How India’s dermatologists are redefining beauty content creation

With medical degrees in one hand and myth-busting videos in the other, India’s dermatologists are helping brands cut through the noise with science-backed advice

e4m by Soumya Gawri
Published: Jul 23, 2025 8:16 AM  | 5 min read
Dr Renita Rajan, Dr Rashmi Shetty, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta
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In a world overrun by skincare trends and #GRWM reels, a new wave of beauty influencers is rewriting the rules, armed not just with ring lights, but also medical degrees. Say hello to India’s top dermatologists, who are not only diagnosing skin concerns but also driving product launches, starring in campaign reels, and building dedicated followings, one myth-busting video at a time. For skincare brands trying to cut through the noise, these creators offer what few others can: science, trust and a 100% glow.

Take Dr. Rashmi Shetty, for instance, an aesthetic dermatologist with over 445k followers on Instagram and two decades of clinical experience. She doesn’t just post tips on retinol or sun damage; she leads panels at global events and frequently fronts major brand campaigns. During CeraVe’s India debut, she anchored the official dermatologist panel, giving the brand credibility from day one. On Instagram, her reel from the launch event quickly racked up views, positioning CeraVe as a science-backed skincare entrant consumers could trust. (Now that’s how you launch with gravitas and glow.)

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A post shared by Dr Rashmi Shetty | Dermatologist (@drrashmishettyra)

Dr. Shetty isn’t alone. A growing number of Indian dermatologists are building substantial digital followings while maintaining serious medical practices. Dr. Jaishree Sharad, widely recognised for her no-nonsense skincare explainers, commands a following of 230k. She’s a go-to name in cosmetic dermatology and is often seen partnering with brands like Pond’s, Neutrogena, Johnson & Johnson, and Bioderma, offering audiences everything from product breakdowns to evidence-based insights.

Then there’s Dr Aanchal Panth, a familiar face on both Instagram, where she has  around 661k followers, and YouTube, with a following nearing 900,000. As a specialist in trichology and scalp care, she’s worked closely with brands like Minimalist, Sebamed, The Derma Co, and Cetaphil, bridging clinical care with content that’s accessible and haircare-savvy.

Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, with 206k followers, is another powerhouse in the space. She brings skin rejuvenation and cosmetic dermatology to the fore through her ISAAC Luxe clinics and has collaborated with luxury skincare brands like Estée Lauder, Forest Essentials, and MyGlamm, cementing her status as a go-to expert for high-end beauty.

Dr. Kiran Sethi, meanwhile, brings a holistic twist to the table. With around 104K followers, her approach marries skincare with wellness, making her an ideal voice for clean and vegan brands looking to tap into lifestyle-first narratives.

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A post shared by Dr. Kiran MD (@drkiransays)

Ingredient nerds will love Dr. Chytra Anand, whose 252K followers tune in for deep-dives into skincare formulations. Her reviews are detailed and grounded in science, making her a popular pick for brands needing thoughtful product explainers and demos.

Dr. Renita Rajan, with a following of 245K, is known for her expertise in pigmentation and melanin-rich skin. Her content is particularly valuable for brands addressing uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and issues specific to Indian skin types.

In the anti-aging and aesthetic space, Dr. Harshna Bijlani has carved out her niche. With 89.2K followers on Instagram and a strong celebrity following, her content focuses non-invasive procedures, rejuvenation, and high-end skincare, making her a natural fit for premium beauty labels.

Then there’s Dr. Manasi Shirolikar, the dermatologist-next-door, known for simplifying skincare routines and demystifying sunscreen, particularly for Indian skin. With 435K followers, she’s worked with Re’equil, Plum, Foxtale, and Cetaphil, and is widely appreciated for her relatable, practical approach to skincare advice.

These aren’t just content creators, they’re educators, trusted advisors, and, often, the final word on whether a product works or is just another fleeting trend. Their content is educational without being dry: think myth-busting retinol videos, ingredient breakdowns in under a minute, and candid Q&As like “Do we really need 10-step routines?”

And brands are taking notes.

Take Clinikally’s #InternetKiNahiDermatKiSuno campaign, which smartly leaned into the idea that expert advice outweighs Instagram hacks. Featuring top dermatologists in Instagram Reels, the campaign urged people to consult professionals rather than rely on viral skincare tips, making science cool again.

Or look beyond Indian borders to Dr. Muneeb Shah, a U.S.-based dermatologist with an impressive 22 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. He was recently tapped by CeraVe for their Super Bowl campaign, and has now launched his own skincare brand, Remedy, priced between Rs 1,300 to Rs 3,200. It's a masterclass in building a brand based on credibility.

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A post shared by Dr. Muneeb Shah (@doctorly)

This is where dermatologist-influencers really shine: they blend clinical credibility with creator charisma, becoming trusted liaisons between skincare brands and increasingly informed consumers. Whether it's breaking down azelaic acid vs. niacinamide, or demonstrating the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens, these creators don’t just influence trends; they explain them.

For skincare brands, this is invaluable. Rather than risking backlash for partnering with celebrities who may not even use the product, they are now turning into influencers who can articulate why it works.

The verdict? The dermatologist is now the director, lead actor, and script supervisor of your next skincare reel. And with millions tuning in, it’s clear they’re not just following orders, they’re setting the tone.

Published On: Jul 23, 2025 8:16 AM