The Lakmé 9 to 5 CC Cream continues to be one of the most-loved and purchased complexion products in India because it sits at the intersection of performance, price, and practicality. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or someone just stepping into the world of makeup.
What is “CC Cream”
Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream
Complexion Care (depending on brand), and a CC Cream is a hybrid product between skincare and light makeup. CC creams are designed to even out skin tone, blur minor imperfections, offer mild to moderate coverage, while often including skincare benefits like moisturization, sun protection, or brightening. They are lighter than full foundations, often more comfortable for daily wear, and offer a “your skin but better” look.
Product Overview:
Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream (also referred to as Lakme 9 to 5 Complexion Care Cream or Lakme 9 to 5 Color Transform CC Cream in some variants) is Lakme’s offering in the “everyday CC cream” category. Its aim is to combine light skin coverage with skincare benefits such as hydration, sun protection (SPF), a natural glow, and ease of use for daily wear. It is marketed as a multi‑tasker: something that can act like a tinted moisturizer, a light makeup base, and provide a natural finish without being heavy.
Key Features & Claims
From the sources gathered:
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SPF 30 PA++: It provides sun protection as part of its function. Lakme Salon+2Peppy Blog+2
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Skin Care + Makeup Benefits: Moisturises, brightens, conceals minor blemishes / dark spots, even skin tone, gives natural glow. Influenster+3Lakme Salon+3adihem.com+3
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Sheer / Natural / Light Coverage: It is not a full coverage foundation; coverage is light or medium and ideal for daily, minimal makeup usage. MouthShut+2Influenster+2
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Multiple Shades: Originally fewer shades, but later expanded in many markets to cover more skin tones. TheBeautyInsideOut+2adihem.com+2
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Texture & Finish: Lightweight, blendable, intended to not look cakey; may give a dewy or glowy finish. Some users mention “fresh glow,” “natural finish.” Some also note oiliness over time for certain skin types. MouthShut+2Purplle+2
Shades & Colour Range
A very important aspect for CC creams—shade matching. Lakme has provided a range of shades targeting Indian skin tones. Different sources give slightly different names or shade expansion status, but generally:
| Shade | Relative Depth / Undertone | Best Match |
|---|---|---|
| Beige | Lightest; fair to very fair skin; warm‑neutral undertones. Bebeautifulgirls+2Lakme Salon+2 | |
| Bronze | Slightly deeper; fair to wheatish skin; warm/yellow undertones. Bebeautifulgirls+2Nykaa+2 | |
| Honey | Medium; wheatish to dusky skin; neutral‑warm undertones. TheBeautyInsideOut+1 | |
| Almond | Deeper/dusky; for darker tones; neutral undertones. TheBeautyInsideOut+1 |
Some variants list simply “Beige” and “Bronze” for older versions of the product. More recent versions seem to include more shades. Beauty and Makeup Matters+1
Packaging & Sizes
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Typically comes in tube packaging. MouthShut+2Makeup and Beauty Forever+2
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Available in multiple sizes: small/travel size (e.g. ~9 g) and larger (~30 g). Beauty and Makeup Matters+1
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Pricing is in the affordable/mid‑range category in the Indian market. For example, ~₹325 for 30 g, smaller size for ~₹115 in some promos. Beauty and Makeup Matters+2Purplle+2
Key Ingredients & Skincare / Safety Notes
Some of the major ingredients and concerns (drawn from reviews and ingredient pointers):
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Contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, a UV filter (used in many sunscreens) for SPF benefit. Lakme Salon+1
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Has Glycerin for moisturizing/hydration. Lakme Salon
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Contains some fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and potassium chloride as reported in ingredient analyses. These can be comedogenic or irritating for some skin types (especially oily or acne‑prone). Peppy Blog
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Some users report mild fragrance. MouthShut+1
How It Performs: User Feedback
From user reviews, what people praise and what they criticize.
Pros (What Users Like):
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Natural / Fresh Look: Many say the finish is natural, not too heavy, useful for daily wear. Influenster+1
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Soft, Blendable Texture: It blends well, easy to apply with fingers; doesn’t go patchy if skin is in decent condition. MouthShut+1
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Brightens & Evens Tone Lightly: Helps with minor spots, pigmentation; gives “even skin tone” without needing full foundation. Nykaa+2Influenster+2
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Sun protection: Users appreciate the SPF 30 PA++ benefit. Lakme Salon+1
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Value for money: Considering its features, many find it worthwhile in its price bracket. adihem.com+1
Cons (What Users Complain About):
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Limited or Inadequate Coverage: It does not hide dark spots or deep discoloration well; many say it’s sheer and for light imperfections. MouthShut+1
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Shade Matching / Shade Range Issues: Earlier versions had only two shades (Beige and Bronze), which is too little for diverse skin tones; some shades may appear orangey or not match neutral undertones. TheBeautyInsideOut+1
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Oil / Shine / Finish Over Time: Some users with oily skin report it can become greasy, needs setting with powder. MouthShut+1
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Longevity: It doesn’t last through heavy sweating or oily food; tends to fade or look less fresh after some hours. MouthShut+1
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Texture for Sensitive / Acne‑Prone Skin: Some ingredients may not suit very sensitive or acne-prone skin; possibility of irritation with certain UV filters or fatty acids. Peppy Blog
Use & Application Tips
To get the best out of Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream, here are tips:
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Prep your skin: Cleanse, moisturize, maybe use primer if you have oily skin or large pores. Helps the CC cream go on smoother and last better.
