Discover the 11 Best Skin Whitening Creams in India 2023 in this comprehensive review. Learn about their effectiveness, safety, and users’ experiences to help you achieve lighter, brighter skin safely and effectively.
In pursuing the perfect complexion, finding the right skincare product that addresses your unique concerns is crucial. Skin whitening creams, in particular, have become a popular solution for reducing hyperpigmentation while promoting an even skin tone.
However, skin-lightening creams are not only limited to those with dark spots; they can also be used by anyone looking to lighten their skin tone. According to the Indian Association of Dermatologists, “Skin-whitening creams can even out skin tone and reduce blemishes, dark spots, or discoloration caused by sun exposure.”
But with so many skin-lightening creams, it can be difficult to determine the right one for you. To help make your search easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best skin whitening creams in India of 2023. So, scroll down to know more!
Our Top Picks:
Lotus Phyto Rx Whitening & Brightening Creme
L'Oreal Paris Whitening Cream
Olay Regenerist Micro sculpting Cream
Lakme Absolute Perfect Lightening Cream
Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening cream
Olay Total Effects Day Cream
How Does Skin Whitening Creams Work?
Skin whitening creams work by targeting the melanin in your skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color. More melanin means darker skin, and less melanin results in lighter skin.
Skin whitening creams contain specific ingredients, such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, or mercury, which are known to reduce melanin production. According to a study by the Indian Women’s Dermatologic Association, only a tiny amount of these ingredients is required to lighten the skin effectively.
However, it’s important to note that skin whitening creams may take weeks or months to see visible results. Depending on your skin type, the effectiveness of these creams may vary, so consult a dermatologist before applying.
How to use whitening cream?
Using a whitening cream effectively involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s a simple guide:
- Cleanse Your Skin: Before applying the whitening cream, make sure your skin is clean and free of any makeup or dirt. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.
- Exfoliate (Optional): Exfoliating your skin before applying the cream helps remove dead skin cells and allows for deeper penetration. It’s not necessary daily, but incorporating it 1-2 times per week can be beneficial.
- Apply the Whitening Cream: Take a small amount of the cream on your fingertips. Apply it evenly across your face, focusing on the areas you want to lighten. Be careful to avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Massage the Cream into Your Skin: Gently massage the cream using upward strokes until fully absorbed. This helps increase blood circulation and ensures the cream penetrates deeply into your skin.
- Wait for the Cream to Absorb: Allow the cream to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine. This could take a few minutes.
- Apply Sunscreen: If you’re applying the whitening cream during the day, always follow up with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Ingredients in whitening creams can increase sun sensitivity, so protecting your skin is crucial to prevent damage and pigmentation.
- Repeat Daily: For best results, use the whitening cream consistently. Most products require daily use, but always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Best Skin Whitening Cream in India
In your daily skincare routine, skin whitening cream can benefit your skin with the nourishment and protection it needs. Though skin-lightening cream options are aplenty, finding one that suits your skin type and addresses any specific concerns is essential. Here’s our list of the best skin whitening cream in India for 2023:
| Best Skin Whitening Cream | Skin Whitening Cream Price |
|---|---|
| Lotus Phyto Rx Whitening & Brightening Creme | ₹ 477 |
| L'Oreal Paris Whitening Cream | ₹ 486 |
| Olay Regenerist Micro sculpting Cream | ₹ 1,099 |
| Lakme Absolute Perfect Lightening Cream | ₹ 315 |
| Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening cream | ₹ 174 |
| Olay Total Effects Day Cream | ₹ 640 |
| Plum Green Tea Skin Lightening Cream | ₹ 345 |
| L'Oreal Paris Revitallift Cream | ₹ 602 |
| L'Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Brightening Cream | ₹ 599 |
| Biotique Saffron Youthful skin Cream | ₹ 769 |
1
Lotus Phyto Rx Whitening & Brightening Creme
Best organic skin brightening cream
Lotus Phyto Rx Whitening & Brightening Creme is a superior skincare product that promises to deliver lighter, brighter, and more radiant skin. This is the best skin-lightening cream with a blend of natural ingredients like Bilberry and Amla, which help to reduce melanin and blemishes. The product comes in a convenient bottle container and is soft on the skin, making it suitable for both men and women. As a good moisturizer, it hydrates the skin while working to reduce dark spots.
