12% Niacinamide Clarifying Serum
A niacinamide-based formula targeting pore refinement and oil control.
- Oily and acne prone skin
- Acne prone skin
- Combination skin
₹645 · ₹22/ml • Analysed 5 June 2026
A high-concentration niacinamide serum at a brand-confirmed 12%, making it one of the highest OTC niacinamide concentrations on the Indian market. Niacinamide sits at INCI position 2, confirming dominance in formula. Hexylene Glycol at position 3 is a solvent that also contributes mild antimicrobial properties. Azelaic Acid appears at position 10, a meaningful supporting active for acne and hyperpigmentation, though its exact concentration is not disclosed. PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether at position 4 acts as a skin-conditioning emollient. The formula uses Disodium EDTA as a chelating agent rather than a biodegradable alternative. Contains Allergen Free Fragrance — not truly fragrance-free.
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.
Score breakdown
How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyStrong44/50Niacinamide at 12% is well above the threshold for clinical efficacy (typically 2-5%) and is generally safe, though at this concentration a brief niacin flush can occur in...
Niacinamide at 12% is well above the threshold for clinical efficacy (typically 2-5%) and is generally safe, though at this concentration a brief niacin flush can occur in first-time users. No parabens, no SLES, no formaldehyde releasers, no synthetic alcohols, no silicones. Hexylene Glycol at position 3 is a solvent and humectant with low sensitisation risk at cosmetic concentrations. Azelaic Acid at position 10 is a well-established acne and pigmentation active permitted in India and globally. The formula contains Allergen Free Fragrance — a synthetic fragrance blend formulated to exclude the 26 EU-listed sensitising allergens. This is not the same as fragrance-free; individuals with chemical fragrance sensitivity may still react. Disodium EDTA is the chelating agent; not a biodegradable option. Phenoxyethanol as a preservative is within the permitted 1% limit.
Formula DesignStrong17/20At 12%, Niacinamide is at the higher end of OTC concentrations.
At 12%, Niacinamide is at the higher end of OTC concentrations. Peer-reviewed studies support niacinamide efficacy from 2% upward for sebum regulation, pore minimisation, and PIH reduction — the marginal benefit above 10% is less clearly established, though 12% is unlikely to cause harm for non-sensitive users. Azelaic Acid adds a dual-mechanism approach: it inhibits tyrosinase (brightening) and has anti-inflammatory and keratolytic properties relevant for post-acne marks and congestion. Glyceryl Glucoside at position 8 is a skin-hydrating prebiotic ingredient. The formula is lean at 16 ingredients, which limits unnecessary additives.
Claims EvidenceExcellent18/20Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
The 12% niacinamide concentration is brand-confirmed and publicly stated, which is a positive transparency step. Azelaic Acid is listed as a key active on the product page but no concentration is disclosed, which is a gap given that its efficacy range (1-10%) meaningfully affects how the formula performs. The claim of 'clinically proven in 14 days' for acne reduction has not been supported by published trial data — this is standard marketing language in the Indian market but worth flagging.
Ethics & SustainabilityFair5/10Foxtale is a cruelty-free brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets.
Foxtale is a cruelty-free brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets. Indian-founded brand (Mumbai HQ, Chennai R&D). Vegan formulas across the range. No parabens or SLS. Uses Disodium EDTA as a chelating agent rather than a biodegradable alternative (such as Sodium Gluconate or Phytic Acid). Packaging is minimal and functional. Allergen Free Fragrance is still a synthetic fragrance component — not aligned with fully fragrance-free clean beauty standards.
Ingredient list
17 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
Niacinamide |
Hexylene Glycol |
PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether |
Phenoxyethanol |
Betaine |
Glycerin |
Glyceryl Glucoside |
Show all 17 ingredientsShow fewer
Allantoin |
Azelaic Acid |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Lecithin |
Lysolecithin |
Carbomer |
Aminomethyl Propanol |
Disodium EDTA |
Allergen Free Fragrance |
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 at 12% targets PIH from acne and UV exposure — the most prevalent skin concern across India's Fitzpatrick III-V skin tones. At this concentration, a brief and harmless niacin flush may occur on first use; reduce frequency and build up gradually. Suitable for India's humid climate: water-based, non-occlusive formula. Azelaic Acid adds mild exfoliation and tyrosinase inhibition that complements niacinamide's melanosome transfer inhibition.
