamaearth – Conscious Choices for Families
⭐ Verdict: 7.5/10
Best For: Everyday family-safe skincare
Tried Products: Tea Tree Face Wash, Ubtan Face Scrub, Rice Day Cream
Marketed as toxin-free and safe for all, Mamaearth offers affordable skincare options, especially for young adults and families. Their Tea Tree Face Wash helped control oil without over-drying, and the Rice Day Cream gave a dewy finish ideal for winter months. We also liked their commitment to being plastic-positive and cruelty-free.
Why we liked it: Gentle formulas, accessible pricing, eco-conscious branding.
Minor downside: Not all products are equally effective — some formulas felt too mild or repetitive.
5. Just Herbs – Clean Ayurveda Meets Modern Science
⭐ Verdict: 8.5/10
Best For: Herbal skincare with visible results
Tried Products: Silksplash Neem-Orange Cleanser, Glow Boosting Gel Cream, Insta Glow Sandalwood Mask
Just Herbs surprised us with its effectiveness and modernized Ayurvedic blends. Their Sandalwood Face Pack gave an instant glow and calming effect. The Silksplash Cleanser was gentle and refreshing, perfect for morning use. Unlike some Ayurvedic brands, Just Herbs also has clear labelling and consistency in texture.
Why we liked it: Herbal but non-greasy, visibly brightening effects, affordable luxury.
Minor downside: Limited availability in offline stores.
6. Earth Rhythm – Sustainable and Science-Based
⭐ Verdict: 9/10
Best For: Eco-conscious buyers with specific skin goals
Tried Products: Phyto-Repair Moisturizer, Clear Skin Serum, Cleansing Balm
Earth Rhythm impressed us with its eco-friendly ethos and cosmeceutical-grade ingredients. Their Cleansing Balm removed heavy makeup in a single swipe. The Phyto-Repair Moisturizer soothed inflamed skin and felt cooling to the touch. Formulated with peptides, ceramides, and acids, their skincare matches international standards.
Why we liked it: Recyclable packaging, strong active ingredients, clinical testing.
Minor downside: Slightly higher learning curve — must follow instructions carefully.
7. Plum – Vegan, Cruelty-Free and Youth-Centric
⭐ Verdict: 8/10
Best For: Budget-friendly vegan skincare
Tried Products: Green Tea Face Wash, Chamomile Night Cream, Vitamin C Serum
Plum is a Gen Z favorite, and for good reason. Their Green Tea range is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin — we saw visible reduction in breakouts after two weeks. The Chamomile Night Cream gave soothing hydration without stickiness. Their Vitamin C serum, while mild, worked well under makeup.
Why we liked it: Affordable, effective, and widely available.
Minor downside: Some of the packaging lacks precision — pump dispensers can clog.
8. Dr. Sheth’s – Dermatologist Formulated for Indian Skin
⭐ Verdict: 9.5/10
Best For: Targeted treatments and pigmentation
Tried Products: Centella & Niacinamide Serum, Sulphur Face Mask, Haldi & Hyaluronic Sleeping Mask
Dr. Sheth’s deserves accolades for creating derm-backed skincare tailored for Indian skin types. Their Sulphur Mask controlled breakouts within a week, while the Haldi Sleeping Mask faded post-acne marks impressively over time. What we loved most? Transparency in formulation and clinical proof.
Why we liked it: Excellent for pigmented, acne-prone skin and sensitive skin tones.
Minor downside: Products are slightly expensive, but the results justify the cost.
Final Thoughts: Which Brand Stands Out?
We tried over 40+ products across 8 top Indian skincare brands, and here’s how we’d sum it up:
| Brand | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sheth’s | Acne, pigmentation, sensitive skin | 9.5/10 |
| Minimalist | Active ingredients, serums | 9/10 |
| Earth Rhythm | Eco-friendly + effective | 9/10 |
| Forest Essentials | Luxury Ayurvedic skincare | 8.5/10 |
| Just Herbs | Herbal glow & detox | 8.5/10 |
| Plum | Teen/young adult oily skin | 8/10 |
| Dot & Key | Daily hydration & glow | 8/10 |
| Mamaearth | Family-safe, beginner skincare | 7.5/10 |
Our Personal Picks
- For acne-prone skin: Dr. Sheth’s Sulphur Mask
- For daily wear sunscreen: Minimalist SPF 50
- For winter glow: Forest Essentials Soundarya Cream
- For budget-conscious hydration: Dot & Key Cica Gel
- For clean removal: Earth Rhythm Cleansing Balm
Indian skincare is no longer a one-size-fits-all market. Whether you prefer clinical formulations, luxurious Ayurvedic rituals, or eco-conscious packaging, there’s a brand that caters to your skin’s every need. And after weeks of testing, we can confidently say: homegrown skincare has never looked — or felt — better.
