Forget The Ordinary, these 4 Indian skincare brands have the formulas you need to fight acne and fine lines

Between lockdown-related delivery lags, high customs charges and a current stop to international travel, purchasing your favourite skincare products can be a challenge. This is particularly so for niche skincare brands like The Ordinary, which boast ultra-efficient single-ingredient formulas that are available at an affordable prices. With the world looking to support local businesses, trying out similar products from Indian skincare brands can be a great way to align with that practice.

Dot & Key

This skincare brand is aims to bridge the gap between natural and synthetic ingredients, sourcing clean ingredients and processing them to their most efficient format. What's not in them are any sensitising ingredients or endocrine disruptors, like parabens, sulphates, phthalates and triclosan. Dot & Key's product line includes those for specific concerns that are often overlooked, like a retexturising serum for elbows and knees, and an anti chlorine swim protection spray. Plus, you've seen this brand all over Instagram for a reason—the top shelf-friendly yet minimal packaging is a key finishing touch.

Neemli Naturals

This Mumbai-based brand is intent on creating results-oriented products without needing to resort to animal-based ingredients, so even their hyaluronic acid and squalane is extracted from plants. But the products, just like The Ordinary's, promise to work. Think: a salicylic and glycolic acid serum for acne-prone skin, and a hydrolysed collagen & peptide formula to fill in pitted scars and improve cell renewal. 

The Derma Co

With the aim to demystify beauty, The Derma Co is a dermatologist-backed, ingredient-first skincare brand. For best results, consumers are directed to fill out a survey and then receive a prescription of the ideal ingredients to solve their concerns. You'll find hard-hitting products like an adaplene and benzoyl peroxide for severe acne that is only available by prescription, as well as creamy cleansers, exfoliating toners and moisturisers you can purchase online.

Re'equil 

Don't be fooled by Re'equil's clinical packaging–the formulas are medical-strength, but are balanced out with anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients that don't leave you with the side-effects that some prescription medications can leave you with. Highlights include the Pitstop gel, which bolsters collagen production and lightens pigmented acne marks. 

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