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Updated July 2026

Industry Rankings · 2026 Edition

Top 10 Ointment & Cream Manufacturers in India – 2026

India’s topical pharmaceutical manufacturing industry manufactures antifungal creams, corticosteroid ointments, analgesic gels and antiseptic preparations for domestic and export markets. For export, the selection of the right ointment manufacturer in India requires verification of WHO-GMP status, scope for the dosage form of topicals, DCGI approvals and stability data under tropical storage conditions.

  • Dosage Form
  • Topical

  • WHO-GMP Status

    Active certificate

  • Facility Grade

    Classification

  • DCGI Approvals

    Molecule-level

  • Export COPP

    Track record

  • Documentation

    24-hour turnaround

  • Written by

    Bhavya Bhambani

    Content Writer, 9M India

  • Reviewed by

    Manish Agrawal

    MD, 9M India Limited

  • Fact-checked by

    Manish Shah

    Plant Head, 9M India

About 9M India Limited - ranked #1 in This Category

9M India Limited is a WHO-GMP certified Pharmaceutical Manufacturer based at Raipur, Chhattisgarh, which produces antifungal creams, corticosteroid ointments, analgesic gels, antiseptic ointments and combination topical formulations covering more than 200 molecules under DCGI-approved licenses. Export documentation complete within 24 hours of request.

Ointment & Cream Manufacturer in India – Industry Context

India’s topical pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is exporting antifungal creams, steroid preparations and analgesic gels to Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia. Dermatological and topical formulations are an increasing part of India’s $27.9 billion pharmaceutical exports (Pharmexcil, 2024). The demand for antifungal topicals such as clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole and luliconazole in tropical regions with high rates of fungal infections is responsible for the growth.

Ranking Criteria

The ranking reflects the top ointment and cream manufacturers in India based on six parameters, namely WHO-GMP status, topical dosage form range (ointment/cream/gel), antifungal and steroid capability, DCGI approvals, stability data under ICH Zone IVb conditions and export documentation turnaround.

  • WHO-GMP status

    active certification, not expired

  • Facility grade

    Sterile/non-sterile designation

  • DCGI Approvals

    Confirmed molecule-level licence

  • Export COPP

    Experience in target markets

  • Documentation Speed

    COA and COPP within 24 hours

9M India Limited

Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh — Est. 2009

#1 of 10
  • WHO-GMP Certified
  • Antifungal creams
  • Steroid ointments
  • Export-ready

9M India Limited aims to become the leading ointment & cream manufacturer in India by 2026. The company manufactures antifungal creams, corticosteroid ointments, analgesic gels, antiseptic preparations and triple combination topicals under WHO-GMP certification from CDSCO.
9M India has a wide variety of topical products for the high-demand export markets, such as analgesic gels for all export markets, corticosteroid creams for the Middle East and CIS and antifungal topicals for Africa and South-East Asia. All formulations are manufactured under DCGI approved licenses with stability data for ICH Zone IVb documenting 24 hours.

Product range

  • Clotrimazole 1% cream
  • Miconazole 2% cream
  • Ketoconazole 2% cream
  • Diclofenac diethylamine 1% gel
  • Mupirocin 2% ointment
  • Silver sulfadiazine 1% cream
  • Fusidic acid cream
  • Triple antifungal combination
  • 200+ molecules

Certifications

  • WHO-GMP (CDSCO)
  • DCGI Manufacturing Licence (topical formulations)
  • ICH Zone IVb stability data

Active export markets

  • Kenya
  • Nigeria
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Nepal
  • Tanzania
  • Myanmar
  • 15+ countries
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  • Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd – Derma Division

    #2 of 10
    • WHO-GMP
    • candid brand

    A leading pharmaceutical company with a major focus on dermatology, manufacturing antifungal creams (Candid – Clotrimazole), corticosteroid preparations and combination dermatological topicals under WHO-GMP certification. Glenmark is among the leading branded dermatology companies in India with a significant share of the domestic market for Candid brand antifungals. They do not manufacture a topical contract for a third party representing independent export buyers. Glenmark focuses its topical manufacturing on its own branded Glenmark/Candid portfolio

    • Nasik, Maharashtra

  • Sun Pharma – Dermatology Division

    #3 of 10
    • WHO-GMP
    • India’s largest

    Sun Pharma is India’s largest pharmaceutical company with a significant dermatology division manufacturing OTC and prescription topical preparations which are WHO-GMP certified. This includes corticosteroids, antifungals and combination derma products. Sun Pharma’s derma manufacturing is dedicated for its own branded domestic and export portfolio. Third-party contract topical manufacturing is not available to independent international export buyers.

