Best Skincare Brands in India as of April 2025
In 2025, the Indian skincare market continues to boom as consumers grow more aware of ingredient safety, skin science, and sustainable beauty practices. Indian brands have evolved rapidly, offering dermatologically-tested, cruelty-free, and effective products tailored to Indian skin types and weather conditions. International players also maintain a strong presence, but homegrown brands now compete neck-to-neck in innovation, performance, and affordability.
From acne-fighting serums and anti-aging moisturizers to SPF-rich sunscreens and nourishing oils, Indian consumers now enjoy a wide spectrum of choices. Skincare routines no longer cater only to beauty trends but also emphasize skin health, barrier repair, and long-term results.
Here’s a curated list of the best skincare brands in India as of April 2025, ranked based on product performance, ingredient integrity, customer satisfaction, affordability, and market reputation.
🌿 1. Minimalist
Founded: 2020
Best For: Serums, active-based skincare, transparency
Top Products: Alpha Arbutin 2%, Niacinamide 10%, Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Minimalist leads the Indian skincare space with science-backed formulations. The brand simplifies skincare with clearly labeled actives, pH levels, and clinical percentages. Dermatologists frequently recommend its products due to their minimalist, fragrance-free formulations.
In 2025, Minimalist expanded into sunscreen, ceramide creams, and peptide-based anti-aging solutions. The pricing remains accessible, and the brand continues to educate consumers through verified content.
Why Choose It?
- Transparent ingredients
- No fragrance or dyes
- High efficacy in acne, pigmentation, and barrier repair
🧴 2. The Derma Co.
Founded: 2020
Best For: Dermatologist-developed treatments for acne, pigmentation, and scars
Top Products: AHA BHA Gel, Kojic Acid Serum, 1% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
The Derma Co. operates under Honasa (Mamaearth’s parent company) and partners with dermatologists to create result-oriented skincare. Its prescription-strength formulations target specific issues like melasma, acne, and dark spots.
In 2025, the brand expanded its clinical skincare range with adaptogens and retinoids. It also launched a virtual skin diagnosis tool to personalize recommendations.
Why Choose It?
- Dermatologist-backed
- Problem-solving approach
- Excellent for active acne and hyperpigmentation
🍃 3. Plum Goodness
Founded: 2014
Best For: Clean, cruelty-free beauty
Top Products: Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash, Vitamin C Serum, Chamomile Moisturizer
Plum delivers performance-driven yet gentle skincare suitable for Indian skin. It champions sustainability, using recyclable packaging and 100% vegan formulations. Teenagers and sensitive skin users prefer Plum for its non-irritating ingredients.
Plum also created sub-lines for oily, dry, and combination skin and added sunscreen gels and anti-aging ranges in 2025.
Why Choose It?
- Eco-conscious and vegan
- Mild formulations for daily use
- Effective entry-level skincare
💧 4. Dot & Key
Founded: 2018
Best For: K-beauty inspired formulations tailored for Indian skin
Top Products: Watermelon Cooling Moisturizer, Cica Calming Toner, SPF 50 Sunscreen
Dot & Key offers fun, aesthetically pleasing products that deliver results. In 2025, it introduced barrier-repair creams, lip sleeping masks, and SPF-boosted hydrating gels. Its SPF 50 sunscreen has become a bestseller, providing broad-spectrum protection without white cast.
The brand focuses on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and active support. It maintains an attractive price point and includes plant-based actives like Cica, rice water, and ceramides.
Why Choose It?
- Beautiful textures
- Skin-barrier friendly
- Best-in-class sunscreen
🌾 5. Dr. Sheth’s
Founded: 2017
Best For: Skincare tailored to Indian skin exposed to pollution and sun
Top Products: Basic Brightening Vitamin C Serum, Sulphur Mask, Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Dr. Sheth’s stands out for blending Ayurvedic wisdom with modern actives. Developed by a family of dermatologists, the brand focuses on skin issues Indian consumers frequently face—pollution damage, tanning, pigmentation, and sensitivity.
