Deep dryness, pollution stress and a sharp shift toward clean beauty are redefining India’s winter skincare landscape
India’s winter skincare market is undergoing one of its most significant transformations yet. The broader skincare industry, valued at roughly USD 2.6–3 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to between USD 7.11 billion and USD 8 billion by 2030–2032, driven by evolving consumer expectations, worsening environmental conditions and a clear preference for science-backed, barrier-repairing, pollution-protective winter formulations. Winter-specific ranges have grown into one of the most lucrative seasonal segments of the beauty industry, with some companies reporting that up to 30 per cent of their annual sales now come from the winter quarter alone.
Deep Hydration Meets Environmental Defence
Harmeet Singh, Chief Brand Officer at The Body Shop Asia South, notes that winter skincare can no longer be built around superficial moisturisation. “At The Body Shop, our skincare approach for winter focuses on deep hydration, nourishment and protection, key needs for consumers in North and Central India, where low humidity and rising pollution levels can lead to dryness, dullness, sensitivity and uneven skin tone,” she explains. Formulations enriched with Edelweiss, Vitamin C and Tea Tree now play a central role in soothing skin and supporting its defence against environmental stressors. Singh adds that the brand is observing a shift particularly among Gen Z and young professionals, who seek formulations that link hydration to environmental resilience. “They’re seeking skin-kind, responsibly formulated products that help offset daily pollutant exposure without feeling heavy or chemical-laden,” she says, emphasising the brand’s commitment to gentle, nature-forward formulations that balance efficacy with sensorial comfort.
Snigdha Suman, General Manager – Marketing & Business Development, Avon reveals, “Anew is Avon’s premium, science-backed skincare line crafted to deliver visible and safe results across all skin types. Powered by our proprietary Protinol™ technology to support collagen, the range also features richer winter formulations and multi-weight hyaluronic acid serums that penetrate deeper, strengthen the moisture barrier, and provide long-lasting hydration when skin is most vulnerable.”
Lightweight, Clean Formulations for Pollution-Stressed Winter Skin
Mohit Goyal, Co-Founder & Director of Swiss Beauty, notes that winter in North and Central India now brings a dual challenge of dryness and pollution-induced dullness. “Winter isn’t just about dry skin anymore; it also brings that tired look because of pollution in the air,” he says, adding that consumers increasingly seek breathable, non-comedogenic skincare that delivers radiance without heaviness. Swiss Beauty’s formulations—including the Vitamin C Illuminating Serum, Care Glow Fusion Face Serum, Care Dew Lock Day Cream and Care Glow Fusion Sunscreen—are designed to offer a clean, healthy glow with lightweight textures that sit comfortably under makeup while supporting daily protection against environmental stressors.
Barrier Repair Through Technology
Professional salon-grade brands echo the sentiment. Ankit Virmani of Esskay Beauty Resources says that Skinora’s “Elemental Beauty” approach has been designed to address winter’s triple challenge of low humidity, harsh winds and compromised skin barriers. Their formulations rely on nano-encapsulated, barrier-repair technologies paired with natural ingredients that deliver deep hydration without heavy textures. He highlights the sharp seasonal rise in pollution penetration: “Dry, compromised winter skin is 60 per cent more vulnerable to pollution penetration. We solve this through hydration paired with detoxification, not symptom-masking.” As clean beauty expectations climb, Virmani affirms the brand’s commitment to transparency and ethical sourcing, underscoring that Skinora’s entire vegan portfolio is certified sulphate- and paraben-free.
The Comeback of Cold-Pressed Oils
The resurgence of cold-pressed oils and botanical lipids has also become a defining trend of India’s winter skincare market. Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder of Soulflower, observes that cold winds, low humidity and sudden winter temperature drops significantly pull moisture from the skin. “We adapt our winter formulations by strengthening barrier-repairing ingredients and leaning on richer plant-based lipids,” she says. The brand’s cold-pressed Castor Oil has become a winter essential for many, especially for extremely dry skin, cracked heels and warming body massages. Pollution also affects hair and scalp health, with Tuli pointing out that Tea Tree Scalp Oil has gained traction for calming dandruff-prone, itchy scalps that flare due to pollution and the season’s dryness. Soulflower continues to prioritise simple, transparent ingredient lists grounded in natural oils and gentle actives, aligning closely with the growing demand for low-chemical routines.
