20 Top Skincare Brands That Must Be In Your Vanity Bag

K-beauty has taken the beauty and skincare world by a storm in the past couple years, and rightly so. They’re known for their clean, no-fuss, science backed formula with several brands popping up every time one blinks. However, Cosrx is a brand that has risen above the rest to also become synonymous with Korean beauty. They got famous for their Snail Mucin essence and have only taken it from there with their tones, moisturizers, and serums gaining immense popularity. Their products are extremely result driven and tackle both specific concerns as well as work for preventative measures while also being cruelty free and dermatologically tested. 

LBB’s Pick: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin 

A dermatologically and science backed French skincare brand —Uriage has come under our radars, mainly for their anti-dark spot range that basically aims to tackle dark spot concerns, as well as their thermal water based products which is water that’s been flowing through rocks for 75 years! Their products range from everything from moisturisers, cleaners, to even cleansing oils. The ingredients are clean, to the point, and worth it. The price point may be a bit steep but the reviews and the legacy of the brand helps. 

LBB’s Pick: Uriage Thermal Water

Another Korean skincare brand that has a permanent place on our shelves now — The Face Shop is a brand that requires little to no introduction. It is known as one of the earliest Korean skincare brands in India even before K-beauty became a thing. Their products are top-notch, affordable and get the work done. Their most famous product collection is their rice based range which is all about hydrating, moisturising and repairing the skin. Additionally, most of their products are non-comedogenic, fragrance free while the brand itself is cruelty free and vegan. 

LBB’s Pick: Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser 

Forest Essentials is a luxury Ayurveda brand that combines ancient beauty rituals with modern aesthetics. It’s a great brand if you’re looking to invest in clean, cruelty-free beauty that will yield results. The current range houses a collection of beauty and body care products like facewash, moisturisers, sunscreen, body mists, soap, face packs, body oils, exfoliators, lip treatments, shampoo, hair oils, and cosmetics like blush, lip tints, kohl, mascara, skin tints and so much more. You can easily come here and leave with a full skincare routine for which your skin will thank you. 

LBB’s Picks: Delicate Facial Cleanser with Saffron & Neem and Soundarya Radiance Day Cream with 24K Gold & SPF 25

We had been waiting for CeraVe to enter the Indian market for a long time, and when it did, it did not disappoint. Founded in 2005, the brand launched with just three products —Moisturising Cream, Moisturising Lotion, and Hydrating Cleanser— developed by dermatologists. Currently, their line has a range of products for the face and body. What we absolutely love about them is that you can find something for every skin type—dry, oily, combination, sensitive—and skin concern. All products we have used from the brand have a stellar ingredient list, which shows how much time and effort has been put into each one. 

LBB’s Picks: Hydrating Facial Cleanser Non-Foaming Face Wash and Moisturizing Cream For Dry To Very Dry Skin

Initially skeptical, we gave The Derma Co’s 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel a try a few years ago, and there has been no turning back. Their entire range is so well formulated and value for money so you don’t have to compromise on your routine. They also came out with a great range of products in collaboration with Dr Vanitta Rattan, which is specially formulated for the Indian skin. You’ll easily find what you’re looking for, they have everything from face serums and cleansers to sunscreens and eye repair creams for specific skin concerts like acne, hyperpigmentation, open pores, dull skin, dry skin and more. What’s cool is that you can also shop by ingredient as all their products have key ingredients listed on the packaging very clearly. 

LBB’s Picks: Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash and 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum With 1% Alpha Arbutin

Pilgrim is a homegrown brand known for combining age-old recipes and ingredients, delivering effective formulations that work like a charm. All of their products are 100% vegan and free from all toxins, sulfates, mineral oils, and parabens and are crafted with utmost authenticity which is something we at LBB look for! We’re also fans of their skincare-infused makeup range which is excellent as well, and we love incorporating them into our elaborate self-care days.

LBB’s Pick: Pilgrim Retinol Night Cream with Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid and Pilgrim Alpha Arbutin & Vitamin C Brightening Skin Face Serum

You can always find Pixi Beauty’s multipurpose products in our bags at all times. From their perfect blush sticks that went viral on Instagram, to the glow tonic, every product of the brand is infused with botanicals and beneficial ingredients that keep one glowing all day long. The way they combine extremely efficient packaging experience, with great formulations, is what we love the most, and even though they are a bit expensive, all their products truly last forever, making them a great investment. 

LBB’s Pick: Pixi On The Glow Moisturiser Stick and Pixi  Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner With Glycolic Acid

The Internet has been raving about the beauty of Joseon forever, and we too have recently become part of the fan club. They are a Korean brand, that uses traditional Korean beauty secrets, i.e. Hanbang. This traditional Korean medicine approach incorporates natural ingredients with therapeutic properties, aiding nourishment, suppleness, and aging, and combines them with modern technology to create the most effective, nourishing and hydrating skincare products, that are truly game changers. Each one of their products is cruelty-free as well, plus their sunscreen stick has become one of our absolute holy grails.

LBB’s Pick: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil and Beauty Of Joseon Glow Deep Serum For Pigmentation Rice + Arbutin

Easily becoming one of the most liked skincare brands in India, Versed is also the first community co-created brand, making it all the more cool. According to them, all of their products are made of clean, non-toxic ingredients that are cruelty-free and vegan. They believe in formula testing first that would not only be good for the skin and body but also the planet, which we’re all about. Their range includes facial cleansers, toners, serums, eye and lip care, and moisturisers. Additionally, why we love them is because to make sure sourcing is done responsibly, they use 100% FSC-certified paper for their boxed products. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum is our go-to pick. As the name suggests, it just wants your skin to breathe, which the product does well by removing impurities and managing excess sebum. 

