Best Acne Cream in India for Radiant Skin [December, 2023]

Dealing with acne breakouts can be frustrating. While acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, having a pimple-free and clear complexion is important for confidence and self-esteem.

Using the right acne cream can help get breakouts under control by treating existing blemishes and preventing new ones from forming. But with so many acne creams on the market, how do you know which one is the best for your skin?

We evaluated dozens of acne creams taking into account critical factors like ingredients, effectiveness, dermatologist recommendations, and user reviews to come up with this definitive list of the best acne creams available in India.

How We Chose the Best Acne Creams

We looked at several criteria to determine the best acne creams:

• Ingredients: We favored acne creams with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids that are proven to fight acne. Creams with skin-soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and natural extracts were also preferred.
• Dermatologist Recommendations: Priority was given to acne creams recommended by dermatologists for their effectiveness and safety.
• User Reviews: We considered buyer feedback and ratings on sites like Amazon to gauge real-world results. Creams with consistently high ratings and reviews were given preference.
• Effectiveness: We picked acne creams that customers report seeing visible improvement in their breakouts, without excessive dryness or irritation.
• Price and Value: Our picks include affordable drugstore options as well as pricier dermatologist-recommended creams with premium ingredients.

With these criteria in mind, here are the best acne creams available in the Indian market today:

Best Acne Creams in India

1. Dermatouch Salicylic Acid 2% Niacinamide 6% Anti-Acne Gel

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Salicylic acid is one of the most popular medical treatments for acne. This Dermatouch gel contains 2% salicylic acid to penetrate pores, remove excess oil, and exfoliate dead skin cells.

It also contains 6% niacinamide to control sebum production and soothe inflammation. This oil-free gel is designed for oily, acne-prone skin. It dries quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

With over 1,200 ratings on Amazon, this acne gel has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Users say it visibly reduces pimple size and redness overnight. It helps clear up blackheads and whiteheads without over-drying the skin. The gel-based formula also works well under makeup.

2. Dot & Key CICA + Niacinamide Spot Reduction Moisturizer

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This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. It contains centella asiatica extract (CICA) to calm inflammation and reduce redness caused by breakouts.

Niacinamide is added to balance sebum production while zinc pca helps heal and repair acne spots. The cream has a velvety texture that hydrates without clogging pores or causing greasiness.

With nearly 600 ratings, this Dot & Key acne moisturizer scores 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Reviewers say it minimizes and prevents future breakouts without irritation. The spot treatment effect visibly fades dark spots and blemishes.

3. Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 + Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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The hero ingredient in this serum is 10% vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) which is known for its acne-fighting and skin-soothing properties. The serum also contains hyaluronic acid for intense hydration.

The light, fast-absorbing serum delivers anti-inflammatory and oil-control benefits to oily, acne-prone skin without clogging pores or causing dryness. The dermatologist-tested formula is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.

With nearly 4,000 Amazon reviews, Minimalist’s vitamin B5 serum has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Users love its ability to reduce acne marks and fade dark spots over time. The serum shrinks pimple size and controls excess sebum production.

4. Re’equil Acne Clarifying AHA Gel

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Re’equil’s acne gel contains a blend of chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and lactic acid that gently peel away dead skin cells clogging pores. This unblocks pores, reduces acne-causing bacteria, excess oil, and allows medications to penetrate better.

The addition of zinc and antioxidant vitamins make it suitable for everyday use on sensitive, acne-prone skin. The gel has a lightweight, easily absorbable formula that also hydrates without greasiness.

With over 1,500 Amazon ratings, this acne gel scores 3.7 out of 5 stars for its ability to reduce pimple size and improve skin texture. Customers say it effectively dries out active breakouts and prevents new ones when used regularly.

5. Sebamed Clear Face Acne Defense Gel

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Sebamed is a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand best known for its pH 5.5 formulations. This Clear Face gel is designed to rebalance the pH of acne-prone skin to prevent breakouts and facilitate healing.

The oil-free gel contains piroctone olamine – an anti-fungal agent that fights the p.acnes bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne. Natural aloe vera soothes and hydrates skin.

It can be used as an all-over acne treatment gel or as a spot treatment for existing breakouts. It is free of fragrances, colorants, and other irritants that can worsen acne.