Mass Beauty Adapts to Clean Expectations
The mass beauty segment, traditionally known for large-scale accessibility, has also begun re-engineering its winter range to deliver cleaner, more transparent and science-backed solutions. Sunil Agarwal, Co-founder and Chairman of Joy Personal Care, reiterates the importance of grounding product development in field data. “North India has been a core market for us since inception. We have invested extensively in on-ground research—tracking weather variations, understanding evolving consumer behaviour and mapping region-specific skincare needs.” Agarwal acknowledges that while skincare may not completely shield against pollution, consistent use of nature-based, effective formulations can help strengthen the skin’s resilience. Joy’s winter products are designed to combine regional insights with natural ingredient blends to offer deep moisturisation without exaggerated claims.
According to Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-founder, Fixderma, there is a clear shift in what people expect from their skincare today. “They want honesty, they want transparency, and they want formulas that are safe for long-term use. At Fixderma, our idea of “clean” has always been simple: use what is truly needed, leave out what isn’t, and ensure every ingredient has a purpose. Our winter range reflects that philosophy of minimal, soothing, and barrier-friendly formulations that feel gentle but effective.”
Pollution Protection for Salon Clients
The professional salon segment has similarly evolved its approach as pollution-induced damage becomes a central winter concern. Vidur Kapur of O3+ Professional underscores the harsh winter shifts that weaken skin barriers across North and Central India. He explains that O3+ now formulates treatments that prioritise deeper hydration and resilience, such as the Bridal Facial Kits and Glow Shield SPF designed for low-humidity protection. “With rising AQI levels, pollution-triggered dullness, pigmentation and inflammation have become major concerns,” he says. Their formulations target the removal of particulate matter while restoring clarity and supporting barrier strength. The brand’s dermatologically tested, low-irritant and transparent ingredient philosophy aligns with broader consumer demand for clean beauty.
Ayurveda’s Warming Winter Therapies
Ayurvedic and botanical brands have simultaneously stepped into stronger relevance during winter. Swagatika Das, CEO and Co-founder of Nat Habit, explains that winter in North and Central India brings a harsh combination of low humidity, cold winds and weakened skin barriers, leading to dryness, flaking and heightened sensitivity. To address these seasonal stressors, Nat Habit’s winter formulations focus on delivering deep, lasting nourishment through nutrient-rich seed and cold-pressed oils such as almond, sesame, jojoba, kalonji, hemp and flaxseed. “These oils replenish the skin’s natural lipid layer and prevent transepidermal water loss,” says Das, emphasising their high content of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and natural Vitamin E that help soothe irritation and strengthen the barrier. She adds that the inclusion of raw milk actives and moisture-locking botanicals provides cushiony hydration, smoother texture and enhanced suppleness, making the formulations particularly effective against winter-induced dehydration and barrier compromise in colder regions.
Gita Ramesh, Joint Managing Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, explains that Ayurveda offers a holistic framework for addressing harsh winter conditions. “The cold dry climate can lead to dryness, stiffness, weak immunity and low energy. Ayurveda recommends warming oils for daily Abhyangam like Dhanwantharan Thailam and Maha Narayana Thailam,” she says, adding that Nalparmadi or Kumkumadi oils remain suitable for winter facial care. She also emphasises the importance of Rasayanam such as Chyawanprash for immunity support during the season.
Gen Z Drives Clean, Minimal Beauty
Clean, minimal and purposeful beauty—driven largely by Gen Z consumers—has become one of the most notable shifts of India’s winter skincare market. Aashka Goradia Goble, CMO and Co-founder of RENÉE Cosmetics, explains that winters in North and Central India create particularly harsh dryness and increased sensitivity. Products like the RENÉE Matcha Toner, Matcha Cryo Mask and Pink Therapy range combine soothing botanicals with hydrating actives to refine pores, restore freshness and relieve winter-stressed skin. Pollution, she notes, significantly exacerbates dullness and pigmentation, making effective cleansing an essential first step. “Our Micellar Water lifts away dirt, impurities and pollution residues without stripping the skin,” she says. Clean beauty preferences continue to rise, and Goble adds that RENÉE’s formulations—including the Matcha Lip Balm and Pink Therapy range—prioritise gentle actives, transparency and safety.
Pigmentation, Sensitivity and Barrier Damage
Dermatologists are also observing deeper winter damage due to the combination of dryness and pollution. Dr Bindu Sthalekar, Founder of Skin Smart Solutions, says winter conditions weaken the skin barrier substantially. “In Doctor B, our moisturiser is built around ceramides, hyaluronic acid and barrier lipids that mimic the skin’s natural composition,” she notes. Winter pollution brings oxidative stress and micro-barrier injuries—issues she sees frequently in clinical practice. Minimal, purposeful formulations without sulphates or parabens, she says, work better during winter as they reduce irritation in already sensitive skin.
