India has a mix of different skin tones and is well known for its rich cultural legacy and diversified people. The vast array of skin colors seen in India can be attributed to its geographical location and historical interactions with different civilizations. The Indian tropical line divides the country into two distinct regions: the upper portion and the lower portion.
We will explore the Indian skin tone chart and understand the characteristics of skin tones found in each region, highlighting the beauty and diversity that exists within the Indian population.
What Is The Indian Skin Tone Chart?
The Indian skin tone chart is a categorization system that helps identify the range of complexions found in India. It takes into account factors such as melanin levels, undertones, and other characteristics that influence the appearance of one’s skin. The chart is divided into various categories, each representing a different range of skin tones.
Upper Portion of the Tropical Line
The upper portion of the Indian tropical line includes states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. This region experiences a colder climate compared to the lower portion, which plays a significant role in determining the skin tones found here.
1. Fair to Light Skin Tones
Due to the lower levels of sun exposure in this region, individuals tend to have fair to light skin tones. These skin tones are often characterized by a lighter complexion with undertones of ivory, beige, or peach.
People with fair skin are more prone to sunburn and often have a lower melanin content in their skin. It is common for individuals in this region to use sunscreen and other protective measures to shield their skin from harmful UV rays.
2. Medium Skin Tones
Moving further down the spectrum, we find individuals with medium skin tones. These individuals possess a warm complexion with undertones of olive, golden, or honey. The melanin content in their skin offers a certain level of protection against sun damage, making them less susceptible to sunburn.
People with medium skin tones have a beautiful golden glow and can achieve a sun-kissed look with minimal effort.
3. Wheatish to Tan Skin Tones
The upper portion of the tropical line also houses individuals with wheatish to tan skin tones. These skin tones exhibit a blend of warm and cool undertones, ranging from light caramel to deeper honey shades. Individuals with wheatish to tan skin tones have a higher melanin content, providing them with natural protection against the sun. Their skin often possesses a healthy radiance and is less prone to sunburn and visible signs of aging caused by UV radiation.
Lower Portion of the Tropical Line
States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, and portions of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are included in the lower section of the Indian tropical line. This region experiences a tropical climate with higher levels of sun exposure, which contributes to the distinct skin tones (and change the value in Indian skin tone chart) found here.
1. Olive to Medium Brown Skin Tones
The tropical climate in the lower portion of India results in individuals having skin tones that range from olive to medium brown. These skin tones possess a warm undertone with shades of bronze, amber, or cocoa. Their skin has larger quantities of melanin, which naturally protects it from the strong sun and lowers the danger of sunburn. Individuals with these skin tones (or person lies in the Indian skin tone chart category) often have a rich complexion that exudes a natural glow, requiring minimal effort to achieve a sun-kissed look.
2. Deep to Dark Skin Tones
Moving towards the deeper end of the spectrum, we find individuals with deep to dark skin tones in the lower portion of the tropical line. These skin tones exhibit deep brown to ebony shades with undertones of mahogany or espresso. The high melanin content in their skin provides excellent protection against the intense tropical sun. Deep to dark skin tones often possess a velvety texture and a natural radiance that showcases the inherent beauty within.
3. Celebrating Diversity and Beauty
The Indian skin tone chart reveals the remarkable diversity that exists within the Indian population. This diversity in skin tones showcases the beautiful tapestry of humanity and the unique characteristics that make each individual special. It is important to embrace and celebrate this diversity, promoting inclusivity and positive self-image.
How to Determine Your Skin Tone: Easy Methods
Determining your skin tone (from Indian skin tone chart) along the tropical line is essential for selecting makeup and other beauty products that enhance your natural beauty. Here’s a simple method to identify your skin tone:
1. Natural Light Test
Stand in natural light and observe the color of your veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear green, you likely have warm undertones, indicating a tropical line skin tone.

2. Jewelry Test
Consider which metal complements your skin better. If gold jewelry suits you more than silver, it suggests warm undertones and a tropical line skin tone.

3. Color Test
Observe how your skin reacts to different colors. If warm, earthy tones like oranges, reds, and browns make your complexion glow, it indicates a tropical line skin tone.

Finding the Right Makeup for their Respective Skin Tone
When it comes to makeup, it’s important to choose shades that complement your tropical line skin tone. Here are some tips to help you select the right makeup products:
1. Foundation
Look for foundations with warm undertones that match your complexion. Opt for shades like golden, honey, or caramel to achieve a seamless blend.
2. Blush and Bronzer
Use warm-toned blushes and bronzers that add a natural flush or sun-kissed glow to your cheeks.
3. Lipstick
Experiment with lip colors like terracotta, brick red, and coral, which enhance the warmth of your tropical line skin tone.
Conclusion
The Indian skin tone chart shows the wide variety of skin tones that can be found in this region, with the upper and lower reaches of a tropical line showing different traits. Understanding the various skin tones is important for application of makeup
No matter their skin tone— whether light, medium, wheatish, olive, or dark—everyone in India should be praised. Let’s cherish and celebrate the rainbow of skin tones that India’s citizens have as a true representation of the country’s rich culture and diverse skin tone.