The Indian pharmacy skincare products under ₹900 we're stocking up on for winter
Everything you need at your neighbourhood chemist
People often say hair holds memories, but I believe our skin tells its own story. After relocating from North India to further down South, I may not have felt the bite of a real winter in years, but my skin hasn’t forgotten. Even a slight temperature drop has it crying out for hydration and the first sign of a dry patch is my cue to make thoughtful winter skincare swaps. For me though, indulgent beauty buys feel excessive when my ‘winter’ barely lasts three weeks. That’s when I turn to trusty Indian pharmacy skincare products that work wonders for the season – budget-friendly essentials that won’t cost you more than ₹900.
The colder months might seem like a plot twist for your skincare routine, but you don’t have to rewrite the script entirely. Cosmetic dermatologist and transplant surgeon Dr Prinkal Gomte assures us that while everyone’s winter skincare needs may vary, the basic tweaks are universal. For instance, I initially thought that without the harsh cold of Delhi winter, my oily skin would remain oily. But I was wrong — oily skin needs moisture and hydration too. “A lack of moisture in the air can make oily skin produce more oil to compensate, but this may just be surface-level sebum, not deeper hydration, leading to dry patches,” explains Dr Gomte. Prioritising gentle formulations, soothing ingredients, and cutting back on actives can help your skin weather the dryness.
Now Indian pharmacy staples may not come in Insta-worthy packaging, but they deliver results and are cost-effective if that’s a priority for you. Of course, pharmacy products can be quite potent, so if you deal with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, consult your dermatologist before switching things up.
The best Indian pharmacy skincare products for winter under ₹900
Cleansers
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, ₹249 – ₹449
Your makeup’s worst nightmare but your skin’s bestie, Garnier Micellar Water cleanses without stripping your skin. It’s gentle and lifts away dirt, oil, and even waterproof mascara with ease. Perfect for lazy evenings when washing your face feels like climbing Everest.
Moiz Cleansing Lotion, ₹349 to ₹599
This cleanser doubles as a mini moisture boost. Enriched with aloe vera and a gentle non-foaming formula, it’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin that’s screaming for some TLC during winter.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, ₹399
A cult classic for a reason in the sensitive and dry skin squad, this cleanser is free of fragrance and harsh cleansing agents, leaving skin soft and refreshed. Bonus: no stinging eyes if you overdo it around the lash line. Even those with oily skin can benefit from this product if you’re double cleansing.
Cipla Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash, ₹495
Saslic, available in 1% or 2% salicylic acid variants, is a powerhouse for unclogging pores, targeting blackheads, and preventing future breakouts. Think of it as a problem-solver for stubborn acne – effective yet requiring careful use. This isn’t your everyday face wash; it’s an exfoliating treatment best used 1-2 times a week to avoid over-drying. Perfect for those who want to give their skin a gentle yet effective reset.
Mandisa Foaming Face Wash, ₹595
Loaded with mandelic, salicylic and azelaic acids, this foaming wonder targets oily skin and acne. Mandelic acid exfoliates the surface, while salicylic acid clears pores and controls acne. Azelaic acid calms inflammation and brightens skin. Together, they help smooth texture, reduce redness, and promote a clearer, more even complexion.
Face moisturisers
Aquasoft FC Advanced Facial Cream, ₹375
Lightweight but power-packed with ceramides and Vitamin E, this gel-like formula hydrates without clogging pores. With a few sunscreen filters in the formula, this is the perfect daytime partner under sunscreen.
Physiogel Hypoallergenic AI Calming Relief Cream, ₹557
This barrier-repairing gem is a lifesaver for eczema-prone or dry skin. It’s a fragrance-free crowd-favourite that soothes, strengthens, and ensures winter dryness stays far away. If you find the cream too heavy, they also have a lotion version of the same formula that you can try.
Cerasoft IMF Cream, ₹320
Cerasoft IMF Cream is a lightweight moisturiser designed to replenish dry, sensitive skin. It features lipid-based technology to strengthen the skin’s barrier, helping to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated throughout the day. The IMF (Intercellular Moisturising Factor) complex boosts moisture retention, leaving the skin feeling smooth and nourished without irritation.
