Let’s face it. India is home to the second-highest number of female smokers in the world, trailing behind just the US. In a country of 1.4 billion, 15% of adult women regularly puff away on female cigarette brands in India. Most come from metropolitan cities and their reasons for taking up the habit might vary. Some light up under peer pressure and work-related stress, while others take it up to change their social image or feel liberated.
- Suggested Reading: Deep Down of Tobacco Companies in India
There is something about cigarettes – they discriminate on gender basis. While they cause cancers, heart diseases, strokes, and respiratory issues in both genders, female smokers run an additional risk of infertility, pregnancy issues, and cervical cancer. That’s one reason to quit smoking or, at least, reduce cigarette consumption. On that note, let’s explore the top female cigarette brands in India with price, cigarette sizes, and other relevant details. We also explore the reasons for the popularity of these types of cigarettes and the devastation they might cause to smoker’s health.
Male and Female Smoking Trends: A Comparison
| Tobacco use in India increased between 1998-1999 and 2005-2006, and declined from 2005-2006 to 2015–2016, simultaneously for men and women. |
| In 2015-16, male smoking prevalence ranged from 5.71% in Maharashtra in the west to 37.70% in Mizoram in the northeast. |
| Likewise, female smoking prevalence ranged from 0.01% in Kerala in the south to 8.45% in Mizoram in the north-east |
| Smoking contributed 74% and smokeless tobacco use contributed 26% of the economic costs related to tobacco use in India. |
| Men accounted for 91% of the total economic burden related to tobacco, while women accounted for the remaining 9%. |
| Tobacco consumption in India from 2019 to 2021, by religion and gender, showed that Hindu males had the highest smoking rate (24.3%), followed by Muslim males (23.9%). |
| Sikh females had the lowest smoking rate (0.2%), followed by Hindu females (0.7%) |
- Suggested Reading: The Best-Kept Secrets About Organic Cigarettes
Worldlywiser Methodology: Choosing Female Cigarette Brands in India
Tobacco companies marketing brands towards women is neither a new phenomenon nor localized to India. Even Marlboro, considered a man-thing now, was marketed towards female smokers back in the 1930s. With so many options to choose from, female smokers in India are spoilt for choice. I found it the hard way during my research. So, my team and I laid down the parameters to evaluate female cigarette brands.
| Assessed the flavor profiles offered by cigarette brands in India exclusively for female smokers. |
| Evaluated the packaging and design elements, as female-centric brands prioritize aesthetically pleasing and thoughtful designs. |
| Investigated the marketing strategies and brand messaging employed by brands to know how they target and resonate with their female audience. |
| Considered the popularity, market presence, and availability. Also assessed how brands position themselves in terms of luxury and affordability. |
Suggested Reading: All Cigarette Name List: A Full Spectrum
What Qualifies As Female Cigarette Brands In India?
Female cigarettes are exactly what they mean, cigarettes for female smokers. While the boundaries between regular smokes and female smokes are getting blurred by the day, a few traits define female cigarettes. These include, but, not limited to:
| Packaging | Elegant and stylish designs on both the packaging and the cigarette itself. Might feature colors, patterns, and images that appeal to a female audience |
| Shape | Usually slimmer in diameter compared to regular cigarettes for a delicate, feminist smoking experience |
| Flavor Profiles | Typically lighter and more diverse flavors, such as fruitier, aromatic, or floral notes |
| Smoothness | Provide a smoother and more comfortable drag minus the harshness and irritation associated with regular ones |
| Nicotine and Tar Levels | Typically lower than regular cigarettes to make them look “safer” options |
| Marketing Themes | Usually marketed towards women as a tool for women’s empowerment and liberation |
- Suggested Reading: Clove Cigarette Unleashed: From Indonesia to the World
- Suggested Reading: The Best Clove Cigarette Brands: Ultimate Guide
Top Female Cigarette Brands in India with Price
Without any further ado, let’s start with the list of female cigarette brands.
Spoiler alert: From length and prices to taste and nicotine levels, we explore it all to give you a jumping-off point for informed decisions. Some tips for women who want to quit smoking or switch to less harmful alternatives also come by default.
