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Ria Bhatia profile imageRia BhatiaPublished on

If your skincare shelf is failing you, it’s best to consider the good old, economical chemist finds

The chemist finds for acne beauty brands don’t want you to know about

If your skincare shelf is failing you, it’s best to consider the good old, economical chemist finds

Acne isn’t a recently developed concern. It is estimated that by the end of 2026, approximately 23 million people in India will be affected by acne. To tackle the skin concern, a plethora of skincare products and chemical active ingredients have made their way into the Indian market. Aside from salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, we now have access to azelaic acid, Centella Asiatica, adapalene, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and more. However, the glut of products can lead to clutter that makes identifying the ideal anti-acne product difficult. And let’s not forget about the money burnt in the process. In some cases, your skin’s health may get compromised too. At such times, it’s best to opt for the good-old tubes and jars retailed at the local chemist. Speak to the generations before you, and you’ll discover a bunch of chemist gems—Boroline, Emolene, Calasoft, VICCO Turmeric, and Bio-Oil are just a few examples. Ahead, we list some of the best over-the-counter chemist finds that can address acne more effectively. 

Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, CeraVeExcess sebum on the skin is among the most common culprits for recurrent acne. Cop the Foaming Cleanser from CeraVe (now available in India). Enriched with essential ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this liquid soap-texture cleanser is perfect for regulating the oil on your epidermis sans leaving your skin taut or dry. This, in turn, keeps sebum from entering your pores and clogging them up.Prices start at ₹490Shop hereImage: Instagram.com/cerave

Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, CeraVe

Excess sebum on the skin is among the most common culprits for recurrent acne. Cop the Foaming Cleanser from CeraVe (now available in India). Enriched with essential ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this liquid soap-texture cleanser is perfect for regulating the oil on your epidermis sans leaving your skin taut or dry. This, in turn, keeps sebum from entering your pores and clogging them up.

Prices start at ₹490

Shop here

Image: Instagram.com/cerave

Centella Asiatica Extract, One Thing This soothing, watery, K-Beauty toner comprises 95 per cent Centella Asiatica extracts derived from the Jeju Islands of South Korea. The lightweight extract tackles pigmentation, dryness, uneven skin tone, acne scars, blemishes, and dehydration at the same time. By virtue of its property mix—antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory—it fortifies the skin barrier and aids with acne reduction.Priced at ₹1,050Shop here

Centella Asiatica Extract, One Thing 

This soothing, watery, K-Beauty toner comprises 95 per cent Centella Asiatica extracts derived from the Jeju Islands of South Korea. The lightweight extract tackles pigmentation, dryness, uneven skin tone, acne scars, blemishes, and dehydration at the same time. By virtue of its property mix—antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory—it fortifies the skin barrier and aids with acne reduction.

Priced at ₹1,050

Shop here

Glyco-12So you love glycolic acid and picked all the cult products with this AHA, but see no major change?It’s possible, considering most of these products contain moderate quantities of glycolic acid. For rapid and evident results, give this ₹320-cream a shot. It contains a generous 12 per cent concentration of the AHA in a creamy base to help slough away dead skin, fade pigmentation, and also reduce dryness. Glycolic acid’s exfoliative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties assist with combatting acne.PS: Since glycolic acid makes the skin extra sensitive to the sun, don’t forget to slather sunscreen, should you apply this during the day.Priced at ₹322Shop here

Glyco-12

So you love glycolic acid and picked all the cult products with this AHA, but see no major change?It’s possible, considering most of these products contain moderate quantities of glycolic acid. For rapid and evident results, give this ₹320-cream a shot. It contains a generous 12 per cent concentration of the AHA in a creamy base to help slough away dead skin, fade pigmentation, and also reduce dryness. Glycolic acid’s exfoliative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties assist with combatting acne.

PS: Since glycolic acid makes the skin extra sensitive to the sun, don’t forget to slather sunscreen, should you apply this during the day.