With over 3,000 ratings on Amazon, this Sebamed acne gel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers say it effectively dries out pimples and keeps skin clear and blemish-free with regular use.

6. Garnier Acno Fight Anti-Pimple Cream

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Garnier is a trusted drugstore brand around the world and its Acno Fight range is specially formulated for acne-prone Indian skin. The hero ingredients are salicylic acid derived from natural willow bark extract and vitamin C.

Salicylic acid penetrates pores and removes excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria that cause acne. Vitamin C has antioxidant and collagen boosting properties to fade acne scars. The formula also contains zinc to soothe inflammation and accelerate healing.

This budget-friendly anti-pimple cream has garnered close to 6,000 ratings on Amazon with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. According to buyers, it dries out pimples fast and keeps them at bay with continued use. The skin appears brighter and clearer.

7. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

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With its clinical-like packaging and fuss-free formulas, The Ordinary has achieved cult status for its effective and affordable skincare. The star ingredients in this serum are niacinamide and zinc PCA.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that regulates oil and sebum production. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated breakouts. The light serum absorbs fast without leaving a greasy feel.

This niacinamide serum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon from over 3,700 reviews. Users say it visibly reduces acne after a few weeks of use. The serum also helps fade dark acne scars and spots thanks to its brightening effect.

8. Benzagel 5 Acne Gel

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Benzagel contains 5% micronized benzoyl peroxide that penetrates deep into the skin to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. As benzoyl peroxide can be drying, this gel base controls the release of the active ingredient.

The non-comedogenic gel is designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It goes on smoothly without pilling or peeling. With regular use, it helps prevent further breakouts and clears up existing whiteheads, blackheads and pustules.

Benzagel has a 4.1 out of 5 star average rating on Amazon based on 300+ reviews. Users say it quickly reduces redness and swelling of painful cystic acne when applied overnight. It keeps skin soft despite the acne medication.

9. Aziderm Azelaic Acid 20% Gel

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Azelaic acid is a natural ingredient derived from grains like wheat and barley. It has antimicrobial properties that combat acne-causing bacteria. It also helps renew skin cells and reduce inflammation.

This prescription-strength azelaic acid gel contains a high 20% concentration of the active ingredient. It works best for inflammatory acne like papules and pustules. The lightweight gel is suitable for all skin types.

Aziderm gel has garnered over 600 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Buyers say it noticeably reduces acne lesions and swelling. With continued usage, it improves skin texture and evens out tone.

10. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

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Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is a worldwide bestseller thanks to its 2% salicylic acid formula that cuts through oil and grime. The acne face wash deeply cleanses skin and eliminates acne-causing bacteria.

The gentle cleansing lather rinses clean without over-drying. It is non-comedogenic and allergy-tested so suitable for even sensitive, acne-prone skin. Use twice daily for clear, blemish-free skin.

This affordable drugstore acne cleanser has a rating of 4.3 on Amazon from over 3,800 reviews. Buyers say it keeps mild to moderate acne under control and improves skin texture with regular use. It also helps fade post-acne marks.

11. Plum Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel

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Enriched with botanical extracts like green tea, glycolic acid, and sorbitol – this night gel delivers intense cleansing and renewal for oily, acne-prone skin while you sleep. It unclogs pores, controls sebum production, and reveals fresher, clearer skin.

The oil-free gel-based formula is non-comedogenic and suitable for everyday use. It has a light green tea fragrance that isn’t overpowering.

This Plum night gel scores 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon based on 700+ ratings. Reviewers are impressed with how quickly it reduces acne breakouts, redness, and inflammation. Their skin looks brighter and more even-toned with regular use.

12. Be Soulfull Spot Corrector Serum

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This lightweight serum contains 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc PCA which are two of the most researched ingredients for clearing acne and spots.

Niacinamide controls excess oil production while zinc has anti-inflammatory effects that help heal inflamed pimples faster. The serum has a gel-like texture that gets quickly absorbed into skin.

On Amazon, Be Soulfull’s spot corrector serum has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 180+ reviews. Users say it visibly reduces their acne spots and scars. With regular use, their skin looks clearer and more even-toned.

13. Biotique Bio Winter Green Spot Correcting Anti Acne Cream

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Biotique uses 100% organic botanical extracts in its skin and haircare products. The key ingredients in this anti-acne cream are wintergreen oil, seaweed, and nutmeg.