1. More International Red:
- Trial Launch: 1974
- Final Launch: 1975
- Manufacturer: RJ Reynolds
- Country of Origin: The USA
Launched for both male and female smokers in 1975 by RJ Reynolds, More International is now a go-to female cigarette brand. These slim, 120-mm cigarettes delight you with their taste, flavor profile, and elegance. Contrary to the norm, they come in a dark brown wrapper. However, you might come across shorter versions of More International with the hallmark white wrapper and white or cork filters. Over the years, the manufacturer reduced the cigarette’s nicotine and tar levels to fit into the female cigarette category.
- Suggested Reading: Slim Cigarette: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know
Specifications:
| Length: 120 mm | Tar: 12 mg | Nicotine: 0.9 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 10 mg | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 690 |
Pros:
- Smooth Flow
- Striking Flavor
- Slim & Stylish
Cons:
- Pricier
- Higher Carbon Monoxide
Popular Taglines:
- “Dare to be More”
- “That Brave Bold Blend”
- “A taste of magic”
Reviews:
“A very vintage and retro-style smoke!”
2. Sobranie Cocktail
- Launched: 1879
- Manufacturer: Japan Tobacco
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
How about a royal smoke? Well, say hello to Sobranie. Once reserved for the Russian, English, and French royals, Sobranie is a luxury cigarette brand with a reputation for distinctive packaging and delectable, aromatic flavor. Their vibrant multi-colored paper adds colors to your smoking experience. Even to this day, these smokes are hand-rolled with a special blend of Virginia, Latakia, and rare Yenidje tobaccos and feature elegant gold filigree. You can expect a mild yet rich taste and long-lasting smoke.
Suggested Reading: Sheer Extravagance: Most Expensive Cigarette in India Revealed
Specifications:
| Length: 100 mm | Tar: 5 mg | Nicotine: 0.5 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 5 mg | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 950 |
Pros:
- Mild taste, smooth drag, and cool, long-lasting smoke
- Available in different pastel color paper for each cigarette
- A relatively “safer” option with low tar & low nicotine content
Cons:
- Too Pricey
- Too light for some smokers’ liking
Other Sobranie Female Cigarette Brands in India:
| Sobranie Slims Blues | Sobranie Super Slims Pinks | Sobranie Cocktail |
| Sobranie Slims Mints | Sobranie Super Slims Whites |
Reviews:
3. Gudang Garam International
Image courtesy: kanal247.com
- Launched: 1979
- Manufacturer: Gudang Garam
- Country of Origin: Indonesia
Not targeted at female smokers though, Gudang Garam International finds favor with affluent Indian females. Launched on November 3rd, 1979, this machine-rolled kretek cigarette packs a punch with a mixture of tobacco and cloves. Most female smokers just love the cigarette’s full flavor, decent nicotine hit, and long-lasting cooling, and invigorating effect. The sweet and spicy aroma of cloves and spices is just a bonus.
Suggested Reading: Herbal Cigarette 101: Pros, Cons & Best Brands
Specifications:
| Length: 84 mm | Tar: 32 mg | Nicotine: 1.6 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 32 mg | Packaging: 10 sticks | Price: INR 455 |
Pros:
- Full Flavor & Distinctive Aroma
- Unique Blend of Tobacco & Cloves
Cons:
- Pricey
- High levels of tar & CO
Other Gudang Garam Female Cigarette Brands in India:
| GG Signature | GG Signature Mild | GG Djaja |
| GG Merah | GG Patra | GG Special Deluxe King Size |
Reviews:
4. Esse Methol
- Launched: 1996
- Manufacturer: Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation
- Country of Origin: South Korea
Esse is one of the best all-female cigarette brands in India and beyond. Its flagship, Esse Menthol has struck a chord with Indian female smokers who love slim and low-tar smokes. This kretek cigarette delivers a refreshing, long-lasting minty flavor and a smooth drag. Presently manufactured by the Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation, Esse Menthol is comparatively affordable, costing around INR 295 for a pack of 10.
