Skin Serum
If you’re in the market for a skin serum, here’s a curated selection of top-rated options available in India—organised by skin concern for clarity:
🌟 Featured Picks
The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
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Formulated with niacinamide to control oil, even skin tone, refine pores, and strengthen barrier.
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Lightweight and generally non-comedogenic—great for oily or acne-prone skin.
“One of the top serums with niacinamide” in expert reviews -
Reddit users frequently report reduced blemishes and smoother skin
Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
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A budget-friendly favorite in India, with rice ferment and squalane to hydrate with niacinamide (10%)
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Widely praised for minimizing pores and controlling oil.
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Note: Reddit discussions mention niacinamide can cause reactions in some users—patch testing recommended
Mamaearth Daily Glow Face Serum
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Combines vitamin C, turmeric, and niacinamide to tackle dullness, pigmentation, and oil control
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Suitable for sensitive/combination skin. Its gentle brightening properties are frequently highlighted.
🧪 Other Effective Serum Options (Non-product)
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Plum 10% Niacinamide Serum with Rice Water & Squalane
Natural and vegan, this serum reduces blemishes and enhances radiance while being non-greasy and fragrance-free -
Minimalist 16% Vitamin C Serum (with Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Fullerenes)
A more potent option, ideal for combination/oily skin seeking brightening in ~3 weeks -
The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Serum (Niacinamide + Alpha Arbutin combo)
Targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation with a lightweight formula for visible results within weeks -
Forest Essentials Rasa Activating Serum
A premium Ayurvedic alternative rich in herbal extracts (neel kamal, licorice) designed to improve texture and glow naturally -
Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Night Serum
Traditional saffron-based formula effective for acne scars, pigmentation, and skin brightness—best as a night serum
💬 Community Experiences (Reddit Highlights)
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Some users experienced breakouts from niacinamide products, particularly if they were sensitive or allergic:
“Niacinamide in any formulation breaks me out so bad … felt my skin was more glowy when I used it”
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Appreciation for Lotus Herbals Vitamin C formula:
“Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Vitamin C + Gold Radiance Serum… helped brighten my skin and added a healthy glow”
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Gentle vitamin C like Simple Booster Serum has worked well for sensitive combination skin with none of the irritation typical of stronger actives
✅ Choosing Based on Your Skin Type
Concern |
Recommended Serum |
|---|---|
Oily / acne-prone / large pores |
Niacinamide (The Derma Co or Minimalist) |
Pigmentation / uneven tone |
Brightening serums: Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Arbutin |
Sensitive skin |
Gentle vitamin C serums (Simple Booster), low‑percentage niacinamide with patch test |
Dry or aging skin |
Hydrating HA serums, peptide blends, Ayurveda-based formulas like Kumkumadi or Forest Essentials |
📝 Pro Tips Before You Begin
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Patch test: Apply to a small area for 2–3 days to check for reactions.
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Introduce actives slowly (especially niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C): start alternate days or low concentrations.
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Use sunscreen daily, especially when using vitamin C, kojic acid or other brightening ingredients.
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Stay consistent: expect visible results in ~3–6 weeks.
⚠️ Caveat on Lotus Herbals Serums
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Although appreciated for glow, some users find texture heavy or sticky, particularly with gold‑infused versions (~Lotus WhiteGlow Vitamin C & Gold Radiance Serum)
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Ingredient transparency and efficacy among herb-based ranges can be variable—expect gradual results and consider conventional actives for stronger outcomes.