A skincare shopping list for your next pharmacy visit
Did we mention these are budget-friendly?
Ladies, gents and gender non-conformists, step right up and be amazed by the incredible world of pharmacy skincare products. In unassuming tubes and bottles, we’ve got the lotions, potions and creams that work just as hard as the luxury serum you’ve had on your wishlist for the past few months as you wait for a sale to kick in.
Your neighbourhood chemist has more than Saradon and Pudin Hara in his arsenal. But finding the right product requires digging and prior research.
Is this a metal tube of hydrating hyaluronic acid or anti-fungal cream?
Unlike the cosmetics you’re picking up on shopping apps or beauty stores, pharmacy skincare products take a no-BS approach to presentation and formulation. The language is direct, and there’s no marketing fluff. This makes it all the more affordable but has some caveats.
Regarding the difference between the products from pharmaceutical brands and beauty companies, Surat-based dermatologist Dr Anchal Panth says, “Why are these products expensive? It comes down to how they feel on the skin, how they spread. Pricier products use other vehicles to make the ingredient easier to use and also less irritating.”
She cautions, “With pharmaceutical products, you have to be careful when you use them. You need to understand the concentration of the ingredient, how you’re using it and whether you’re prepping your skin adequately or not.”
For example, if your skin is dry (add these products for dry skin to your arsenal), you’ll likely need a moisturiser after using pharmacy skincare products. But, she adds, “Such problems won’t arise with cosmetic products because most high-end cosmetics are formulated in a manner to balance the active ingredient with others to protect your skin.”
Products you can pick up easily from your chemistwale bhaiya are as effective as the pricier options from fancier stores. Still, Panth does caution that if you have reactive skin, you should properly investigate the ingredients – a lot of the bottles will only feature the scientific names of the ingredients without any explanation – and how to use them correctly for your skin’s needs.
The Tweak team has your back. Venturing to the nearest pharmacies and consulting with experts, we’ve put together some of the best pharmacy skincare products for different skin types and needs. Just make sure you double check with your dermatologist if you have any concerns.
The best pharmacy skincare products in India
Cleansers
MOIZ cleansing lotion, ₹375 – ₹700
NOURRIR CleanseMe Gentle Skin Cleanser, ₹216
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, ₹333 – ₹1,245
Episoft Cleansing Lotion, ₹360 – ₹575
Cetafresh Cleansing Lotion,₹495
Moisturisers
Cipla Excela Moisturiser | oily and acne-prone skin, ₹497
Venusia Max Intensive Moisturizing Lotion | dry skin, ₹662 – ₹989
Aquaoat Moisturizing Lotion| combination-oily skin, ₹395 – ₹727
XERINA Soft Intense Moisturizing Lotion| combination-dry skin, ₹470
Aquasoft FC Advanced Facial Moisturizer| oily and acne-prone skin, ₹343
Physiogel AI Calming Relief Lotion & Cream | oily/combination/dry skin, ₹660 (lotion) and ₹655 (cream)
Treatments
Hyalugel | hyaluronic acid,₹250
NIAMAX D Gel| niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin and zinc, ₹295
Envita C Gel| L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), ₹769
Glyco 6 Cream| glycolic acid, ₹201
Zitcare-S Gel| salicylic acid, ₹195
Brilante Brightening Face Serum| 4-Butylresorcinol, alpha arbutin and liquorice, ₹449
Aziderm cream| azelaic acid, ₹296
Sunscreen
Tvaksh Face Guard SPF 50+, ₹625
Brinton Healthcare UV Doux Sunscreen, ₹699 – ₹1,235
IPCA Acne-UV Gel SPF 30, ₹472 – ₹837
Sper Sunscreen SPF 40 Lotion, ₹179.5 – ₹331.5
Sebamed SPF 30 Lip Defense Stick, ₹445
NMFe Moisturising Lip Care SPF40+, ₹160
A note of caution: This story is for educational purposes with inputs from trained experts. Please consult your healthcare provider to know what suits your needs best.