- Suggested Reading: Top Lighter Brands: A Definitive Guide
Specifications:
| Length: 100 mm | Tar: 5.0 mg | Nicotine: 0.5 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: N/A | Packaging: 10 sticks | Price: INR 295 |
Pros:
- Affordable
- Super Slim and & Stylish
- Refreshing Menthol Flavor
- Soft, clean-flavored with acetate filter
- Relatively low tar & nicotine content
Cons:
- CO levels not specified
- Too thin and weak for some smoker’s liking
Other Esse Female Cigarette Brands
| One | Black | Silver |
| Classic | Change Mango | Change Cafe |
Reviews:
“I smoked this with my friend in Guangzhou. It was great in my opinion.”
5. L&M Red
- Launched: 1953
- Manufacturer: Phillips Morris International
- Country of Origin: The USA
One of the world’s top cigarette brands, L&M Red is a smoker’s delight, known for its smooth flow, fine aroma, robust tobacco flavor, and delectable aftertaste. These salient features come from great tobacco blends and a recessed filter made of acetate fiber. While L&M Red is a male cigarette, females puffing away on them is a common sight. If you love a traditional cigarette taste, these smokes will exceed your expectations.
- Suggested Reading: Top Cigarette Brands in Pakistan
Specifications:
| Length: 88 mm | Tar: 10 mg | Nicotine: 0.7 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 10 mg | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 450 |
Pros:
- Plenty of smoke creation & less smell
- Smooth, traditional, and consistent taste
- Full-flavor cigarettes with great aftertaste
Cons:
- Too Strong tobacco flavor
- High tar and nicotine content
Other L&M Female Cigarette Brands:
| Blue | Silver | Menthol |
Reviews:
6. Marlboro Ultra Lights Silver
- Launched: 1924
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Owner (India): Philip Morris International
Whether it’s the top cigarette brands in India or the best female cigarette brands in India, no list is complete without Marlboro. Forget the iconic “Marlboro Man,” the brand was initially targeted towards female smokers with the “Mild as May” tagline. Several decades on, a huge chunk of female smokers in India have taken a liking for Marlboro Ultra Lights Silver. Well, it could be due to its bold and edgy flavor and a full-bodied smoking experience. Price? Well, it justifies the quality we associate with Marlboro.
- Suggested Reading: Best Slim Cigarette Brands That Turn Heads
Specifications:
| Length: 85 mm | Tar: 4 mg | Nicotine: 0.4 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: N/A | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 330 |
Pros:
- Smooth and rich flavor
- Low Nicotine and tar levels
- Same blend of tobacco as the Full Flavored Marlboros
Cons:
- CO levels not specified
- Too light & lacks a nicotine hit
Reviews:
7. Camel Blues
- Launched: 1915
- Country of Origin: United States
- Manufacturer (India): Japan Tobacco
Not an out-and-out ladies’ cigarette brand though, Camel Blue attracts a lot of female smokers seeking medium-bodied smoke. Launched in 1915 by RJ Reynolds as “Camel Lights,” these king-size smokes retain the iconic Camel flavor but minus the harshness and high nicotine levels. Female smokers fall for its smooth and mellow flavor and great aftertaste, emanating from a unique blend of Virginia, Burley, and Orient tobaccos.
- Suggested Reading: Best-selling Menthol Cigarette Brands
Specifications:
| Length: 84 mm | Tar: 6 mg | Nicotine: 0.5 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 0.7 mg | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 365 |
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Smooth, mild taste
- Low nicotine, tar & CO
Cons:
- A less profound nicotine hit
Other Camel Female Cigarette Brands:
| Full flavor: Turkish Royal | Ultra-light: Turkish Silver | Menthol: Turkish Jade |
Reviews:
“I smoked on and off (mostly on) for 40 years, and this was my cigarette of choice.”
8. Wills Classic Menthol
- Launched: 1979
- Country of Origin: India
- Manufacturer (India): ITC Limited
Looking for full-blooded Indian female cigarette brands in India? It’s hard to look beyond Classic Menthol. It’s not a ladies’ cigarette but Indian females found its taste refreshing, comforting, and truly Indian. The menthol cigarette’s strong minty flavor cools the mouth and throat and masks the strong tobacco taste. I can vouch for its smooth drag and rich, consistent, and pleasant taste. The aftertaste and nicotine hit aren’t bad either.