Wintergreen oil has astringent, antiseptic properties that clean out dirt and bacteria clogging pores. Seaweed extract is anti-inflammatory while nutmeg exfoliates dead skin cells. The nourishing cream formula suits acne-prone combination or oily skin.

This Biotique spot corrector has garnered over 7,000 Amazon ratings with an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars. Reviewers say it visibly reduces acne spots, swelling, and redness within a few days. Skin looks clearer and brighter with regular usage.

14. Mamaearth Tea Tree Purifying Face Wash with Neem

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This soap-free gel face wash by Mamaearth contains tea tree oil and neem – natural ingredients renowned for their anti-acne benefits.

Tea tree oil acts as a disinfectant that destroys acne-causing bacteria while neem soothes inflammation and reduces excess oiliness. The dermatologically tested formula is free of SLS, parabens, oils, and toxins.

The face wash has earned a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon based on 3,700+ reviews. Users say it cleanses thoroughly without drying their sensitive, acne-prone skin. With regular use, it reduces frequency and severity of breakouts.

15. Demelan Cream for Dark Spots, Acne Marks & Blemishes

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Demelan’s triple-action cream is specially formulated to fade post-acne marks and spots. It contains niacinamide to renew skin cells, glycolic acid to increase cell turnover, and kojic acid derived from mushrooms to inhibit melanin production.

Together, these ingredients lighten dark spots, old scars, and hyperpigmentation caused by acne breakouts. The cream can be used on the face and body.

Close to 900 Amazon buyers have given Demelan an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. They report visible improvement in acne scars and marks within weeks when used diligently.

Comparison for the Best Acne Creams:

How to Choose the Best Acne Cream

With so many anti-acne creams and gels in the market, it can be confusing to decide which one is right for your skin. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Know your skin type – Creams with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide work best for oily, acne-prone skin. Look for gentler ingredients like sulfur and azelaic acid if you have sensitive skin prone to dryness and irritation.
• Consider the type of acne – Inflammatory acne with pustules and papules requires antibiotic creams. Hormonal acne in women responds well to anti-androgen ingredients. Mild non-inflammatory acne is best treated with OTC creams containing BHA or retinoids.
• Check the concentration – Higher percentages around 2% are more effective for severe acne. Mild to moderate acne can be treated with lower concentrations of 0.5% to 1%.
• Read unbiased reviews – Don’t rely solely on brand claims. Read through user reviews on e-commerce sites to gauge real results before purchasing.
• Do a patch test – Test any new acne cream on a small area of skin first to rule out allergic reactions or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Avoid overuse – Applying too much acne medication can dry out and damage skin. Follow dosage recommendations and limit use to once or twice daily.

Types of Acne Creams

There are several categories of topical creams and gels to treat different types of acne:

• Benzoyl Peroxide – Clears mild to moderate acne by killing bacteria, reducing oil, and exfoliating dead skin cells clogging pores.
• Retinoids – Derived from vitamin A, retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene address comedonal acne and renew skin faster to fade scars.
• Salicylic Acid – Removes excess sebum and skin debris inside blocked pores to treat non-inflammatory whiteheads and blackheads.
• Antibiotics – Prescription antibiotic creams like clindamycin and erythromycin kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation of cystic bumps.
• Azelaic Acid – Natural ingredient derived from grains that fights acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, and discoloration.
• Sulfur – Has antimicrobial and exfoliating effects to treat mild inflammatory acne. Also absorbs excess oil.
• Tea Tree Oil – Natural essential oil acts as a disinfectant and soothes inflammation. Effective for mild hormonal acne.
• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and lactic acid unclog pores and enhance cell turnover to fade acne scars.
• Niacinamide – Restores and repairs acne-prone skin’s moisture barrier while regulating sebum production.

Tips for Using Acne Cream

Using your acne cream properly is just as important as choosing the right one. Follow these tips to maximize its effectiveness:

• Wash face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry before application. Avoid alcohol-based toners.
• Use your fingertips to apply a thin layer all over acne-prone areas, not just on existing pimples.
• For creams containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, start with once a day and gradually increase to twice daily use.
• Combine acne cream with a non-comedogenic moisturiser if it causes dryness or peeling.
• Apply sunscreen in the AM when using medicated creams that increase sun sensitivity.
• Allow the cream to absorb fully before applying makeup. Acne creams work best on bare skin.
• Use separate towels to avoid spreading acne bacteria from face to body and vice versa.
• Avoid picking or popping pimples as it can spread infection and lead to scarring.
• Track how your skin responds over 4-6 weeks. See a dermatologist if you don’t see improvement.