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Pros:
- Contains natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin.
- Offers SPF 25 PA+++ sun protection.
- Suitable for both men and women.
- Paraben-free
- Silicon-free and cruelty-free.
Cons:
- May cause skin irritation in some people.
| Ingredients: | Amla berry (Vitamin C), Lychee & Punarnava root extracts |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 grams |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | SPF25 PA+++ |
2
L'Oreal Paris Whitening Cream
Best anti-aging cream for women over 40
L'Oreal Paris Whitening Cream is an advanced skincare solution designed to combat signs of aging while enhancing your skin's natural radiance. The key ingredient in this cream is Pro-Retinol A, known for its potent anti-aging benefits that help reduce wrinkles and revitalize the skin. For best results, it's recommended for daily use on a cleansed face and neck, avoiding the eye area. The cream has received positive customer reviews, showing its effectiveness.
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Pros:
- Paraben-free formulation
- Provide uneven skin tone
- The perfect option for dark skin
- Removes dead skin cells
- Provide natural glow
Cons:
- The product may not suit oily skin
| Ingredients: | Water, Niacinamide, Glycerine, Lentil seed extract, Sunflower seed oil, stearic acid, etc. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 g |
| Skin Type: | Normal Skin |
| SPF Contain: | SPF 21 PA+++ |
3
Olay Regenerist Micro sculpting Cream
Best skin-lightening day cream
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is an advanced anti-aging skincare product that corrects your skin's appearance without drastic measures. The cream is designed to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles within just four weeks, effectively rolling back the signs of aging. It also firms up areas prone to sagging, such as the jawline, providing a more youthful look. Formulated with a high concentration of Olay's signature amino-peptide complex, this cream penetrates 10 layers deep into the skin surface.
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Pros:
- Advanced anti-aging formulation
- Perfect facial skin treatment
- Reduces wrinkles and sagging
- Formulated with intense hydration.
Cons:
- Not suitable for extreme acne-prone skin
| Ingredients: | 99% pure niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin E. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 grams |
| Skin Type: | All skin type |
| SPF Contain: | N/A |
4
Lakme Absolute Perfect Lightening Cream
Best lightening cream for dull skin
Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Lightening Light Creme is a premium skincare product that works to repair, brighten, and even out your skin tone. The cream contains skin-lightening vitamins and Niacinamide that help achieve radiant, glowing skin. It also includes micro-crystals and vita-resorcinol, enhancing the skin's natural glow. The cream is designed to be easily absorbed by the skin, reaching deep within the cells to work its magic.
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Pros:
- Helps remove tan and lighten skin tone
- Avoid dark skin discoloration
- Gentle enough for everyday use
- It can be used day or night
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin.
| Ingredients: | Allantoin, niacinamide, glycerine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 g |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | SPF 20 PA++ |
5
Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening cream
This skin-brightening cream from Garnier provides skin naturally beautiful and even complexion in just a few weeks. It is a multi-purpose skincare product that blends the benefits of a moisturizer, beauty benefit cream, and sunscreen into one. One of the standout features of this cream is its ability to hydrate and moisturize the skin for up to 8 hours, eliminating the need for frequent touch-ups. The cream effortlessly blends into the skin, providing a radiant glow from within.
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Pros:
- A multi-purpose skincare product
- Natural ingredients
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin for 8 hours.
- UVA/UVB protection
- Perfect solution for youthful skin
Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
| Ingredients: | Vitamin C and Almond Extracts. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 30 grams |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | SPF 24 |
6
Olay Total Effects Day Cream
Best skin lightening cream for wrinkles
Olay Total Effects Day Cream is a luxurious skincare product addressing seven aging signs. It works to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, sagging skin, dullness, and age spots. With broad-spectrum sun protection, this cream also helps protect the skin from sun damage. However, this cream treats hyperpigmentation and age spots. The cream is lightweight yet moisturizing, making it suitable for everyday use.