Emolene, ₹306
A multi-purpose humectant, we can’t talk about Indian pharmacy skincare products without talking about Emolene. It balances hydration and locks in moisture without heavy greasiness. A note of caution: Emolene does not suit everyone, especially those with acne-prone skin, so do a patch test before using it to see how your skin reacts.
Body care
Moisturex cream, ₹259
Ideal for cracked heels and severely dry skin, Moisturex Cream combines lactic acid and urea to exfoliate dead skin cells and deeply moisturise. This powerful duo works together to break down rough patches while locking in moisture, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and nourished. Whether it’s dry elbows or cracked feet, this cream is your go-to solution for a hydrated, supple feel all over.
NIVEA Shea Smooth body lotion, ₹174 – ₹550
Enriched with shea butter, this is a deeply moisturising lotion that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth all day long. The formula is designed to provide intense hydration while improving skin elasticity, making it ideal for rough, dry patches. Its soothing scent adds a comforting touch, making it a go-to for daily skincare. Perfect for skin in need of extra care, it helps restore natural moisture balance while maintaining a non-sticky finish.
Dr Reddy’s Venusia Max Intensive Moisturising Lotion, ₹579 – ₹839
Venusia Body Lotion blends shea butter and vitamin E to provide non-greasy, soothing hydration that lasts for hours. Its gentle formula deeply nourishes and repairs dry skin, making it ideal for daily use. Whether you’re battling winter dryness or just need a moisturising boost, this lotion ensures your skin stays soft and smooth without feeling heavy.
Targeted treatments
Zitcare-S gel, ₹195
A lightweight serum that brings the power of 2% salicylic acid, Zitcare Gel targets blackheads, whiteheads, and overall acne control. Regular use can also refine skin texture, leaving you with smoother, clearer skin, though we’d caution against daily application, instead, use it as a spot treatment.
Niamax D gel, ₹279
Niacinamide is the multitasking queen of skincare, and Niamax D gel is no exception. It calms redness, reduces blemishes, and strengthens the skin barrier, making it ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Say goodbye to post-pimple scars and hello to even skin tone with the added moisturising bonus of sodium hyaluronate.
Kozicare cream, ₹157
Despite being labelled as a ‘skin lightening cream’, Kozicare is designed to tackle dark spots and stubborn acne marks. It combines kojic acid, arbutin and glutathione with nourishing ingredients to fade discolouration and decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation over time.
Cosglo gel, ₹365
Cosglo is the skincare equivalent of an all-in-one buffet. With a potent mix of skin-brightening and anti-acne ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, allantoin, niacinamide, vitamin E, and more, it targets pigmentation, dullness and acne scars. Bonus: it’s lightweight.
Sun protection
Episoft AC Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, ₹899
Episoft AC Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum protection with its high SPF 50 rating, designed specifically for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Formulated with a combination of physical and chemical sunscreen filters, it shields the skin from harmful UV rays while helping to prevent breakouts. Its non-comedogenic, oil-free formula is lightweight, making it perfect for everyday wear without clogging pores.
Fixderma Shadow Sunscreen SPF 50+, ₹325 – ₹550
The Fixderma Shadow Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers a unique blend of moisturising properties and high sun protection. With SPF 50+, it provides robust protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Its non-greasy, lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it an excellent choice for daily use without any sticky residue. Ideal for those with dry skin types but if you do have oily skin then you could potentially skip moisturiser before using this sun cream.
Lip care
Boroline, ₹45
This iconic green tube is a winter MVP for chapped lips, cracked heels, and even pesky cuts. Boroline’s thick, lanolin-rich formula locks in moisture and repairs overnight, leaving your pout soft enough to rival Moo Deng.
Nipcare cream, ₹173
Don’t let the name confuse you—Nipcare is technically cream for dry, cracked nipples for nursing moms but it works like a dream for ultra-dry, flaky lips. Formulated with lanolin and Vitamin E, it’s deeply nourishing, offering a heavy-duty fix for lips that feel Sahara-level dry in winter.
