10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA
A niacinamide-based formula targeting pore refinement and oil control, fragrance free.
- Oily and acne prone skin
- Acne prone skin
₹599 · ₹20/ml • Analysed 5 June 2026
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.
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
Each claim checked against publicly available evidence: published test reports, the ingredient list, and regulatory data.
No fragrance of any kind found in the INCI. No parfum, no essential oils, no Benzyl Alcohol.
Score breakdown
How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyExcellent45/50Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Niacinamide at 10% and Zinc PCA at 2% are both well-established actives with strong safety profiles. No parabens, no SLES, no synthetic fragrance, no silicones, no alcohols. Dimethyl Isosorbide as a penetration enhancer increases how deeply all actives travel — a useful design choice, with the minor trade-off of slightly greater systemic absorption. The preservative system combines Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, and Potassium Sorbate. Sodium Benzoate is a permitted preservative globally; no benzene formation risk in this formula as no ascorbic acid is present. Algin is a natural seaweed polysaccharide with no known safety concerns.
Formula DesignExcellent19/20Niacinamide at 10% is firmly above the clinical efficacy threshold.
Niacinamide at 10% is firmly above the clinical efficacy threshold. Zinc PCA adds a second independent mechanism: it regulates sebaceous gland activity and provides antimicrobial action against C. acnes. Dimethyl Isosorbide at position 7 improves transcutaneous delivery of both actives. Ethoxydiglycol at position 4 is a solvent that aids in formulation stability and active solubilisation. The lean 17-ingredient formula is appropriate for acne-prone skin where unnecessary additives can be problematic.
Claims EvidenceExcellent19/20Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
Both 10% Niacinamide and 2% Zinc PCA are brand-confirmed, publicly stated on the product page. Full INCI is accessible. No unsubstantiated clinical claims. No synthetic fragrance claim is accurate for this formula. No third-party published trial data for this specific product.
Ethics & SustainabilityConcern4/10Cruelty-free brand.
Cruelty-free brand. Indian-founded (Gurugram HQ). Part of Honasa Consumer (Mamaearth parent). No parabens, no SLS, no synthetic fragrance. Uses Sodium Benzoate as one of four preservative components. No independent sustainability sourcing verification published. Lean formula minimises processing footprint.
Ingredient list
17 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
Niacinamide |
1,3-Propanediol |
Ethoxydiglycol |
Glycerin |
Zinc PCA |
Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Pentylene Glycol |
Show all 17 ingredientsShow fewer
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).
Consumer reviews
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.
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
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.