Dermatologist Dr Aparna Santhanam, Skin Expert at ITC Dermafique, cites insights from the Dermafique Indian Skin Health Report, which notes that Indian skin is more prone to dehydration and barrier vulnerability. Winter weakens the barrier further, making pigmentation appear darker and more persistent. She recommends ingredients such as Azelaic Acid, Vitamin E and ceramides to soothe inflammation and support long-term resilience.
K-Beauty’s Hydration-Led Defence
K-beauty has also strengthened its presence within Indian winter skincare due to its emphasis on hydration and pollution defence. Mini Sood Banerjee of Amorepacific India (Innisfree) says winter’s low humidity and high pollution weaken the skin’s protective layer, and Innisfree’s formulations use ceramides, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and Jeju-derived calming ingredients to counter this. Particulate matter in winter causes inflammation and uneven tone, which the brand addresses through niacinamide and Jeju green tea, known for their antioxidant and soothing properties. Banerjee adds that Indian consumers increasingly value minimal chemical formulations and ingredient clarity, making Innisfree’s conscious formulation approach highly relevant.
Start-Ups Push Ingredient-Transparency
The rise of ingredient-led Indian start-ups has further diversified the winter skincare landscape. Divya Malpani Maheshwari, Founder and CEO of Skinvest, says the brand’s winter strategy centres on barrier repair and pollution protection. Their bestseller, the Face Hug barrier repair moisturiser, combines 70 per cent rice water, three ceramides and five peptides to hydrate and strengthen compromised skin for 24 hours. Winter pollution, she explains, intensifies dullness and inflammation, which their body SPF mist Light It Up addresses by offering hydration, detanning and environmental defence. Skinvest embraces clean, fragrance-free, alcohol-free and vegan formulations backed by transparent labelling.
Oil-Led Clean Beauty for Harsh Winters
Oil-led clean beauty brands are also experiencing increased adoption during winter. Supriya Malik, Founder of Indulgeo Essentials, says North India’s sharp temperature drops cause rapid dehydration and barrier weakness. Indulgeo’s oil-centric formulations—made with nutrient-dense oils, ceramide-rich bases and multi-molecular hyaluronic acid—provide deep hydration without heaviness. With pollution rising in winter, encapsulated Vitamin C, Cica, Glutathione and antioxidant complexes help neutralise free radicals and maintain clarity. Malik underscores the brand’s clean beauty ethos, which avoids harmful chemicals, microplastics and synthetic fragrances.
Makeup Reinvented for Winter Skin
Makeup brands are undergoing their own transformation as consumers increasingly view makeup as both cosmetic and protective. Dheeraj Bansal of Recode Studios says the brand’s winter formulas, such as the Water Cream and Goat Milk Moisturiser, are designed to offer long-lasting comfort while improving how makeup sits on winter-stressed skin. Rising pollution-led dullness, inflammation and pigmentation require gentler ingredients in cleansers and base makeup. Clean, minimal-chemical formulations are becoming crucial as younger consumers demand transparency.
Similarly, Pradeep Goyal of Glam21 notes that matte lip products are now developed to be hydrating and lightweight for harsh weather. Glam21’s anti-pollution Mousse Foundation addresses pollution-induced dullness and uneven tone by creating a protective, breathable layer. The brand is moving firmly toward simplified, safe formulations with fully transparent ingredient lists.
At Insight Cosmetics, Director Mihir Jain highlights the brand’s focus on hydration and comfort for winter skin using paraben-free, toxin-free, vegan formulations. Their primer, foundation and Halo Glow Illuminator create a protective glow that helps counter dullness in high AQI conditions. Colors Queen Assistant General Manager Chetna Kochar adds that products enriched with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid help prevent winter dryness, while Vitamin C-based products support pollution defence and barrier strengthening.
Personal Care Responds to Winter Stress
In mass personal care, Everyuth is adapting to the heightened winter demand for nourishment, hydration and clean ingredients. Their winter range, including the Winter Care Cream and Nourishing Cocoa Body Lotion, uses almond milk and botanicals to support dry, flaky skin. Their aloe vera and apricot oil-based formulations offer non-greasy hydration suitable for sensitive winter skin. Clean beauty expectations remain high, and Everyuth emphasises natural ingredients such as turmeric, tulsi and antioxidant-rich berries. Anti-pollution scrubs with charcoal and clay help reduce pollutant buildup, while natural moisturisers restore barrier function. The brand’s educational focus encourages consumers to adopt a holistic routine of cleansing, hydration and protection during winter months.