- Suggested Reading: Best Disposable Vape Brands
Specifications:
| Length: 84 mm | Tar: 6 mg | Nicotine: 0.5 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: N/A | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 390 |
Pros:
- Smooth drag
- Consistent & pleasant taste
- Low tar and nicotine levels
Cons:
- Not easily available
- The cooling sensation can be too strong for some
Other Wills Classic Female Cigarette Brands
| Blue Leaf | Verve | Ice-burst |
| Double Burst | Low Smell | Connect |
Reviews:
9. Mevius Lights
- Launched: 1977
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Manufacturer: Japan Tobacco
Erstwhile Mild Seven, Mevius is the 3rd most smoked cigarette globally, after Marlboro and Camel. A decent percentage of its 76.5 billion smokers are females. Indian females have a liking for Mevius Lights, a toned-down version of the iconic Mevius blend. The cigarette’s delightful mouthfeel and cleaner smoking experience come from the seven natural tobacco flavors and activated charcoal compound. Despite the additive and portable, super slim profile, Mevius Lights delivers a moderate but lasting nicotine hit.
- Suggested Reading: List Of Cheap Cigarette Brands in India with Price
Specifications:
| Length: 84 mm | Tar: 8 mg | Nicotine: 0.7 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 9 mg | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 580 |
Pros:
- Balanced taste and great flavor
- Charcoal additive for cleaner smoke
Cons:
- Pricey
- Relatively high tar levels
Reviews:
10. MOND Variance Applemint
- Launched:
- Country of Origin: Dubai, U.A.E.
- Manufacturer: Gulbahar Tobacco
MOND Variance, a flagship of Dubai-based Gulbahar Tobacco, is one of the best female cigarette brands in India and beyond. Applemint Menthol is its premium offering known for a double-switch mechanism, giving you the power to switch between two amazing flavors: ice and applemint. Feeling the need for a cool sensation? Activate the ice ball. Craving a refreshing twist? Go for the applemint ball. Better still, why not both?
- Suggested Reading: Sweet Cigarettes: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Specifications:
| Length: 84mm | Tar: 5 mg | Nicotine: 0.4 mg |
| Carbon Monoxide: 6 mg | Packaging: 20 sticks | Price: INR 299 |
Pros:
- Competitively-priced
- Smooth & super slim
- Low tar and nicotine content
- A double-switch mechanism for a personalized flavor profile
Cons:
- Not for those who love traditional tobacco flavor
Other MOND Variance Female Cigarette Brands
| Gum | Paan | Menthol | Strawberry | Watermelon |
Female Cigarette Brands in India: Takeaways
With that, we conclude our exploration of the best female cigarette brands in India. The ladies’ cigarettes I listed aren’t just cigarettes. Instead, they’re expressions of style, taste, individuality, and lifestyle. Each brand brings something unique to the table.
From scurrying the internet to interviewing female smokers, my team and I did everything to curate an authentic, evidence-based list of ladies’ cigarette names.
On the note that cigarettes are a health risk, stay informed and stay wiser.
Female Cigarette Brands in India: FAQs:
1. Which cigarette is best in India for ladies?
Based on my investigations, most Indian females prefer More International. Despite their hefty price tag, they are feminine slim, and stylish, and offer a smooth drag, striking flavor, and a fine mouthfeel.
2. What is the female cigarette brand?
The term “female cigarette brand” is not a standard industry classification. However, cigarette brands often target female smokers with slimmer, lighter, flamboyant, and feminine-looking cigarettes, known as ladies’ cigarettes or female cigarettes.
3. Which female cigarette is safe?
None. Virtually all cigarettes contain tobacco, which releases nicotine, CO, and other dangerous gases. However, if you must smoke, go for cigarettes with lower tar and nicotine levels.
4. Is Marlboro a woman’s cigarette?
Even though we associate Marlboro with machoism (Marlboro Man), it was targeted towards females in the early 1930s with the “Mild as May” tagline. It was only in the mid-50s that the brand repositioned itself as a man thing.
5. What cigarettes do girls smoke?
It depends on availability. In metropolitan cities, most smoke More, Sobranie, L&M, Esse, and other mid-end and high-end brands.
Feature Image Courtesy: Wirestock on Freepik
A wordsmith, avid traveler, rationalist, brand loyalist, sports-freak, and an independent researcher, Rohit has authored 18000 writeups for some of the leading online and offline publications in the past 10 years. He digs into information, weaves narratives, and distills complex subjects into engaging content.