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Choose the correct shade: Always try shade in natural light on jawline; if unsure, test travel size. Pay attention to undertone (warm, neutral, cool).
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Use sparingly where coverage is needed: Since coverage is light, better to concentrate on problem areas (like around nose, cheeks) then blend out.
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Blend with fingers: Many users say blending with fingers gives a more natural finish. Use sponge or brush if you want fuller coverage or more even look.
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Set with powder if oily: To control shine or for longer wear, lightly set T-zone with translucent powder.
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Reapply or touch up: Keep compact or powder for refreshing look midday. Also blot rather than add extra layers to avoid heaviness.
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Photograph test: Because some users mention flashback or whitening under certain lighting, doing small patch test for pictures.
Best For / Who Should Use It
Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream is ideally suited for:
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Everyday wearers who prefer minimal makeup / lightweight base rather than full coverage.
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People with normal to slightly dry or combination skin, especially those who don’t need heavy coverage.
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Users who value convenience – combining moisturizing, sunscreen, slight color correction in one product.
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Those on a budget wanting decent daily wear cream.
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People with minor skin discoloration or blemishes rather than major pigmentation or scars.
Maybe less ideal for:
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Those who need heavy coverage (acne scars, redness, dark spots).
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People with very oily skin who prefer matte long‑lasting formulas.
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Users sensitive to certain ingredients such as strong chemical UV filters or fatty acids.
Comparisons: How It Stacks Up
Let’s compare Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream with similar products or other forms of base makeup:
| Compared To | Where Lakme 9‑5 CC Cream Excels | Where Others Might Do Better |
|---|---|---|
| Light Foundations / Tinted Moisturizers | More skin care benefits; lighter feel; includes SPF; often cheaper. | Foundations / medium coverage liquids will hide deeper discoloration better. |
| BB creams | CC cream often better color correcting; more advanced pigmentation control; possibly better finish in certain skin tones. | BB creams sometimes more hydrating or thicker coverage in some lines. |
| Other CC creams (national or international brands) | Local availability, suited shades for Indian tones; value pricing. | If premium CC creams have broader shade ranges, more sophisticated skincare ingredients, longer wear, less transfer or better oil control. |
| Foundations | More natural look; less heavy; better for daily casual use; easier to carry. | Foundations last longer under tough conditions; better for formal events or with photography. |
Ingredient Safety & Considerations
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Sun protection is a two‑edged sword: it’s beneficial, but the sunscreen agents (like Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) can cause irritation in sensitive skin or allergic reactions in some. Best to patch test. Peppy Blog+1
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Comedogenic potential: Fatty acids (stearic, palmitic) may clog pores in susceptible individuals. If you have acne‑prone skin, better to test first or use minimal amounts. Peppy Blog
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Shade oxidation: Some users mention that the cream may oxidize slightly (become darker or more orangey after some time on skin) so match a shade that considers possible change.
Price, Value, & Availability
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Price depends on size. Typical pricing given in reviews: ₹115 for 9 g, ~₹325 for 30 g. Beauty and Makeup Matters+1
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Available widely through Lakme salon stores, major e‑commerce sites (Nykaa, Purplle, Flipkart etc.). Purplle+2Pixies.in+2
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Offers may vary; small/travel sizes are good to test without full investment.
Pros & Cons: Summary
Pros:
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Lightweight, comfortable for daily use.
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Combines multiple benefits: moisturiser + tint + sunscreen.
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Natural, fresh finish for many users.
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Shade range improving over time.
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Good value for money.
Cons:
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Limited coverage; does not conceal more serious imperfections well.
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Shade matching issues for some skin tones.
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Oiliness / shine can develop for oily skin over time.
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Some feel it becomes greasy or needs frequent touch up.
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Possible irritation for sensitive skin types.
Final Thoughts
Lakme 9 to 5 CC Cream offers a well‑balanced, accessible product for those who want a light make‑up finish while retaining skin comfort. It bridges skincare and makeup well. If your expectations are aligned (light coverage, daily wear, natural look), it delivers very well in its category. For heavier makeup needs or long‑wear in challenging conditions, you may need to layer additional products or choose stronger formulas.
Reviews
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