Getting you a comprehensive analysis of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
Getting you a comprehensive analysis of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
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This moisturizer offers a solid formulation for oil control and barrier health, but the brand needs to clarify its Niacinamide percentage claim for full transparency and consumer trust.
This Chemist at Play moisturizer is well-suited for the Indian climate, particularly for oily and combination skin types, due to its lightweight, gel-based formula and mattifying properties. The inclusion of Niacinamide, Postbiotics, and Ceramides addresses common Indian skin concerns like oiliness, enlarged pores, and barrier health, which can be exacerbated by humidity and pollution. Priced at Rs.449 for 100gm, it positions itself as an accessible active-led moisturizer. The discrepancy in Niacinamide percentage (3% in product name vs. 5% in description) on the brand's own website is an ASCI concern for clarity and truthfulness in advertising, which Indian consumers should be aware of.
The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to analyse, rank, or approve a product. This is a web evidence analysis, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of analysis.
Niacinamide is present as the second ingredient in the INCI list, and the percentage is explicitly stated in the product name. General research supports Niacinamide's benefits.
Lactobacillus Ferment and Bacillus Ferment (postbiotics) are present in the INCI list, and the percentage is explicitly stated in the product name. General research supports postbiotics for skin barrier.
D-panthenol (Vitamin B5) is present in the INCI list, and the percentage is explicitly stated in the product name. General research supports Vitamin B5 for soothing and hydration.
Formula contains Niacinamide, mattifying agents (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica), and humectants (Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate) which support oil control and hydration. No finished product study is publicly visible to quantify 'all day' control.
The gel-based formula with mattifying agents (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica) and emollients like Phytosqualane supports a quick-absorbing, non-greasy, matte finish.
This is a brand claim. TCS has not reviewed matching product-specific evidence for the claim. Its presence does not change the product rating by itself.
Niacinamide, Postbiotics (Lactobacillus Ferment, Bacillus Ferment), Vitamin B5 (D-panthenol), Ceramides, and Phytosqualane are all present in the INCI and are known to support skin barrier function and soothe skin.
This is a brand claim. TCS has not reviewed matching product-specific evidence for the claim. Its presence does not change the product rating by itself.
Claim is supported by 'dermatologically tested' and 'non-comedogenic' statements. The formula is generally well-tolerated.
The brand states suitability for sensitive skin, backed by 'dermatologically tested' and gentle ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin B5.
Checked against the ingredient list as declared. It is not a substitute for a full regulatory assessment.
How we read this product across five areas. Open any row for the full reasoning.
Niacinamide: Active · A form of Vitamin B3, known for oil control, pore refining, brightening, and barrier support.
Lactobacillus Ferment: Active · A postbiotic ingredient that supports the skin's microbiome and barrier function.
Bacillus Ferment: Active · Another postbiotic ingredient contributing to skin microbiome balance and barrier health.
D-panthenol: Active · Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, it offers soothing, hydrating, and skin-repairing benefits.
The formula is well-designed for its claims. Niacinamide, Postbiotics, and D-panthenol are high in the INCI, supporting oil control, hydration, and barrier claims. The presence of Microcrystalline Cellulose and Silica provides a genuine mattifying effect. While ceramides are lower in the list, their inclusion still contributes to barrier support. The gel-cream texture is ideal for oily and combination skin, preventing a heavy or greasy feel.
Strongest public evidence: level 4 of 7. A well-formulated, lightweight moisturizer with effective oil-controlling and barrier-supporting ingredients for oily and combination skin.
Non-comedogenic formula helps reduce clogged pores and keeps skin looking clear and refined.: The brand states the product is 'non-comedogenic', indicating testing was done. Niacinamide is known to help with pore clarity.
Dermatologically tested: The brand states the product is 'dermatologically tested', indicating professional oversight.
safe for daily use with no known side effects for most skin types.: Claim is supported by 'dermatologically tested' and 'non-comedogenic' statements. The formula is generally well-tolerated.
13 marketing claims checked. 1 ASCI concern(s), 0 drug-boundary flag(s).
Conflicting Niacinamide percentage (3% in product name vs. 5% in description) creates confusion.
pH is not disclosed, which can be relevant for optimal active performance.
Daily, morning and evening, as a moisturizing step after cleansing and serums.
Layers well under sunscreen and makeup. Can be used after active serums (e.g., Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid) for hydration and barrier support.
Lightweight, non-greasy feel with an immediate matte finish.
Reduced oiliness, fewer clogged pores, improved skin texture, and a stronger skin barrier.
The complete ingredient list we reviewed contains no explicit fragrance declaration or essential oil.
No sourced pregnancy flags were found for the ingredients screened. This is not proof that the product is safe during pregnancy. Exposure category: leave-on. Ingredients not resolved: Phytosqualane, Bacillus Ferment, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, D-panthenol, Triethylene Glycol, Tocopherol Acetate, Ceramide AS and Ceramide NG. Ask a healthcare professional.
None is prohibited.
100 gm · from Rs.399 on Nykaa (Rs.4.49/gm). Seen at Brand Website Rs.449, Nykaa Rs.399 and Flipkart Rs.419.
7 of 10 claims are publicly supported; 3 need proof.
People to take care with: You have very dry skin; You prefer a rich, creamy texture.
Analysed on 3 Nov 2026 from innovist.com. We re-check analyses older than six months.
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Meets our review criteria
Available evidence supports the criteria assessed under The Clean Sheet Standard.
Further verification needed
Some assessment criteria require additional evidence or clarification.
Does not meet review criteria
One or more material criteria were not met based on the evidence reviewed. See assessment details.
Not yet assessed
We have not completed an assessment of this product.
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