Pharmacy skincare in India is known for being both affordable and effective, with many great products available over the counter—no prescription needed. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or staying longer, this guide will help you discover the best skincare items to look for at local Indian pharmacies.
Curious about what I bought in India and how these products worked for me? At the end of this article, you will find my personal skincare haul, along with my experiences and tips on how to shop for the best products in Indian pharmacies.
Pharmacy skincare products in India
Best anti-aging & acne treatment: Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a powerful retinoid that helps with acne, fine lines and dark spots. In India, you can get it in different strengths (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%). Popular brands include, Tretin (by H&H), A-Ret (by Menarini) and Tretiheal. It is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a top skincare buy. Until recently, Retino-A (by Johnson & Johnson) was also available in India, but it has now been discontinued. If you want to learn more about how to use it safely and effectively, check out our article: The Ultimate Guide to Tretinoin.
Azelaic acid for acne & pigmentation
Azelaic acid is an excellent choice for acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. You can find 10%, 15% and 20% versions from brands like Aziderm (by Micro Labs), Picspot (by Glenmakr) and Ezanic. It is a good option for sensitive skin or those who can’t use tretinoin.
Best Vitamin C serums in India
Vitamin C brightens skin and reduces pigmentation. VC-15 (by Cipla) contains 15% L-ascorbic acid. It is a stable formulation with a pH of 2.7. VC 15 promises to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. It is available in a bottle of 15 ml. Ethiglo also offer stable and budget-friendly vitamin C serums.
Hyperpigmentation treatment: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is used for dark spots and melasma. Melalite Forte (by Abbott) and SkinLite (a mix of hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone) are popular options. Since hydroquinone can make skin sensitive, it is best to use it under medical guidance.
Top Niacinamide serums & creams
Niacinamide helps control oil, acne, and pigmentation. Brands like AcMist, Rejuglow and Minimalist offer 5-10% niacinamide formulations that are effective and affordable.
Best Kojic acid creams for dark spots
Kojic acid is known for brightening skin and fading dark spots. You can find it in Kojivit, Clearz and Demelan creams. Demelan also has glycolic acid and arbutin, which help even out skin tone.
Top acne treatments
For acne, Clindac-A (clindamycin gel) and Nadibact (nadifloxacin) target bacteria, while Persol AC and Benzac AC (benzoyl peroxide) help reduce breakouts.
Best moisturizers for dry & oily skin
Indian pharmacies stock dermatologist-approved moisturizers for all skin types. Episoft AC is a lightweight choice for acne-prone skin. Cetaphil and Sebamed cater to sensitive and dry skin, while Emolene is an affordable, hydrating cream.
Top ceramide-based moisturizers
If you have dry skin or a compromised skin barrier, ceramide-based moisturizers are a great choice. Venusia Max, Cetaphil DAM and Bioderma Atoderm help restore hydration and skin health.
Best pharmacy skincare in India – my experience and tips
During my time in India, I tried a variety of skincare products and I’ve had great experiences with many of them. Whenever I get the chance or if someone I know is traveling to India, I ask them to bring back a few products for me. For anti-aging, I’ve had great results with Tretin Tretinoin cream 0.025%. I use it more for its anti-aging benefits than for acne, especially since I am in my mid-30s. I have also tried A-Ret gel and Tretino-a, which worked well for me too.
I’ve tried several Tretinoin brands, not only from India but also from Spain and Dubai. If you are curious about my experience with these different brands, check out my article here.
For my melasma and rosacea, I tried Eziderm Azelaic acid 15%, which has helped with pigmentation and redness. I would like to try Picspot Azelaic acid 15% next. Different brands can feel and work a little differently, so I am curious to see if Picspot will be just as good,or maybe even better for my skin. But since I don’t plan to fly to India anytime soon and none of my friends are going either, I will be using Azelaic Acid for Finacea 15%, which I can get with a prescription.
If you are shopping for skincare in India, I would recommend looking for products that suit your skin’s needs. And a small tip: always patch-test new products, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Pharmacy skincare prices in India (2025): affordable Tretinoin & Azelaic acid
Skincare from Indian pharmacies is super affordable while still being really effective. Products like azelaic acid creams, retinoids, and niacinamide serums cost way less than in Western countries. For example, a 15% azelaic acid cream is usually around ₹300-₹600 ($4-$8), and prescription retinoids like tretinoin can be as cheap as ₹200-₹500 ($2.50-$6). Brands like Cipla, Curatio, and Ethicare make dermatologist-approved products at great prices, which is why so many people love shopping for skincare in India.
I can share some prices from March 2025 for a few products I bought in India. Tretinoin cream Tretin (by H&H) cost ₹185, which is about $2.40 (£1.75). Tretinoin gel A-Ret (by Menarini) was even cheaper at ₹126 around $1.50 (£1.20). Azelaic Acid 15% gel Aziderm was ₹310, roughly $3.60 (£2.80). So, as you can see, the prices are really affordable compared to what you would pay in many other countries, especially for products that would cost a lot in Western countries, making Indian pharmacy skincare a great budget-friendly option.
FAQs: Buying pharmacy skincare in India
Can I buy tretinoin in India without a prescription?
Yes, many pharmacies sell tretinoin over the counter, but some may ask for a prescription.
Are skincare products in India cheaper than in the USA or Europe?
Yes, many dermatologist-recommended products are available at a fraction of the price.
Are Indian skincare brands safe?
Yes, but stick to well-known pharmacy brands to avoid counterfeit or low-quality products.
Conclusion: what to buy in India pharmacies for skincare
India is a great place to stock up on affordable, quality skincare. Whether you are looking for acne treatments, brightening products or anti-aging solutions, you willl find plenty of great options in local pharmacies. Happy skincare shopping!