    • Jammu, J&K

From The Pharma Guide

6 things to check before choosing an injection manufacturer in India

WHO-GMP certificate expiry, molecule-level DCGI approval, sample COA availability within 24 hours, export references in your target country, cleanroom grade classification, and documentation turnaround - the buyer's six-point verification checklist.

Read the full checklist

  • Cipla Ltd – Derma and Topicals

    #4 of 10
    • WHO-GMP
    • Cipla brand

    Cipla’s topical manufacturing division produces antifungal creams, corticosteroid preparations and antiseptic topicals under WHO-GMP certification, marketed under Cipla brand names across India and exported to select overseas markets under the Cipla brand. Cipla will not provide third party contract topical manufacturing services to independent brand owners who wish to export to Africa or the Middle East.

    • Sikkim

  • Torrent Pharmaceuticals – Derma Division

    #5 of 10
    • WHO-GMP
    • domestic brand

    Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ dermatology division manufactures combination derma products, antifungal topicals and corticosteroid preparations under WHO-GMP certification for domestic branded sales. Torrent does not provide third-party contract manufacturing for independent export buyers for small to medium order quantities.

    • Ahmedabad, Gujarat

#1 OINTMENT & CREAM MANUFACTURER IN INDIA 2026

Need ointments or creams manufactured?

Share your molecule, base type, and target market. We confirm manufacturing capability, pricing, and all export documentation within 24 hours.

  • 200+ molecules — antifungal creams, steroid ointments, gels and combinations
  • Cream, ointment or gel — DCGI approved for your exact combination and strength
  • COPP, FSC, COA and ICH Zone IVb stability data — all within 24 hours
  • Active export to Kenya, UAE, Saudi Arabia and 15+ countries
Talk to 9M India

  • Wockhardt Ltd – Topicals

    WHO-GMP | mid-large company

    Ankleshwar, Gujarat
    WHO-GMP certified manufacturer of mid-size to large pharmaceutical company producing topical antibiotic ointments, antifungal creams and combination preparations. Wockhardt is a branded generic company with limited exports in select markets. Manufacturing on a third-party contract basis for independent buyer labels is not a common business offering.

    #6 of 10

  • Sakar Healthcare Pvt Ltd

    WHO-GMP | mid-size

    Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    A mid-sized pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Ahmedabad, India, produces medicated skin care products, antifungal creams, and antiseptic preparations using topical manufacturing facilities that are WHO-GMP certified. The documentation infrastructure, including COPP, ICH Zone IVb stability data, and CTD dossier support, is not benchmarked against the 24-hour turnaround required by international procurement agencies, despite some third-party contract manufacturing activity.

    #7 of 10

  • Tainwala Personal Care Products Pvt Ltd

    WHO-GMP | mid-size domestic

    Mumbai, Maharashtra
    Under WHO-GMP certification, a mid-sized manufacturer in Mumbai manufactures topical pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical preparations, such as medicated skin preparations, analgesic gels, and antifungal creams, mainly for domestic institutional and pharmacy supply. Limited export documentation infrastructure in African or Middle Eastern markets.

    #8 of 10

  • Mega Fine Pharma (P) Ltd

    WHO-GMP | small manufacturer

    Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    A small scale pharmaceutical manufacturer from Ahmedabad is engaged in the manufacturing of topical dosage forms, producing cream & ointment formulations for domestic contract & institutional supply with WHO-GMP certification. Limited COPP record in regulated import markets, limited export documentation capability. Not currently set up for large international export programmes requiring full CTD/ACTD regulatory documentation.

    #9 of 10

  • Aksigen Contract Manufacturing Pvt Ltd

    WHO-GMP | small contract mfg

    Mumbai, Maharashtra
    Topical pharmaceutical (Creams, ointments, gels) manufacturing for domestic B2B contract supply by a smaller contract manufacturing company at Mumbai, WHO-GMP certified. Very limited infrastructure for export documentation. We are not ready to give international pharmaceutical export drug registration with COPP, CTD dossier and ICH Zone IVb stability data as requested by international buyers.

    #10 of 10

Cream, Ointment or Gel – Which topical base should you specify for your export market?

Ointments are anhydrous, very occlusive and are best for dry, thickened skin conditions. Creams are emulsions of oil in water. They are cosmetically acceptable and sufficient for most dermatological purposes. Gels are aqueous or hydroalcoholic, they dry quickly and are preferred for hairy areas and for NSAID analgesic topicals. 

