Active Skincare Ingredients A-Z

Browse dermatologist-approved active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Learn about their indications, how they work, and associated Jan Aushadhi generic products.

ABCDEFGHIKLMNOPSTUVZ
A

Acitretin

Rx

An oral retinoid used to treat severe, resistant plaque psoriasis and skin keratinization disorders.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Adapalene

Rx

A topical retinoid that helps prevent and treat acne by regulating cell turnover and reducing inflammation.

AcneView profile β†’

Aloe Vera

OTC

A natural plant extract that hydrates dry skin, cools sunburns, and promotes wound healing.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Alpha Lipoic Acid

OTC

An organic compound that acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to reduce oxidative stress, support nerve repair, and protect skin cells from free radical damage.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Amorolfine

OTC

A morpholine antifungal nail lacquer and cream that treats stubborn fungal nail infections (onychomycosis).

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Antioxidants

OTC

A group of vitamins, minerals, and compounds that neutralize free radicals, slowing cell damage, promoting skin health, and reducing systemic inflammation.

Immune & Skin Supplements, SupplementsView profile β†’

Apremilast

Rx

A PDE4 inhibitor tablet that helps reduce joint swelling, pain, and plaque psoriasis scaling.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Azelaic Acid

OTC

A dicarboxylic acid that reduces acne-causing bacteria, reduces redness, and fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

AcneView profile β†’
B

Beclomethasone Dipropionate

Rx

A corticosteroid that reduces swelling, itching, and redness on the skin.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Benfotiamine

OTC

A fat-soluble form of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) that is absorbed much better than water-soluble thiamine, protecting nerve cells and preventing diabetic neuropathy complications.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Benzoyl Peroxide

OTC

An antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and helps clear pores.

AcneView profile β†’

Betamethasone

Rx

A potent corticosteroid that decreases swelling, redness, and itching associated with skin allergies and eczema.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Bifonazole

OTC

An imidazole derivative with broad-spectrum antifungal action against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

OTC

A water-soluble B-vitamin (B7) that supports keratin infrastructure, promoting healthy hair and nail growth.

View profile β†’
C

Calamine

OTC

A soothing antipruritic lotion containing zinc oxide and ferric oxide that relieves itching, sunburn, and skin irritation.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Calcipotriol

Rx

A synthetic vitamin D3 analog that slows down skin cell overproduction, treating plaque psoriasis.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Calcium

OTC

An essential mineral that is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones, muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and supporting cell membrane stability.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Cetrimide

OTC

An antiseptic surfactant used to clean skin wounds, burns, and treat dandruff/head lice in combination formulas.

Wound CareView profile β†’

Chondroitin

OTC

A naturally occurring substance in joint cartilage that helps retain water and elasticity, frequently combined with glucosamine to treat joint degeneration.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Ciclopirox

OTC

A broad antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent used for fungal skin and nail infections.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Clindamycin

Rx

A topical antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reduces acne lesions.

Acne, Wound CareView profile β†’

Clioquinol

Rx

An antifungal and antibacterial agent used topically in combination creams to treat infected dermatoses.

Fungal Infection, Wound CareView profile β†’

Clobetasol Propionate

Rx

An ultra-high potency topical corticosteroid used to reduce severe inflammation, itching, and redness in psoriasis and eczema.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Clotrimazole

OTC

A broad-spectrum antifungal agent that clears skin fungal infections, ringworm, and vaginal yeast infections.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Coal Tar

OTC

A keratoplastic agent that sheds dead skin cells from the scalp, reducing dandruff, scale build-up, and itching.

Dandruff, Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubidecarenone)

OTC

A potent mitochondrial antioxidant that energizes cellular repair, combats oxidative photo-aging, and supports collagen density in aging skin cells.

View profile β†’

Collagen Peptides

OTC

Hydrolyzed amino acid building blocks that stimulate fibroblast collagen production, increasing dermal elasticity, skin hydration, and nail strength.

View profile β†’
D
E
F

Feracrylum

OTC

A haemostatic agent and antiseptic gel used to stop bleeding in minor cuts, surgical wounds, and burns.

Wound CareView profile β†’

Finasteride

Rx

A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, halting male pattern hair loss.

Hair LossView profile β†’

Fluconazole

Rx

A triazole antifungal tablet used to treat superficial and systemic fungal infections.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Fluocinolone Acetonide

Rx

A medium-strength topical corticosteroid used to relieve skin inflammation and itching.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Fluocinonide

Rx

A high-potency corticosteroid gel/cream that reduces skin swelling, inflammation, itching, and redness.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

OTC

Also known as Vitamin B9, it is vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, cellular division, and healthy fetal development during pregnancy.

View profile β†’

Framycetin

Rx

A topical aminoglycoside antibiotic used for bacterial skin infections, minor burns, and cuts.

Wound CareView profile β†’

Fusidic Acid

Rx

A topical narrow-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, treating skin infections.

Wound CareView profile β†’
G

Gamma Benzene Hexachloride (Lindane)

Rx

An antiparasitic agent used to treat scabies and head/pubic lice.

Wound CareView profile β†’

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

OTC

An Omega-6 essential fatty acid found in plant oils that reduces systemic inflammation, supports skin hydration, and maintains cell membrane health.

