15 Best BB Creams for Indian Skin [December, 2023]

Created in Germany in the 1960s to aid patients recovering from laser treatments and surgeries, BB cream is short for ‘beauty balms’ or ‘blemish balms’. Due to its effectiveness, it became a popular product in the beauty industry. BB cream for women is a must-have item in the bag nowadays.

Best BB creams hydrate, moisturise, and smoothen the skin providing an instant glow and radiance. So, if you have a busy schedule and do not have time for an elaborate make-up routine, these BB creams are designed for you!

How to Choose the Best BB Cream in India

With hundreds of options to choose from, keep these factors in mind when selecting a BB cream:

1. Know Your Skin Type

• Oily Skin: Opt for an oil-free, matte finish BB cream with a lightweight texture that won’t clog pores.
• Dry Skin: Look for a hydrating BB cream enriched with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or plant oils. Avoid mattifying formulas.
• Sensitive Skin: Choose a gentle, fragrance-free BB cream with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. Do a patch test first.
• Normal Skin: Any lightweight, non-comedogenic BB cream works well for normal skin. Focus on added skin benefits like brightening or sun protection.

2. Shade Range

Test BB creams on your jawline to find a shade that blends seamlessly into your complexion without looking ashy or orange. Opt for liquid formulas with buildable coverage for more versatility.

3. Coverage Level

Sheer coverage BB creams even out skin tone with a natural finish. Medium coverage options conceal minor flaws. Full coverage formulas provide maximal coverage similar to foundation.

4. Texture

Light, serum-like textures feel weightless on skin. Creamier BB creams are more emollient and hydrating. Liquid formulas are easy to build up to your desired coverage.

5. Sun Protection

SPF is a key benefit of BB creams. Look for SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays.

6. Added Skin Care Benefits

Many BB creams also treat issues like dark spots, dullness, acne, wrinkles, etc. Identify your skin concerns and choose a BB cream that targets them.

7. Longevity

Test BB cream samples on your face. Check if it lasts without fading or slipping off, especially during hot and humid weather.

With these factors in mind, let’s look at the top 15 BB creams available in India right now.

15 Best BB Cream in India for All Skin Types

1. L’Oréal Paris Skin Perfect Anti-Imperfections + Whitening BB Cream

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,300+
• Features: Oil-free, mattifying finish; SPF 30, PA+++ sun protection; Vitamin C and salicylic acid for dark spots and acne marks; oil-absorbing perlite; fragrance-free
• Lightweight oil-free texture ideal for oily, acne-prone skin
• Conceals imperfections and blurs pores without heaviness
• Provides powerful UV protection
• Brightens and refines skin tone with continued use

Our Expert Opinion: This mattifying, blemish-fighting BB cream gets top marks for its ability to blur pores and control oil while treating dark spots on oily, acne-prone skin. The skin-perfecting benefits make it one of the best BB creams available for oily skin.

2. Lakme 9 to 5 Complexion Care CC Cream

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• Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 18,000+
• Features: Available in multiple shades; luminous finish; SPF 30; skin brightening vitamins B3, C, and E; silicone-free
• Lightweight texture blends seamlessly into skin
• Brightens and color corrects
• Hydrates skin while providing sun protection
• Gives a dewy, flawless finish

Our Expert Opinion: This lightweight CC cream is a bestseller for its ability to even out and illuminate the complexion with fuss-free application. The generous shade range and skin care benefits make it one of the top CC creams in India.

3. Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Skin Whitening & Brightening Gel Crème

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 4,400+
• Features: Ayurvedic formula with grape, mulberry, saxifrage, and milk enzymes; SPF 25; oil-free gel formula
• Provides broad-spectrum sun protection
• Lightens dark spots and brings a luminous glow
• Hydrates and nourishes skin with Ayurvedic herbs
• Perfect for daily use under makeup

Our Expert Opinion: This Ayurvedic skin brightener combines the best of skin care and color cosmetics. The lightweight formula is ideal for fading dark spots and achieving an even, radiant complexion, making it one of the best Ayurvedic BB creams in India.

4. Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream

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• Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 11,500+
• Features: Available in two shades; SPF 30, PA+++ sunscreen; oil-free; sweat-, heat-, and humidity-resistant; smoothening cross-linked hyaluronic acid
• Blurs imperfections with medium, buildable coverage
• Creates an imperfection-free canvas for makeup
• Locks in moisture for up to 8 hours
• Stays put without melting or sliding off

Our Expert Opinion: This smoothing, sweat-proof BB cream gets points for its budge-proof wear and poreless finish. The lightweight texture works for everyday wear for normal to oily skin.

5. Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 BB Cream

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• Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 3,700+
• Features: SPF 15 sunscreen; vitamin B3, E, B5; anti-aging amino peptides; oil-free; tinted formula with light coverage
• Improves skin tone, texture, dullness, wrinkles, dark spots, pores, and dryness
• Hydrates and nourishes skin with vitamins
• Lightens blemishes and provides subtle color
• Stays fresh in heat and humidity

Our Expert Opinion: This multitasking BB cream takes care of all aging concerns while providing an even, natural finish. The lightweight oil-free texture works well for daily use on normal to dry skin.

6. POND’S White Beauty BB+ Fairness Cream

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• Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 8,700+
• Features: Available in 3 shades; SPF 30 PA+++; oil-free gel-cream; vitamin B3 complex for spot lightening
• Lightens dark spots and brings a fairer complexion
• Minimizes pores and controls oil
• Hydrates skin for up to 12 hours
• Provides powerful broad spectrum sun protection

Our Expert Opinion: This oil-free formula earns points for its proven dark spot lightening and pore minimizing abilities. The featherlight feel makes it suitable for daily use on oily and acne-prone skin types.

7. Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream

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• Ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 11,800+
• Features: Available in 2 shades; SPF 24 PA+++; active fruit water; mineral clay; vitamin C; oil-free; light coverage
• Controls excess oil and shine
• Improves skin texture with smoothing mineral clay
• Treats dark spots with vitamin C
• Hydrates and cools skin with fruit extracts

Our Expert Opinion: This oil-free BB cream smoothens and mattifies combination to oily skin while fading dark spots with vitamin C, justifying its spot among the best drugstore BB creams in India.

8. Plum Green Tea Mattifying Under Eye Base with SPF 15

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• Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 500+
• Features: Targets under eyes; green tea, aloe vera, glycerin; silicone-, paraben-, sulfate-free; SPF 15; vegan and cruelty-free
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles
• Intensely hydrates delicate eye area
• Prevents premature aging around eyes
• Smoothens base for concealer
• Does not transfer or smudge

Our Expert Opinion: This lightweight under eye treatment tackles dark circles and hydrates for a brighter eye area. The inclusion of sun protection makes it one of the best under eye BB creams in India.

9. Mamaearth Skin Illuminate BB Cream

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• Ratings: 3.8 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,300+
• Features: Available in 2 shades; SPF 30 PA++; wild turmeric, saffron, daisy flower extracts; silicone-, paraben-, sulfate-free; oil-free
• Treats dark spots, dullness, enlarged pores, fine lines
• Hydrates skin for 12 hours
• Makes skin luminous and dewy
• Boosts collagen and repairs UV damage

Our Expert Opinion: This Ayurvedic BB cream nourishes skin while masking imperfections with light, buildable coverage. The glowy finish flatters all skin types, justifying its place among the best natural BB creams in India.