In 2025, Dr. Sheth’s launched multi-action sunscreens and hydrating gels with probiotics and centella. It also introduced a post-retinol recovery kit to repair over-exfoliated skin.
Why Choose It?
- Custom solutions for Indian climates
- Balanced use of Ayurveda + actives
- Strong formulations for urban skincare
🌞 6. Fixderma
Founded: 2006
Best For: Medical-grade dermatological skincare
Top Products: Shadow SPF 50+ Gel, Nigrifix Cream, Moisturizing Lotion with Ceramides
Fixderma creates clinically validated, dermatologist-prescribed skincare. Hospitals and skin clinics often recommend Fixderma products due to their high efficacy in treating eczema, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging.
The Shadow SPF 50+ Gel ranks among India’s top non-comedogenic sunscreens. In 2025, Fixderma improved its product aesthetics and launched a barrier-repair line with ceramides and panthenol.
Why Choose It?
- Prescription-grade formulas
- Recommended by skin doctors
- Great for medical skincare needs
🌸 7. Forest Essentials
Founded: 2000
Best For: Ayurvedic luxury skincare
Top Products: Soundarya Radiance Cream, Delicate Facial Cleanser, Tejasvi Night Emulsion
Forest Essentials blends luxury and Ayurveda into holistic skincare rituals. Its products use cold-pressed oils, fresh herbs, steam-distilled essential oils, and Ayurvedic rasayanas. Though priced at a premium, the brand offers a sensorial experience and visible glow over time.
In 2025, the brand launched SPF-infused facial oils and Ayurvedic collagen creams for mature skin.
Why Choose It?
- Authentic Ayurveda
- Luxurious textures and packaging
- Suitable for dry and mature skin
🧬 8. Re’equil
Founded: 2018
Best For: Clinical skincare for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Top Products: Oil-Free Moisturizer, Pitstop Gel, Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen
Re’equil targets acne scars, oily skin, and uneven tone with dermatologically-tested products. It gained traction through word-of-mouth and doctor endorsements. Users love its non-greasy moisturizers and lightweight sunscreens.
In 2025, the brand expanded into exfoliating body lotions and under-eye repair creams.
Why Choose It?
- Science-first approach
- Lightweight, effective formulas
- Excellent for oily and combination skin
🧖 9. Cetaphil India
Global Brand, Strong Indian Presence
Best For: Dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin
Top Products: Gentle Skin Cleanser, Moisturizing Cream, Brightness Reveal Night Cream
Cetaphil continues to dominate the sensitive skincare space in India. Doctors frequently recommend it for compromised skin barriers, allergies, and post-procedure care. The brand updated its formulas in 2025, adding niacinamide and panthenol for extra support.
Why Choose It?
- Fragrance-free and clinically approved
- Trusted by dermatologists
- Safe for all age groups
🌺 10. Kama Ayurveda
Founded: 2002
Best For: Ayurvedic beauty with global quality
Top Products: Kumkumadi Night Serum, Rose Jasmine Cleanser, Brightening Day Cream
Kama Ayurveda crafts potent, natural formulations using time-tested Ayurvedic ingredients. The Kumkumadi Oil remains iconic for glow and pigmentation reduction. In 2025, the brand added plant-based retinol alternatives and natural SPF creams to its luxury line.
Why Choose It?
- Holistic beauty rituals
- All-natural, handcrafted formulas
- Ideal for conscious beauty users
Final Thoughts: Choose Skincare That Matches Your Skin Needs
India’s skincare market in 2025 offers something for everyone. Whether you want science-based actives or traditional Ayurveda, the choices continue to expand. Brands like Minimalist, The Derma Co., and Dot & Key lead the way in performance skincare, while Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda provide luxury and tradition in every drop.
Choose products based on your skin type, climate, concerns, and personal values (cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable, etc.). Most importantly, remain consistent with your skincare routine and give products time to work.
