What is the PM baddie banao yojana: The budget skincare hack we needed

The world is always on a hunt for something new, and something hatke to cater to Gen Z, and now the universe has also dragged PM Narendra Modi into this. It started as a cheeky Reddit title. A user on r/IndianBeautyTalks dubbed it “PM baddie banao yojana” after discovering that India’s government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendras stock serious, dermatologist-approved skincare actives at shockingly low prices. The internet did what it does best: it gasped, screenshot, and collectively said, wait… why are we spending Rs 900 on this?



Behind the meme name is something very real. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras were created to make generic medicines affordable. But tucked inside that massive medicine list is a goldmine for skincare lovers who care more about ingredients than aesthetic bottles.

Adapalene 0.1% for Rs 27.19. Benzoyl Peroxide for Rs 20.63. A Salicylic Acid facewash starting at Rs 46.88. These are not watered-down cosmetic versions. They are pharmacy-grade formulations, the same actives dermatologists prescribe for acne and texture.



There is even a combination Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide gel for under Rs 25. That is the kind of price that makes you question every “luxury breakout serum” you have ever impulse-bought at 2:00 AM.

The list does not stop at pimples. Azelaic Acid creams for pigmentation cost under Rs 40. Ketoconazole shampoo for dandruff? Around Rs 58. Minoxidil 5% for hair regrowth is available at Rs 150, a fraction of what branded versions often retail for.

The catch? The packaging is basic. No pastel tubes. No glossy campaign shoot. Just clean, clinical labels and straight-to-the-point formulations.

Here is where the glow-up needs responsibility. These are strong, prescription-grade actives. Products containing Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, or steroid combinations should not be used casually. Dermatologist consultation and patch testing are non-negotiable.



The Reddit user who compiled the list reportedly emphasised that these are generic formulations with standardised pricing and urged caution just as one would with any pharmacy purchase.

PM baddie banao ojana might be a playful nickname, but the larger message is serious: effective skincare does not have to be expensive. Sometimes, the real luxury is knowing your ingredients and paying Rs 30 for them.