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Pros:
- Lightweight and non-greasy texture
- Avoid fine lines and wrinkles
- Repair skin damage and dark spots
- Enriched with powerful ingredients
Cons:
- It may cause a slight burning sensation in sensitive skin types.
| Ingredients: | Vitamin B5, Vitamin C&E, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin B3, and Niacinamide. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 grams |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | SPF 15 |
7
Plum Green Tea Skin Lightening Cream
Best acne-prone night cream
This is a night gel explicitly designed for oily, acne-prone skin. The cream contains antioxidant green tea and argan oil extracts that help clear acne and provide balanced hydration. The cream fights pimples, hydrates skin, and soothes inflammation with its ultra-light gel texture and non-sticky formula. For best results, cleaning the face before applying the cream is recommended. Also, always test new products on a small patch before using them as instructed.
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Pros:
- Lightweight gel texture
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Non-greasy and non-sticky formula
- Hydrates skin without clogging pores.
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for sensitive skin types.
| Ingredients: | Argan oil, glycolic acid, licorice, willow bark, and green tea extracts. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 ml |
| Skin Type: | Normal, combination, and oily skin. |
| SPF Contain: | N/A |
8
Himalayan Organics Brightening Cream
Best paraben-free brightening cream
Himalayan Organics Brightening Cream is a skincare product that promotes a youthful glow and helps remove dark spots. This cream has received high customer ratings, reflecting its effectiveness and quality. The cream is part of the Himalayan Organics skincare line, known for its commitment to natural and organic ingredients. The Brightening Cream is oil-free, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to maintain balanced skin without the risk of clogged pores or breakouts.
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Pros:
- Promotes a youthful glow and helps to remove dark spots.
- Contains natural and organic ingredients.
- Affordable price.
- Paraben-free.
- Noncomedogenic
Cons:
- It may not suit extremely sensitive skin types.
| Ingredients: | Petrolatum, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Argan Oil |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 grams |
| Skin Type: | Normal skin types |
| SPF Contain: | SPF 25 |
9
L'Oreal Paris Revitallift Cream
Best skin brightening cream
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Cream is a day cream that hydrates and re-plumps the skin. This cream effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines, leaving the skin looking smooth, plump, and radiant. The cream's formulation includes hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that retains water to keep your tissues well-lubricated. This lightweight cream immediately absorbs into the skin without leaving an oily or sticky residue.
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Pros:
- Hydrates and re-plumps the skin.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly.
- Easy to apply and use
Cons:
- May cause dryness in some people.
| Ingredients: | Hyaluronic Acid, Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, and Secale Cereale Seed Extract. |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 ml |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | N/A |
10
L'Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Brightening Cream
Best fairness cream for young women
L'Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Brightening Cream is a non-greasy night cream that enhances your skin's natural glow. This cream delivers multiple benefits, including reducing dark spots, inhibiting melanin, and boosting skin regeneration. One of the key features of this cream is its ability to inhibit melanin production, which reduces dark spots and uneven skin tone. Apply it on thoroughly cleansed skin before bedtime and wake up to a brighter, more radiant complexion in the morning.
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Pros:
- Non-greasy night cream
- Inhibits melanin production
- Reduces dark spots and blemishes
- Boosts skin regeneration.
Cons:
- It's a bit expensive compared to other night creams.
| Ingredients: | Tourmaline Gemstone, Vitamin C and Vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Size: | 50 ml |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | N/A |
11
Biotique Saffron Youthful skin Cream
Best lightening cream for radiant skin
Biotique Saffron Youthful Skin Cream is an anti-aging cream that reduces dry lines and wrinkles and revitalizes skin cells. This cream perfectly blends Ayurvedic wisdom and modern Swiss biotechnology, providing a natural solution to skin aging. This cream is dermatologically tested, ensuring its safety and effectiveness. It is made with 100% botanical extracts and is free from harmful chemicals and preservatives.
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Pros:
- Perfectly blends Ayurvedic wisdom
- Reduces wrinkles and dry lines
- Dermatologically tested
- Free from harmful chemicals
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for sensitive skin types.
| Ingredients: | 100% natural botanical extracts including Saffron, Pistachio, and Almond |
|---|---|
| Size: | 175 grams |
| Skin Type: | All skin types |
| SPF Contain: | N/A |
How to Choose Skin Brightening Cream?
Choosing a skin brightening cream requires carefully considering your skin type, concerns, and preferences. Here are some steps to help you choose the right product:
- Identify Your Skin Type: Determine whether you have dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal skin. This will help you select a product that suits your skin's needs.
