5 Common Indian Skincare Myths Debunked by a Biotechnologist

By Dr. Jinal Atul Bhola, PhD (Biotechnology)
Last Updated: July 24, 2025

From my grandmother’s carefully guarded ubtan recipes to college dorm advice, Indian skincare is rich in tradition. While I cherish this heritage, science often reveals that some of our most trusted beliefs don’t hold up under scrutiny.

Let’s explore 5 common myths—and what science says instead:

Myth #1: “If I can eat it, I can put it on my face.”

The Belief: Natural ingredients like lemon or turmeric are safe for direct use on the skin.

The Reality: Your skin and stomach have different environments. Lemon juice, for example, has a pH around 2 and can burn your skin. Raw turmeric can be abrasive and inconsistent in strength.

What to Do: Trust science-backed formulations. In our BioElixir Serum, we use a purified turmeric extract that’s potent, stable, and skin-friendly.

Myth #2: “My oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer in humid weather.”

The Belief: Oily skin = over-hydrated skin, especially in cities like Mumbai.

The Reality: Oil (sebum) is not the same as hydration (water). When dehydrated, skin may produce more oil, worsening the problem.

What to Do: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with humectants like hyaluronic acid. Our PlumpTheory Moisturizer is designed for oily, sensitive skin with ingredients like Probiotics and Copper Peptides.

Myth #3: “Fairness creams will fix my tan and dark spots.”

The Belief: Fairness creams are a one-stop solution for pigmentation.

The Reality: “Fairness” is a marketing term. True brightening involves healthy cell turnover and melanin regulation—not bleaching.

What to Do: Target pigmentation with smart ingredients like:

• Niacinamide (reduces pigment transfer)
• Kojic Acid & Licorice (inhibit melanin production)
• AHAs like Lactic Acid (gentle exfoliation)

Our DewDefense Toner and BioSmart Cleanser deliver these without compromising your natural tone.

Myth #4: “Scrubs are the best way to remove acne and blackheads.”

The Belief: Physical exfoliation feels effective and satisfying.

The Reality: Gritty scrubs can tear the skin, spread bacteria, and worsen inflammation.

What to Do: Use chemical exfoliants like:

• AHAs (like Lactic Acid) for surface renewal
• BHAs (like Salicylic Acid) to penetrate pores

Our BioSmart Cleanser combines both, giving you smooth, clean skin—without trauma.

Myth #5: “I only use ‘chemical-free’ and all-natural products.”

The Belief: Natural = safe. Chemicals = bad.

The Reality: Everything is a chemical—water included. Natural substances can be harsh (lemon, poison ivy), while lab-made ones like peptides or hyaluronic acid can be gentle and bio-identical to your skin.

What to Do: Focus on bio-compatibility, not fear. Ask: “Is this formula safe, effective, and respectful of my skin’s biology?”

At Radiome, we blend the wisdom of nature with the precision of science. No fear. Just truth, integrity, and skin that thrives.