Priced at ₹322

Shop here

Benzac ACIf you want to go back to the trusty benzoyl peroxide to tackle the stubborn acne on your skin, trust the Benzac AC range to be worth your bucks. The gel-based ointment comes in two variants of concentrations—2.5 per cent and 5 per cent. Needless to say, make a choice based on the severity of your acne as well as the sensitivity of your skin. Again, it’s best to use this as a spot treatment only. In case you wish to use the 5 per cent variant, it’s best to run your decision by a physician/dermatologist once.Pro tip: If you need something for maintenance purposes for your entire face, try using the Benzac AC 5% Gel Wash—though those with dry skin may want to give this a miss.Priced at ₹122Shop here

Benzac AC

If you want to go back to the trusty benzoyl peroxide to tackle the stubborn acne on your skin, trust the Benzac AC range to be worth your bucks. The gel-based ointment comes in two variants of concentrations—2.5 per cent and 5 per cent. Needless to say, make a choice based on the severity of your acne as well as the sensitivity of your skin. Again, it’s best to use this as a spot treatment only. In case you wish to use the 5 per cent variant, it’s best to run your decision by a physician/dermatologist once.

Pro tip: If you need something for maintenance purposes for your entire face, try using the Benzac AC 5% Gel Wash—though those with dry skin may want to give this a miss.

Priced at ₹122

Shop here

Excela MoisturiserIntroduced by the house of Cipla, this lightweight, lotion-textured face moisturiser is perfect for those who have a combination to oily skin type but prefer heavy-duty hydration. With niacinamide as the hero ingredient, this non-comedogenic cream locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss, which could potentially prompt oily skin to secrete more oil. Priced at ₹497Shop here

Excela Moisturiser

Introduced by the house of Cipla, this lightweight, lotion-textured face moisturiser is perfect for those who have a combination to oily skin type but prefer heavy-duty hydration. With niacinamide as the hero ingredient, this non-comedogenic cream locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss, which could potentially prompt oily skin to secrete more oil. 

Priced at ₹497

Shop here

HyalugelThis weightless, quick-absorbing hyaluronic acid-based face gel is created particularly for the skin type that falls susceptible to acne and blemishes every so often. The non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic face gel features hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep the skin hydrated without making it too oily or sticky. With regular use, the gel can improve barrier function, preventing acne.Priced at ₹270Shop here

Hyalugel

This weightless, quick-absorbing hyaluronic acid-based face gel is created particularly for the skin type that falls susceptible to acne and blemishes every so often. The non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic face gel features hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep the skin hydrated without making it too oily or sticky. With regular use, the gel can improve barrier function, preventing acne.

Priced at ₹270

Shop here

Aztec Secret Indian Healing ClayThis clay-based face mask has been touted as a Hollywood-favourite, for celebrities like Jenna Ortega, Kourtney Kardashian, and Lili Reinhart swear by it. Humbly priced, it suits all skin types (dry and sensitive skin must choose a hydrating and soothing mixing agent to whip up a mask) and offers a slew of benefits. From ridding your skin of blackheads and whiteheads to controlling acne eruptions, excess oil and dullness, this mask does it all. The not-so-secret ingredient? Multani mitti.Prices start at ₹800 approximatelyShop here

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

This clay-based face mask has been touted as a Hollywood-favourite, for celebrities like Jenna Ortega, Kourtney Kardashian, and Lili Reinhart swear by it. Humbly priced, it suits all skin types (dry and sensitive skin must choose a hydrating and soothing mixing agent to whip up a mask) and offers a slew of benefits. From ridding your skin of blackheads and whiteheads to controlling acne eruptions, excess oil and dullness, this mask does it all. The not-so-secret ingredient? Multani mitti.

Prices start at ₹800 approximately

Shop here

Clindac A Clindamycin, as an ingredient, belongs to the group of antibiotics. When used topically, its most common benefit is controlling acne by alleviating acne-causing bacteria and healing the active occurrence simultaneously. Alkem’s Clindac A Gel, easily available at chemists, is a translucent gel that contains 1 per cent (or 10 grams) clindamycin. You can use the gel as a spot treatment on zits and pimples. The best part about this product? It’s mild and is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for moderate acne.Priced at ₹230Shop here

Clindac A 

Clindamycin, as an ingredient, belongs to the group of antibiotics. When used topically, its most common benefit is controlling acne by alleviating acne-causing bacteria and healing the active occurrence simultaneously. Alkem’s Clindac A Gel, easily available at chemists, is a translucent gel that contains 1 per cent (or 10 grams) clindamycin. You can use the gel as a spot treatment on zits and pimples. The best part about this product? It’s mild and is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for moderate acne.

Priced at ₹230

Shop here

Also Read: 7 active-infused products to effectively tackle body acne

Also Read: 7 spot treatments that effectively dismiss acne

Also Read: Can vitamin C worsen acne?

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