10. VLCC De Tan Clove Face Cream

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• Ratings: 3.9 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,500+
• Features: SPF 30; lightweight emulsion; clove extracts; meant for oily to combination skin
• Helps lighten skin tone
• Controls excess sebum secretion to reduce greasiness
• Refines pores and prevents blackheads/whiteheads
• Provides sun protection with SPF 30

Our Expert Opinion: This clove-infused BB cream is a good choice for getting matte, oil-free skin while benefiting from dark spot lightening in the long run. The effective oil-reducing formula makes it one of the top BB creams for oily skin.

11. Biotique Bio Honey Gel Lightening Tan Removal

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• Ratings: 3.9 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,300+
• Features: Ayurvedic formula with honey, cucumber, turmeric, fenugreek; suitable for oily to combination skin
• Lightens skin discoloration and tan
• Controls excess oil secretion
• Has a cooling and soothing effect
• Non-greasy gel texture ideal for summers

Our Expert Opinion: This lightweight Ayurvedic BB cream tackles uneven skin tone while keeping oiliness at bay. The hydrating gel texture absorbs quickly, making it perfect for daily use on oily skin types during hot weather.

12. Himalaya Herbals Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream

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• Ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 6,900+
• Features: Licorice, walnut, wintercherry extracts; SPF 15; oil-free; for normal to oily skin
• Helps fade dark spots and acne marks
• Reduces oiliness and prevents breakouts
• Refines skin texture over time
• Hydrates without blocking pores or causing greasiness

Our Expert Opinion: This herbal formula helps clear up existing blemishes while preventing new ones. The matte oil-free texture suits daily use on acne-prone skin.

13. Aroma Magic Mineral Glow Scrub

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• Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,100+
• Features: Formulated with olive oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E; SPF 20; for all skin types; provides light coverage
• Gently exfoliates and illuminates dull skin
• Nourishes skin with botanical oils
• Protects against sun damage with SPF 20
• Minimizes pores and evens out skin tone

Our Expert Opinion: This nourishing, mineral-enriched formula brightens dull skin with gentle exfoliation and subtle coverage. The hydrating oils make it suitable for daily use on dry skin.

14. Lotus Herbals Alphamoist Oil Free Radiance Gel

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• Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,500+
• Features: Oil-free gel cream; SPF 20 PA++; liquorice and milk enzymes; for normal to oily skin
• Controls excess oil and prevents greasiness
• Lightens dark spots and imparts radiance
• Hydrates skin without clogging pores
• Provides UV protection with broad spectrum SPF

Our Expert Opinion: This oil-free brightening BB cream gives lightweight hydration while treating dark spots, making it ideal for daily use on oily or acne-prone skin.

15. Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream

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• Ratings: 3.9 out of 5 stars
• Reviews: 1,900+
• Features: Available in 3 shades; silicone-free; mineral-based; buildable medium coverage; SPF 30 PA++
• Evens out skin tone with seamless blending
• Conceals minor flaws without looking cakey
• Controls oil for several hours
• Provides broad-spectrum UV protection

Our Expert Opinion: This silicone-free BB cream provides buildable coverage that looks natural on the skin. The lightweight feel makes it work well on combination to oily skin types.

Comparison Table of Top 15 Best BB Cream in India

How to Apply Best BB Cream Perfectly

• Prep your skin – Cleanse, tone, and moisturize before applying BB cream for smooth application and longevity.
• Dot and blend – Dot the BB cream on forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Then use your fingertips to blend it outwards.
• Use a damp sponge – For sheer, natural coverage use a damp makeup sponge to blend and pat in the BB cream.
• Build up coverage – Apply light layers and build up coverage where needed. Let each layer dry before adding more.
• Set with powder – Dust a light layer of translucent powder to set the BB cream. This makes it transfer-proof.
• Apply SPF – Apply sunscreen first underneath your BB cream to get full UV protection as most BB creams have only SPF 30.

Tips for Choosing Shades

• Test on your jawline rather than the back of your hand.
• Choose a shade that blends seamlessly into your skin tone without demarcation.
• Opt for the next darker shade if confused between two shades to avoid greyness.
• Liquid and cream formulas allow you to sheer out and build up coverage.
• If a shade is too light, mix in a little moisturizer. If it’s too dark, mix with some powder.

