5 Indian Skincare Dupes for Famous Korean Beauty Products Save Thousands
If you are new to skincare or using multiple serums, make sure you apply them in the right order. You can follow this step-by-step guide on how to layer serums correctly to avoid irritation and get better results.
The good news is that Indian skincare brands have quietly caught up. Many now use similar active ingredients, comparable percentages, and modern formulations at prices that make sense for everyday use.
These are not exact copies. The formulas differ and textures may vary slightly, but the results can be surprisingly close. If you want effective skincare without spending thousands, this list is for you.
1. The Snail Mucin Alternative
The OG:
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (around ₹1,450)
The Indian Dupe:
Be Bodywise Snail 96 Mucin Serum
Wild Oak Snail Peptide Serum (around ₹599)
Why it works:
Snail secretion filtrate helps repair the skin barrier, improve hydration, and calm damaged or irritated skin. COSRX uses a very high concentration, and these Indian alternatives focus on the same hero ingredient. The texture feels slightly slimy at first but absorbs well with regular use.
Technical tip:
If you prefer vegan skincare, Conscious Chemist 6 Peptide Essence is a good option. It skips snail mucin and uses peptides to support barrier repair and elasticity.
2. The Viral Glow Serum
The OG:
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide (around ₹1,350)
The Indian Dupe:
Formularx Glowing Serum
Suganda 5% Niacinamide Serum (₹599–699)
Why it works:
The glow from the Beauty of Joseon serum comes mainly from niacinamide paired with soothing ingredients. Indian brands recreate this effect using clean niacinamide formulas, botanical extracts, and calming agents that help manage oil, redness, and dullness.
This works especially well for combination and acne-prone skin in Indian weather.
3. The Luxury Lip Mask
The OG:
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
₹600 for 8g / ₹1,400 for 20g
The Indian Dupe:
Aqualogica Radiance+ Plump Lip Mask (around ₹349)
Why it works:
Laneige is known for deep overnight hydration. Aqualogica offers a similar thick, comfortable texture that locks in moisture. Ingredients like shea butter and vitamin C derivatives help lips feel softer and smoother by morning.
For the price, this is an easy everyday alternative.
4. The “Rice Water” Brightener
The OG:
I’m From Rice Toner (around ₹1,800)
The Indian Dupe:
Dot & Key Rice Water & Niacinamide Toner (around ₹395)
Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Essential Toner (often available on discount)
Why it works:
Rice ferment filtrate helps brighten skin, soften texture, and support a healthy skin barrier. While the OG feels more luxurious, Indian versions combine rice extracts with niacinamide to target uneven tone and dullness more directly.
Best results come with consistent use, morning and night.
If dullness and uneven tone are your main concerns, you may also like this detailed guide on natural ingredients for bright and healthy skin.
5. The Lightweight Sunscreen Everyone Loves
The OG:
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (around ₹1,200)
The Indian Dupe:
The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel (around ₹499)
Why it works:
Both sunscreens are loved for their lightweight, lotion-like texture. No white cast, no greasy finish, and suitable for Indian skin tones. The Derma Co version absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup, and feels comfortable in humid weather.
Daily sun protection is essential, especially in Indian weather. If you want seasonal advice, check out these winter skincare tips recommended by experts.
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | Korean OG | Price | Indian Dupe | Price | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snail Essence | COSRX Snail 96 | ₹1,450 | Be Bodywise / Wild Oak | ₹599 | Snail Secretion Filtrate |
| Glow Serum | Beauty of Joseon | ₹1,350 | Formularx / Suganda | ₹599–699 | Niacinamide |
| Lip Mask | Laneige | ₹600–1,400 | Aqualogica | ₹349 | Shea Butter, Vitamin C |
| Rice Toner | I’m From | ₹1,800 | Dot & Key | ₹395 | Rice Ferment |
| Sunscreen | Beauty of Joseon | ₹1,200 | The Derma Co | ₹499 | Hyaluronic Acid |
Ingredient Spotlight: Rice Ferment Filtrate
Rice ferment is made by fermenting rice extracts to enhance antioxidant and skin-brightening properties. It helps improve texture, soften rough skin, and support the skin barrier. This ingredient has been used in Asian skincare for decades and is generally suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Who Should Buy the OG and Who Should Choose the Dupe?
Choose the Korean OG if you enjoy luxury textures, established global brands, and don’t mind paying extra.
Choose the Indian dupe if you want similar active benefits, better pricing, easier availability, and products designed for Indian climate and skin concerns.
For daily-use products like serums and sunscreens, Indian options often make more sense financially.
Final Thoughts
Indian pharmacy and indie skincare brands have come a long way. They are no longer just budget alternatives. Many are well-formulated, science-backed, and genuinely effective.
You can easily mix these dupes into your existing routine. For best results, use them in the correct order to avoid irritation and get maximum benefit.
Which Indian skincare brand has surprised you with its quality? Share your experience in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Are Indian skincare dupes really effective?
Yes, many Indian skincare brands now use clinically studied ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and rice ferment. While textures may differ, results can be comparable when used consistently.
2.Are these dupes suitable for sensitive skin?
Most are formulated for Indian skin types, but sensitive skin users should always patch test and check ingredient lists before full application.
3.Do Indian dupes contain the same ingredients as Korean products?
They often use similar active ingredients, though formulations, concentrations, and supporting ingredients may vary.
4.Which product should I splurge on and which should I save on?
You can usually save on daily-use products like serums and sunscreens. If you value luxury textures or brand experience, you may choose to splurge occasionally.
5.Can I mix Korean and Indian skincare products?
Yes, you can mix them as long as you layer products correctly and avoid combining conflicting actives.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Skincare results may vary depending on individual skin type and concerns. Always patch test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions.
This post does not contain paid promotions. Product names are mentioned for educational comparison only.