Supplements, Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Gentamicin Sulphate

Rx

A powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat primary and secondary bacterial skin infections.

Wound CareView profile β†’

Glucosamine

OTC

An amino sugar that acts as a building block for joint cartilage and synovial fluid, helping to maintain joint cushioning and reduce pain in osteoarthritis.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Glycerin

OTC

A natural humectant that pulls moisture into the skin's outer layer, preventing dryness and sealing hydration.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Glycolic Acid

OTC

An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that dissolves dead skin cells, helping fade pigmentation and improve skin texture.

Acne, Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Griseofulvin

Rx

An oral antifungal tablet used for fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails when topical treatment fails.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’
H
I
K
L

L-Methylfolate

OTC

The biologically active form of folate (Vitamin B9) that can cross the blood-brain barrier directly to support neurotransmitter synthesis and manage hyperhomocysteinemia.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Lactic Acid

OTC

An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) humectant that softens skin and breaks down dry, dead cells in cracked heels.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Levocarnitine

OTC

An amino acid derivative that helps the body convert fatty acids into energy, supporting cardiac health, muscle function, and reducing muscle cramps.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Luliconazole

OTC

A potent, fast-acting antifungal cream that yields high cure rates with short treatment courses.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Lignocaine (Lidocaine)

OTC

A fast-acting topical local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, numbing localized pain, itching, or burn discomfort on the skin.

View profile β†’
M

Magnesium

OTC

A vital mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, supporting muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and bone density.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Metronidazole

Rx

An antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent used topically for inflammatory rosacea, infected wounds, and ulcers.

Wound Care, Pain ReliefView profile β†’

Miconazole

OTC

An imidazole antifungal that kills fungal cells by damaging their cell membranes.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Minerals

OTC

Inorganic elements required by the body to function properly, supporting bone mineralization, enzymatic reactions, and general cellular homeostasis.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Minoxidil

OTC

A vasodilator that stimulates hair follicles, promotes blood flow, and reverses hair thinning (androgenetic alopecia).

Hair LossView profile β†’

Mometasone Furoate

Rx

A medium-potency topical steroid that treats inflammatory skin conditions, skin rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.

Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Multivitamin

OTC

A combination of essential vitamins designed to bridge nutritional gaps, support cellular health, and promote optimal metabolic function.

SupplementsView profile β†’

Mupirocin

Rx

A topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, and infected cuts.

Wound CareView profile β†’
N
O
P
S

Salicylic Acid

OTC

A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that exfoliates skin, dissolves pore-clogging sebum, and helps treat acne.

Acne, Dandruff, Moisture & Dry SkinView profile β†’

Selenium

OTC

An essential trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant, supporting immune response, thyroid function, and protecting skin elasticity from UV damage.

DandruffView profile β†’

Selenium Sulfide

OTC

An antifungal and antiseborrheic agent that slows down cell turnover and fights dandruff-causing yeast.

DandruffView profile β†’

Sertaconazole

OTC

An imidazole antifungal that prevents fungal growth and provides local anti-inflammatory action.

Fungal InfectionView profile β†’

Silver Sulphadiazine

Rx

A topical antibacterial agent specifically used to prevent and treat infection in second- and third-degree burns.

Wound CareView profile β†’
T
U
V

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

OTC

Also known as Vitamin D3, this compound is synthesized by the skin in response to sunlight and is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and skin barrier function.

View profile β†’

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

OTC

Another name for Methylcobalamin, the active coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 that helps treat peripheral neuropathy, vitamin deficiencies, and supports nerve myelin sheath repair.

View profile β†’

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

OTC

The highly bioavailable coenzyme form of Vitamin B12. Essential for nerve cell preservation, red blood cell formation, and methylation pathways.

View profile β†’

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

OTC

Commonly known as Vitamin B6, this water-soluble vitamin is vital for protein metabolism, red blood cell synthesis, and supporting cognitive and nerve function.

View profile β†’

Vitamin A (Retinol)

OTC

A derivative of Vitamin A that accelerates skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and helps clear acne while reducing signs of aging.

View profile β†’

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

OTC

Also known as Vitamin B1, this essential nutrient helps convert carbohydrates into energy and supports proper heart, muscle, and nervous system function.

View profile β†’

Vitamin A (Retinol)

OTC

A fat-soluble vitamin critical for vision, immune health, cellular communication, and maintaining healthy skin lining and barrier function.

View profile β†’

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

OTC

An essential B-vitamin (Cobalamin) necessary for red blood cell formation, neurological health, DNA synthesis, and cellular metabolism.

View profile β†’

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

OTC

A water-soluble vitamin required for amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production, neurotransmitter creation, and immune support.

View profile β†’

Vitamin C

OTC

A powerful water-soluble antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid) that boosts collagen synthesis, neutralizes free radicals, and supports immune cell function.

Immune & Skin Supplements, SupplementsView profile β†’

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

OTC

The active form of Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) that is crucial for absorption of calcium and phosphorus, maintaining bone strength, and regulating immunity.

View profile β†’

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

OTC

A fat-soluble antioxidant (Tocopherol) that protects cell membranes from oxidation, improves skin hydration, and promotes wound healing and hair follicle nutrition.

View profile β†’
Z