LBB’s Pick: Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

If you’re on the lookout for skincare that is smart as well as safe, then Earth Rhythm should be on your list. Their products are as good for the skin as they are for the earth. What we like most about the brand is how they have a quality-first approach that makes sure that the products are non-toxic and clinically effective. From skin and hair care to make up and accessories, they do everything! The best part is that they also provide kits and combos at affordable prices like Lippie Stack to gift yourself or your loved ones!

LBB’s Pick: Earth Rhythm Oil Control Face Wash 

L'Oreal Paris — ‘Because You’re Worth It’ lives rent-free in our minds while the brand also makes sure that its products are worth every penny too. The brand has been around for so many years that it’s one of the first ones that come to mind when someone talks about beauty. The efficacy of their products is almost always up to the mark and has always catered to the masses making it one of the most trusted as well. Make up, skincare, hair colour, and literally everything you want in beauty would be available here. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hydrating Gel Cleanser is our absolute favourite and for all the right reasons. It is super-gentle and is composed of hyaluronic acid which helps make the skin look all glowy and radiant!

LBB’s Pick: L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen With SPF 50 PA+++

Neutrogena has quickly become one of the most sought-after brands in the beauty industry. This one is yet another brand on the list that keeps the planet safe by using high-standard ingredients and sustainable packaging, and we’re so thankful for that! All the ingredients that they use are transparently mentioned which helps users like us to make informed decisions when it comes to skin health. They aim to tackle all the concerns, from dry skin and acne issues to hydration problems. 

LBB’s Pick: Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

Clinique has held its reputation as one of the first medical-grade skincare brands. Safe, effective and clinically proven, it is celebrated as a high-end and high-performance brand, with most of its products deemed cult favourites. Be it the Moisture Surge 100h Auto-replenishing Hydrator or the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, Clinique has always delivered what it promises. Their products are also fragrance-free, paraben-free and allergy-tested and cater to several skin types and concerns. Additionally, while the products might be on the pricier side, they’re still worth the investment and deserve a place on our shelves. 

LBB’s Pick: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild - Dry Combination Facewash

The Mom’s Co is a mother and baby care brand founded by a mom and global experts. It is all about toxin-free and natural products keeping in mind the safety of the mom and baby. Most of The Mom's Co products are formulated with essential oils, while focusing on a gentle approach to skincare. They offer a wide range of products for face, hair and body, and everything you’ll need postpartum. What we also like is that they meet global safety standards, with all their products being hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. 

LBB’s Pick: The Moms Co. Natural Vitamin C Face Wash 

Bio-essence is a Singaporean skincare brand which is well known for its anti-ageing products. Most of their products contain active bio-ingredients and antioxidants which are very result oriented. Bio-essence products are the perfect addition to your skincare regimen if you are looking for fast results and significant improvements in your skin’s texture. They also have a 24k gold range which targets dull skin, claiming to make it more radiant and youthful. 

LBB’s Pick: Bio-essence 24K Gold Radiance Cleanser, Niacinamide Face Wash For Women, Collagen & Amino Acid

When it comes to top-notch ingredients and high-quality skincare, Dermalogica is a brand that offers tons of products for different skin concerns. What we like about the brand the most is that skin health is their main focus with everything being science backed and a clean ingredient list. Additionally, they are also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and free from artificial colours and fragrances which get them brownie points, anyday.

LBB’s Pick: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel Face Wash Mini With Balm Mint, Lavender & Soap Bark

Foxtale is one of those few homegrown skincare brands that are churning out one viral product after the other. The sole purpose of the brand is to bring effective skincare to Indian women that delivered on results with a promise to create ' high performing products that work wonders for your skin.' Their products are formulated keeping in mind not only to tackle skin concerns but also to boost skin health with the help of thorough research and science. We're already huge fans of their retinol serum, and their overnight glow mask that effectively starts working in 30 seconds and can’t wait to try more newness from the brand!

LBB’s Pick: Foxtale SPF 70 PA++++ Dewy Sunscreen and Foxtale Brightening Vitamin C Face Serum

We have lost count of the number of times a dermatologist has prescribed us a Kiehl’s product for when nothing seems to suit our skin. Kiehl’s makes potent skincare formulations powered by nature and science, that are extremely well formulated and so make a real difference in the health of your skin. Though a little pricey, we consider them an investment over an indulgence in your skincare routine and just can’t do without their Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (again prescribed to us by a dermatologist) to help treat those pesky acne scars and dark spots.

LBB’s Pick: Kiehl's Ultra-Light Daily Uv Defense SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser Gentle Non Stripping With Squalane

No one needs an introduction to Minimalist, the homegrown brand that started the trend of making scientifically-backed formulae to treat Indian skin concerns. They have a variety of products to help treat different skin issues and suit different skin types which makes them super inclusive and ahead of the curve. Another thing we really appreciate about the brand is that they are transparent about ingredients and mention all details so there’s no scope of being in the dark and not feeling confident about what you are introducing to your skin barrier.

LBB’s Pick: Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5, Oil-Free Moisturizer and Minimalist Light Fluid SPF 50 PA++++ Face Sunscreen