Why classic oils and basic actives are trending again

There is something quietly refreshing about the way beauty in India is moving right now. After years of chasing the next big serum or the latest imported trend, conversations on Instagram and beauty forums are circling back to the roots. What people are calling the Big Indian Back To Basics movement is less about cutting-edge actives and more about rediscovering the simplicity that always worked.

In the past few months, searches for basic skincare India staples like coconut oil, almond oil, and multani mitti have shot up across Flipkart and Nykaa. Reports from Mintel and Euromonitor echo the same: Indian consumers are showing renewed trust in beauty basics trend products that feel safe, affordable, and familiar. It’s not about rejecting innovation, but about balancing it with what has stood the test of time.

The Pandemic Reset and Simplicity’s Appeal

The shift didn’t happen overnight. During the pandemic, long routines lost their charm. People were locked at home with limited access to salons, and skincare became stripped down to essentials. Even after life returned to normal, many found that simple oils and single-step actives were enough to keep skin healthy.

Influencers too began reflecting this change. Instead of 10-step routines, reels started showcasing how one oil could double up as makeup remover, moisturizer, and hair treatment. These everyday hacks resonated with audiences who were tired of overspending on shelf after shelf of serums. The basic skincare India reset became less about minimalism as an aesthetic and more about practicality as a lifestyle.

Oils Making a Comeback

From cold-pressed coconut oil to heritage brands like Dabur almond oil, the numbers tell a story. A Nielsen report noted a 20 percent rise in demand for traditional hair and skin oils over the last year. The younger generation, once skeptical of oils for being “old-fashioned,” is now driving this surge.

The reasons are layered:

So, the beauty basics trend doesn’t feel outdated it feels cool, backed by both nostalgia and modern branding.

Basic Actives Finding Their Space

Alongside oils, basic actives like niacinamide, vitamin C, and ceramides are enjoying popularity because they are gentle and versatile. Unlike retinol or AHAs that require careful use, these actives fit easily into Indian weather, busy routines, and diverse skin types.

Dermatologists quoted in Vogue India have noted that younger Indian consumers are skipping harsher actives and instead building routines with one or two trusted basics. This is a big reality check for the market, which has long been flooded with high-strength peels and exotic-sounding molecules.

The truth is, many users only needed hydration, barrier repair, and sun protection and all needs that basic skincare India products already meet without fuss.

Social Media Signals and Pop Culture Boost

Scroll through Instagram reels and you’ll notice how the beauty basics trend is shaping online content. Popular creators now film GRWMs with coconut oil hair masks or DIY aloe vera routines. Hashtags like #skinimalism and #backtobasics see millions of views.

Even Bollywood has added to the shift. When celebrities like Alia Bhatt or Mira Kapoor casually mention using “simple oils” or home remedies in interviews, those clips get amplified and inspire audiences to follow suit. The pop culture effect cannot be ignored what feels aspirational is no longer luxury serums, but relatable staples that everyone grew up with.

Why This Movement Feels Different

The Indian back-to-basics wave is not just nostalgia-driven, it’s deeply practical. With inflation and rising cost of living, consumers are making mindful choices. They want products that multitask, save money, and feel trustworthy.

A few stand-out observations from community conversations:

This makes the basic skincare India trend both accessible and scalable.

Where the Trend is Heading

Experts believe the back-to-basics phase will not replace innovation but will run alongside it. International launches will continue, but Indian consumers will now weigh them against tried-and-true basics. For brands, this means opportunities to modernize heritage staples, think upgraded packaging, dermat-tested claims, or sustainable sourcing of oils.

The future looks like a hybrid routine: one classic oil, one gentle active, and one solid sunscreen. In many ways, it is a rejection of beauty fatigue and a call for balance.

A Calm Return to Roots

The beauty basics trend in India is not flashy. It is slow, steady, and deeply cultural. In a market known for chasing the next big thing, it is refreshing to see people return to oils, clays, and gentle actives that feel safe and familiar.

For readers, this story is less about rules and more about reflection. If your grandmother’s coconut oil and your dermatologist’s ceramide moisturizer can live side by side on your shelf, maybe that is what balance in skincare truly looks like.