How to Care for your Skin when using Best BB Cream

• Always prep skin well – BB creams look best on exfoliated skin. Use gentle face scrubs 2-3 times a week.
• Moisturize every morning and night – BB creams are not enough on their own. Always follow up with a moisturizer suited to your skin type.
• Use targeted treatments – Address skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, dryness, etc. with suitable night serums before applying BB creams in the AM.
• Remove makeup thoroughly – Use a makeup remover or cleansing oil before your regular cleanser to break down the BB cream.
• Mask once a week – Give your skin a nourishment boost and deep cleanse with a clay, sheet or overnight face mask weekly.

FAQs about Best BB Cream

Q. Should I use a BB cream daily?

Using a BB cream daily is fine as long as you follow it up with a moisturizer. Opt for creams with light hydrating textures and built-in sun protection. Perform regular exfoliation and cleansing to prevent clogged pores.

Q. Is BB cream good for oily acne-prone skin?

Yes, oil-free BB creams with a matte finish are very suitable for oily, acne-prone skin when

Q. Can BB cream for women be used as a foundation?

BB cream or Beauty Balm is a multipurpose cream that can be used as a foundation, primer, concealer, or moisturiser.

Q. Can I apply BB cream at night?

Though BB creams have no side effects and can be applied daily, they are not recommended before bed.

Q. Does every BB cream contain sunblock?

Yes, almost every BB cream contains sunscreen or sunblock of SPF 15 to 20.

Q. What is the BB cream used for?

BB creams are multifunctional products that combine skincare and makeup benefits in one. They provide lightweight, buildable coverage to even out skin tone while also treating issues like dark spots, dullness, dryness, etc. BB creams hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin with SPF. They can be used in place of separate moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, and foundation products.

Q. Which one is better BB or CC cream?

BB creams are tinted moisturizers that even out skin tone with light coverage. CC creams have better coverage with added color correcting properties to counter issues like redness, dullness, dark spots, etc. Those with imperfections to cover may find CC creams better, while BB creams work well for minimal coverage.

Q. Can I use BB cream instead of foundation?

Yes, many people use BB creams instead of foundation for lightweight, natural coverage. BB creams even out skin tone but the coverage is light and buildable compared to full coverage foundations. Choose a BB cream with your ideal coverage level and finish.

Q. What is BB cream vs foundation?

BB creams provide light to medium coverage with a natural finish. Foundations give fuller coverage with a more made-up look. BB creams multitask with skincare benefits like SPF, hydration, and treatment of issues while foundations focus solely on concealing.

Q. Which BB cream brand is best?

Some of the best BB cream brands in India are L’Oreal Paris, Lakme, Lotus Herbals, Himalaya, POND’S, Maybelline NY, Biotique, Mamaearth, Garnier, Olay, Colorbar etc. Refer to the guide above to find the best BB cream for your skin type and concerns.

Q. Is CC cream or BB cream better?

For minimal, natural coverage, BB creams are better. For covering imperfections like spots, marks, redness, etc. CC creams provide better color correcting coverage. CC creams also give a flawless finish and tightening effect. Oily skin types may prefer CC creams.

Q. Which BB cream is dermatologist recommended?

Dermatologists often recommend oil-free, non-comedogenic BB creams with suitable SPF like the L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfect BB Cream for acne-prone skin or the Himalaya Herbals BB Cream with blemish control. Light, mineral-based formulas like Colorbar Perfect Match BB Cream are also recommended.

Q. Which BB cream is best for glowing?

BB creams like the Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream, Mamaearth Skin Illuminate BB Cream, Lotus Herbals Whiteglow BB cream provide an illuminating, glowing finish. They contain light-reflecting minerals and skin brightening vitamins that make dull skin radiant and dewy.