10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA
A niacinamide-and-zinc dual-active serum with brand-confirmed 10% Niacinamide and 2% Zinc PCA. Niacinamide at position 2 confirms the dominant 10% concentration. Zinc PCA at position 6 adds antimicrobial and sebum-regulating support. Dimethyl Isosorbide appears at position 7 as a penetration enhancer, driving actives deeper. The formula uses a dual preservative system of Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate alongside Potassium Sorbate - all within permitted limits but note that Sodium Benzoate combined with any residual ascorbic acid can theoretically form trace benzene (not a concern here as no ascorbic acid is present in this formula). Algin (seaweed polysaccharide) acts as a natural thickener and skin-conditioning agent. A lean, functional 17-ingredient formula.
Approved- Oily and acne prone skin
- Acne Prone Skin
- Daily Use
₹599 · ₹20/ml • Analysed 11 June 2026
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 2% addresses India's two most common oily skin concerns: PIH from acne and active sebum overproduction in tropical heat. The fragrance-free, alcohol-free vehicle is suitable year-round. Dimethyl Isosorbide improves active penetration without occluding pores.
This is a web evidence review, 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 review.
At a glance
What was checked
Excellent
What was checked
Brand-confirmed on PDP; position 2 in INCI confirms dominant concentration.
Brand-confirmed on PDP.
Niacinamide at 10% has robust published evidence for this outcome.
Zinc PCA mechanism is well-established in published literature.
The breakdown
Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyExcellent
Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Full INCI published on brand PDP. No parabens, no SLES, no synthetic fragrance, no silicones. Dimethyl Isosorbide is a penetration enhancer (flag: info) but within normal use ranges. Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, and Potassium Sorbate all within global permitted limits. No EU/India banned or restricted substances identified.
Formula LogicExcellent
Niacinamide at position 2 confirms brand-stated 10% - well above the 5% clinical threshold.
Niacinamide at position 2 confirms brand-stated 10% - well above the 5% clinical threshold. Zinc PCA at position 6 adds sebum-regulating and antimicrobial support. Dimethyl Isosorbide as penetration enhancer at position 7 increases active delivery. Lean 17-ingredient formula appropriate for acne-prone skin.
Claims EvidenceExcellent
Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
Both key actives (10% Niacinamide, 2% Zinc PCA) are brand-confirmed and publicly stated on the PDP. No synthetic fragrance is accurate. Full INCI accessible. No third-party published clinical trial for this specific product - minor gap.
Test TransparencyGrade CFair
Concentrations publicly confirmed for both actives.
Concentrations publicly confirmed for both actives. No dermatologist-tested certificates, patch-test data, or third-party lab results published. Brand cites general category efficacy but no product-specific clinical data.
Consumer ClarityExcellent
Clear naming convention, active percentages prominently stated, skin type guidance (oily/acne-prone) provided.
Clear naming convention, active percentages prominently stated, skin type guidance (oily/acne-prone) provided. No jargon-heavy claims. Straightforward consumer messaging.
Ingredient list
Excellent
Ingredient list
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
Niacinamide |
1,3-Propanediol |
Ethoxydiglycol |
Glycerin |
Zinc PCA |
Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Pentylene Glycol |
Xanthan Gum |
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose |
Algin |
Phenoxyethanol |
Sodium Benzoate |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Calcium Chloride |
Potassium Sorbate |
Citric Acid |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Regulatory screen
Review
Regulatory screen
Pass - no restricted or prohibited substances identified
Pass - compliant with Indian Cosmetics Regulation 2020
Pass - no hotlist substances
Pass
Pass
Pass - no SVHC candidates identified
Pass - no IARC Group 1/2A carcinogens
Pass
Pass
Pass
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
Claims checked
Excellent
Claims checked
Brand-confirmed on PDP; position 2 in INCI confirms dominant concentration.
Evidence visible
Brand-confirmed on PDP.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide at 10% has robust published evidence for this outcome.
Mentioned only
Zinc PCA mechanism is well-established in published literature.
Evidence visible
What would strengthen this review
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
- ○Product-specific clinical trial or dermatologist-test certificate
- ○Third-party patch-test certification
Strong formula transparency with both actives confirmed. Penetration enhancer (Dimethyl Isosorbide) is effective but increases systemic exposure - not a concern at typical use levels. No synthetic fragrance is a genuine plus for acne-prone skin.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
Full methodology
- What global regulations say about each ingredient
- What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
- What formula concentration context changes
- What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
- What the stated user group needs
- What published test evidence confirms
- What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports
