A wave of Indian skincare companies has emerged, offering similar high-quality ingredients as The Ordinary
The Ordinary took the skincare world by storm with its focus on single-ingredient serums and affordable pricing. But in recent years, a wave of Indian skincare companies has emerged, offering similar philosophies and high-quality ingredients. So, with so many choices, why should you reach for The Ordinary? In the crowded world of skincare, navigating a sea of serums and moisturizers can be bewildering. The Ordinary, a brand known for its stripped-down approach and affordable prices, has taken the industry by storm. Why not support our Indian skincare companies if they are providing the same range of products at affordable prices and the same quality?
We’ll dig more into these brand philosophies, hero products, and unique strengths to help you decide which brand best suits your skincare needs and preferences.
Understanding Brand Philosophies
Each skincare brand has a distinct philosophy that shapes its product development and marketing strategy. Here’s a glimpse into the core values of these brands:
Brand | Philosophy |
Plum | Natural, vegan, effective |
Minimalist | Science-backed, no-frills approach |
Dot & Key | Clinically-tested solutions for specific concerns |
The Derma Co. | Dermatologist-developed, results-oriented |
Dr. Sheth’s | Science meets Ayurveda for Indian skin |
Foxtale | Sustainable, cruelty-free skincare essentials |
Re’equil | Bio-engineered, results-driven formulas |
Hero Products and Unique Strengths
Now, let’s look at some of these brands’ hero products and the strengths they bring to the table compared to The Ordinary:
Brand | Hero Products | Strengths Compared to The Ordinary | Considerations |
Plum | Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner, Grape Seed & Vitamin E Oil | Fun, playful packaging, focus on natural ingredients | Availability might be limited outside India |
Minimalist | 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Face Cleanser, 10% Niacinamide Face Serum | Affordable, high concentration of active ingredients | Limited product range, some may find fragrance strong |
Dot & Key | Cica Calming Serum, Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum | Targeted solutions, gentle formulas | Price point might be slightly higher than some |
The Derma Co. | AHA Glow Serum, 10% Azelaic Acid Cream | Medical-grade expertise, innovative ingredients | Packaging can be less user-friendly |
Dr. Sheth’s | Ceramide + Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, Cica + Oat Cleansing Milk | Formulated for Indian climate and concerns, focus on calming ingredients | The price point might be slightly higher than some |
Foxtale | No-Sebum Clear Skin Serum, Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum | Eco-conscious packaging, antioxidant focus | Availability might be limited in some regions |
Re’equil | Oil Free Hydrating Gel, BHA Pore Minimizing Toner | Innovative ingredients, effective for oily and acne-prone skin | Fragrance might not be suitable for everyone |
Why Consider Alternatives to The Ordinary?
While The Ordinary offers a compelling value proposition, there are reasons to consider exploring other Indian skincare companies:
- Focus on Natural Ingredients: If you prioritize natural and botanical ingredients, brands like Plum and Dr. Sheth’s might be a better fit.
- Targeted Solutions: Dot & Key and The Derma Co. specialize in addressing specific skincare concerns, offering a more curated approach.
- Formulated for Indian Skin: Dr. Sheth’s and Re’equil take into account the unique challenges of Indian skin, such as pollution and humidity.
- Sustainable Practices: Foxtale prioritizes eco-conscious packaging and formulations, which may resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.
Plum:
Known for its focus on natural ingredients and gentle formulas, Plum offers a wide range of products catering to various skin types and concerns. Their hero ingredient is the Kakadu plum, a potent source of Vitamin C.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Gentler: Ideal for sensitive skin as they often use soothing botanical extracts instead of highly concentrated actives.
- Pre-mixed solutions: Convenient for those who don’t want to layer multiple serums.
- Lower concentration: May not be as effective for those with deeply ingrained concerns like wrinkles or severe acne.
Minimalist:
True to its name, “Clinical Solutions for Skin, Body, Hair” Minimalist offers a curated range of single-ingredient serums and targeted solutions. This Jaipur-based brand focus is on scientific backing and effectiveness. Within a few months, they have taken over the skincare industry to a lot of extent.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Clinically proven ingredients: Backed by research for reliable results.
- Transparent formulations: You know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
- Limited range: May not offer comprehensive solutions for diverse skin types.
Dot & Key:
One of my favorite brands, since I am trying a lot of their best sellers like Dot & Key Vitamin C + E Face Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++, Dot & Key Strawberry On-The-Go SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick PA+++, Dot & Key Hyaluronic + Ceramide Barrier Repair Hydrating Face Moisturizer Cream, etc. This brand strikes a balance between single-ingredient and pre-mixed formulations. They offer potent actives alongside soothing extracts for targeted results. This skincare brand aims to bridge the gap between natural and synthetic ingredients, sourcing clean ingredients and processing them to their most efficient format.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Innovative formats: Offers serums, masks, and mists for diverse needs.
- Fragrance-free options: Ideal for sensitive skin.
- Limited product descriptions: May require additional research to understand suitability.
The Derma Co.:
Founded by a dermatologist, The Derma Co. prioritizes doctor-recommended solutions with a focus on active ingredients. For best results, consumers are directed to fill out a survey and then receive a prescription of the ideal ingredients to solve their concerns.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Dermatologist-developed: Ideal for those seeking doctor-approved formulations.
- Targeted solutions: Offers products specifically designed for concerns like pigmentation or acne.
- Higher price point: May be more expensive compared to some other brands.
Dr. Sheth’s:
Another dermatologist-driven brand, Dr. Sheth’s emphasizes science-backed formulations with a focus on barrier repair and healthy skin microbiome. Dr. Sheth’s Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen are my favorites.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Microbiome-friendly ingredients: Promotes a balanced skin ecosystem for overall health.
- Focus on gentle actives: Suitable for sensitive skin types.
- Limited product variety: May not offer solutions for specific concerns like anti-aging.
Foxtale:
Inspired by tales of these women, Foxtale was founded in December 2021. They are a D2C skincare brand that offers targeted solutions to a variety of skin concerns. This brand champions clean beauty with a focus on natural, vegan, and sustainable ingredients. Hyaluronic acid serum and Dewy sunscreen are my most used from this brand.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Eco-conscious packaging: Sustainable choices for the environmentally conscious consumer.
- Soothing formulations: Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
- Lower concentration of actives: This may not be as powerful for addressing stubborn concerns.
Re’equil:
Focusing on evidence-based formulations, Re’equil offers solutions for various skin types and concerns. They prioritize effective yet gentle ingredients. Highlights include the Pitstop gel, which bolsters collagen production and lightens pigmented acne marks. I love the clinical packaging of Re’equil products indicating focused treatments.
Benefits vs. The Ordinary:
- Multifunctional products: Many products address multiple concerns like hydration and brightening.
- Focus on calming ingredients: Ideal for irritated skin.
- Limited concentration options: This may not be suitable for those seeking high-potency actives.
Since your skin absorbs a large part of what you put on, it’s vital to make smart choices. By choosing products that are kind to your skin, you will wear them with pride for the rest of your life. And our Indian skincare companies are offering us the same.
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