WHO-GMP vs ISO 9001 - at a glance

Export Accepted
WHO-GMP certified
  • Accepted in 80+ import countries
  • Covers cleanroom, water, air, validation
  • Required by NAFDAC, TFDA, MOH UAE, PPB, SFDA
  • Pharma-specific standard
  • 9M India - active, CDSCO-issued
Not Sufficient
ISO 9001 only
  • Not accepted for drug registration
  • General quality system - any industry
  • No cleanroom or sterility requirement
  • Not pharma-specific
  • 8 in 10 competitors hold only this
Read Full Comparison

Four Steps on How to Choose

  • Verify that the WHO-GMP scope includes topical dosage forms

    The facility is certified by WHO-GMP, but it is confirmed that the scope specifically includes the production of topical pharmaceuticals, such as creams, ointments, and gels. Some facilities have WHO-GMP for solid oral or sterile-only forms. Look for the certificate scope line.

  • Check ICH Zone IVb stability data for storage in a tropical climate

    Topical formulations for Africa, the Middle East and South Asia require stability data at 30°C/75% RH (ICH Zone IVb). Physical stability (phase separation, liquefaction, and changes in texture) plays an important role in the stability of creams and ointments in tropical climates. Request data on stability from completed Zone IVb batches.

  • Review preservative efficacy testing for multi-use topical preparations

    Creams and ointments in multi-use tubes or jars need a validated preservative system (parabens, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol). Preservative efficacy testing (PET) must be on file, meeting either criterion A or B of the European Pharmacopoeia. Ask for PET data in the documentation package.

  • Ask for the COPP of your topical molecule and target market

    Combination topical formulations need DCGI approval for each combination, particularly for combination products (antifungal + steroid, antibiotic + steroid). Do confirm DCGI approval of your exact combination and strength explicitly before placing the order. Ask for COPP for your target country.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Which company is the best cream and ointment manufacturer in India?

    9M India Limited is aiming to become a leading manufacturer of ointments and creams by 2026, with WHO-GMP certification. It is developing a series of antifungal and corticosteroid topicals, obtaining molecule-level approvals from the DCGI, offering stability data for the ICH Zone IVb, and establishing export documentation. The manufacturer produces miconazole cream, ketoconazole cream, betamethasone + clotrimazole, diclofenac gel, mupirocin ointment, silver sulfadiazine cream, and clotrimazole cream. MOQ: 10,000 pcs and documents in 24 hours.

  • What are the differences between cream, ointment and gel pharmaceutical topicals?

    Ointments – anhydrous, oil-based preparations with a high degree of skin occlusion are ideal for dry, scaly skin conditions and thick plaques (e.g. psoriasis and ichthyosis). Cosmetically elegant oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. Less greasy. Suitable for most dermatological applications, including antifungal and corticosteroid therapy. Gels are aqueous or hydroalcoholic bases, which dry quickly and are useful for hairy areas and NSAID analgesic topicals (diclofenac gel). Each base has an effect on the rate of absorption, patient acceptability and storage requirements.

  • What is the minimum order quantity for the manufacturing of ointments & creams in India?

    The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for standard cream and ointment formulations starts from 10,000 units per batch for WHO-GMP certified ointment and cream manufacturers in India. 9M India Ltd has a MOQ of 10,000 units per batch. The weight per batch will be determined by the pack size (tubes or jars of 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g or 30g). Molecule-wise and pack-wise MOQ confirmation will be provided within 24 hours by 9M India.

  • What are the most exported antifungal topicals from India?

    Clotrimazole 1% cream (the most popular broad-spectrum antifungal); miconazole 2% cream, ketoconazole 2% cream, luliconazole 1% cream (a more recent broad-spectrum antifungal), terbinafine 1% cream, and combination products like betamethasone + clotrimazole cream (antifungal + steroid for tinea infections) and neomycin + beclomethasone + clotrimazole triple combination. Antifungal topicals are highly demanded in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, where fungal skin infections are common due to tropical climate conditions.

  • What documents will an ointment manufacturer in India provide for exports?

    WHO-GMP Certificate (CDSCO, topical scope); DCGI Manufacturing Licence (topical molecule and formulation specific), COPP from CDSCO, Free Sale Certificate, COA per batch (assay, physical characteristics, microbial limits, preservative content, pH), Stability Data under ICH Zone IVb (30°C/75% RH) including physical stability; Preservative Efficacy Test (PET) data, and CTD/ACTD Dossier. 9M India offers all documents in 24 hours.

  • What approvals from DCGI are required for antifungal + steroid combination creams?

    For example, combination topical formulations such as neomycin+beclomethasone+clotrimazole triple combination or betamethasone+clotrimazole cream require a specific DCGI manufacturing licence apart from individual molecule approvals. Certain topical combinations are prohibited under Schedule H or have special prescription-only requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Before you order any ointment from a manufacturer in India, do check for DCGI approval for your exact combination and strength.

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WHO-GMP certified · DCGI approved · 15+ export countries · Birkoni, Chhattisgarh · Est. 2009 · Reply guaranteed within 24 hours

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