FAQs about Acne Creams

Q. How long does it take for acne cream to work?

Acne creams with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can show results within a few days to a week. But it takes 4-6 weeks of continued usage to see significant clearing of acne breakouts.

Q. Should acne cream be applied all over the face?

Yes, acne creams are meant to be used on the entire affected area and not just on existing pimples. Apply a thin layer over the forehead, cheeks, chin, and other areas prone to breakouts to treat and prevent acne.

Q. Can I use acne cream with other products?

Using other skin products with acne cream depends on the ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide can be used with salicylic acid and niacinamide creams but avoid using it with retinoids. Check for compatibility before layering products. Introduce new products slowly to check for irritation.

Q. What should I do if acne cream causes dryness or peeling?

Dryness and peeling are common side effects of potent acne medications like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Reduce application to once daily or every alternate day. Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer after the acne cream absorbs to counteract the drying effects.

Q. Can I use makeup over acne cream?

It’s best to allow acne creams to absorb fully and work on clean skin. But if you need to apply makeup, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic foundation and avoid applying it directly over acne medication. Check that your makeup products do not contain ingredients that can aggravate acne.

Q. How do I get rid of acne scars?

Post-acne dark spots and textured scars can be challenging to treat. OTC creams with vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, and antioxidants can help lighten pigmented scars over time. Professional treatments like chemical peels and microneedling are effective for pitted scars. Always use sun protection to prevent further pigmentation.

Q. Is it safe to use expired acne cream?

No, you shouldn’t use acne cream that has crossed its expiry date. Active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide lose their potency and efficacy over time. Using expired acne medication can also increase the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Always check the expiry before use.

Q. What is the best prescribed cream for acne?

If over-the-counter acne creams haven’t worked, your dermatologist may prescribe stronger topical medicines containing ingredients like clindamycin, tretinoin, adapalene, or dapsone. These require a prescription but are proven to be highly effective for moderate to severe acne. Tretinoin and adapalene are forms of vitamin A that help renew skin faster and reduce acne lesions. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Dapsone has anti-inflammatory and oil-reducing effects that help treat inflammatory acne. Creams containing these ingredients can bring faster relief when OTC options have failed. But you must follow dosage guidelines carefully to avoid potential side effects like peeling and dryness.

Q. What is the best face cream to get rid of acne?

The best face cream for getting rid of acne depends on your skin type and condition. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide creams work well for mild to moderate acne in oily, acne-prone skin. Retinoids like adapalene are effective for comedonal acne characterized by blackheads and whiteheads. Those with sensitive skin prone to dryness can opt for gentler creams containing sulfur or azelaic acid. Tea tree oil helps treat mild hormonal acne. Niacinamide and vitamin C creams address the post-acne marks and spots. Consult a dermatologist to identify your specific skin concerns and choose the most optimal topical acne treatment.

Q. What is the #1 best acne treatment?

There is no one-size-fits-all best acne treatment since different types of acne require different approaches. However, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid consistently rank among the most popular over-the-counter ingredients for treating mild to moderate inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Benzoyl peroxide is highly effective at killing the p. acnes bacteria inside clogged follicles and reducing inflammation. Meanwhile, salicylic acid penetrates and exfoliates inside pores to clear out sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Using acne medication that combines these two ingredients helps get acne under control by reducing and preventing breakouts. Brands like Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, and Garnier make excellent benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid-based products for acne treatment. But consult a dermatologist first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Q. Which cream clears acne faster?

Among OTC options, creams containing benzoyl peroxide tend to work the fastest on inflammatory acne characterized by red, painful bumps. Benzoyl peroxide destroys the acne-causing P. acnes bacteria to stop progression of existing pimples and also prevent new ones from forming. It starts showing visible results within a week. Creams with higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide around 5-10% can bring faster relief by reducing swelling and redness in inflamed pimples overnight. However, they can also cause dryness and peeling. Start with a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream and increase strength gradually. Do not use benzoyl peroxide if you have very sensitive skin.