- Understand Your Skin Concerns: Identify the specific skin concerns you want to address, such as dark spots, uneven skin tone, acne scars, or dullness. Different brightening creams may target various issues.
- Check the Ingredients: Look for key ingredients known to brighten the skin such as Vitamin C, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), Niacinamide, etc.
- Check for Product Reviews: Read reviews from other users with similar skin concerns to understand how well the product works.
- Patch Test: Before applying any new product to your face, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for allergic reactions or irritation.
- Consider SPF Protection: If you're using a skin brightening cream to address issues like dark spots or sun damage, it's crucial to use sunscreen during the day to prevent further damage.
- Follow a Skincare Routine: Incorporate the skin-brightening cream into your daily skincare routine. It's essential to be consistent and patient, as results may take time.
What ingredients you should avoid in skin whitening creams?
When choosing a skin brightening or whitening cream, it's essential to be cautious about specific ingredients that may be harmful or have adverse effects on your skin and overall health. Here are some ingredients to avoid:
- Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a joint skin-lightening agent, but it can have side effects such as skin irritation, redness, and potentially permanent skin discoloration. In some countries, it is banned or restricted due to safety concerns.
- Steroids: Topical steroids may be included in some skin-lightening creams, but their long-term use can lead to skin thinning, acne, and irreversible skin damage. Prolonged use of steroids without medical supervision is not recommended.
- Parabens: Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products. They may hurt hormonal balance and have been associated with health concerns. Look for paraben-free products.
- Fragrances: Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions. It's advisable to choose products that are fragrance-free or labeled as hypoallergenic.
- Alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol in skincare products can dry and irritate the skin, potentially exacerbating skin issues. Look for products with lower or no alcohol content.
- Harsh Chemicals and Dyes: Avoid products with harsh chemicals, artificial colors, and dyes, as these can irritate and sensitize the skin.
Comparison of best skin whitening cream in India of 2023!
Look at the below table:
| Product | Price (Approx.) | Ingredients | Customer Ratings (Out of 5) |
| Lotus Phyto Rx Whitening & Brightening Creme | ₹447 | Amla berry (Vitamin C), Lychee & Punarnava root extracts | 4.2 |
| L'Oreal Paris Whitening Cream | ₹498 | Water, Niacinamide, Glycerine, Lentil seed extract, Sunflower seed oil, stearic acid, etc. | 4.2 |
| Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream | ₹1,259 | 99% pure niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin E. | 4.2 |
| Lakme Absolute Perfect Lightening Cream | N/A | Allantoin, niacinamide, glycerine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. | 4.1 |
| Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening Cream | ₹168 | Vitamin C and Almond Extracts. | 4.0 |
| Olay Total Effects Day Cream | ₹692 | Vitamin B5, Vitamin C&E, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin B3, and Niacinamide. | 4.2 |
| Plum Green Tea Skin Lightening Cream | ₹428 | Argan oil, glycolic acid, licorice, willow bark, and green tea extracts. | 4.2 |
| Himalayan Organics Brightening Cream | N/A | Petrolatum, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Argan Oil | 3.9 |
| L'Oreal Paris Revitallift Cream | ₹700 | Hyaluronic Acid, Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, and Secale Cereale Seed Extract. | 4.1 |
| L'Oreal Paris Aura Perfect Brightening Cream | N/A | Tourmaline Gemstone, Vitamin C and Vitamin E | 4.0 |
| Biotique Saffron Youthful Skin Cream | ₹462 | 100% natural botanical extracts including Saffron, Pistachio, and Almond | 4.2 |
Citations
- 1: Skin whitening - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_whitening
- 2: India - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India
- 3: Skin Lightening Creams: Uses and Risks - https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-lightening-creams-5085383
- 4: Skin lightening - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/skin-lightening/
- 5: How to Choose Skin Whitening Creams - https://www.newswire.com/news/how-to-choose-skin-whitening-creams-1560
- 6: How to Make Whitening Cream - https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Whitening-Cream
- 7: Skin lightening practices: an epidemiological study of South African women of African and Indian ancestries - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147621/
- 8: Skin Lightening Products - https://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin-lightening-products
- 9: Skin Whitening - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/skin-whitening
