PLUMSerums

2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face Serum

A 2% encapsulated Salicylic Acid serum using a Dextrin/Polydextrose/Amylopectin starch matrix for controlled release. Encapsulation improves tolerability and allows stable formulation across pH values. Niacinamide adds anti-inflammatory and PIH-prevention support. Two flags: Rosa Damascena Flower Water introduces EU fragrance allergens into a leave-on serum for inflamed skin, and Ethoxydiglycol acts as a penetration enhancer.

MOSTLYCLEAN

Mostly Clean

Best for

Oily and acne prone skin
Acne Prone Skin
Daily Use

Avoid if

You have reactive or sensitised skin
You have fragrance sensitivities

Rs. 509 - Rs. 599 • Analysed 10 June 2026

India Context

Encapsulated 2% SA is well-suited to acne management in India's humid climate. Encapsulation improves tolerability significantly over free-acid SA, important given that acne management requires consistent long-term use. Niacinamide's inclusion is particularly thoughtful for Indian skin types prone to PIH. Rose Water fragrance allergens are somewhat contradictory in an inflammation-targeting formula; individuals with reactive skin should patch-test first.

Key Ingredients

Glycerin•Salicylic Acid•DextrinView all ingredients

MOSTLYCLEAN

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Ingredient & Safety

Formula Logic

Public Claim Support

Transparency

Consumer Clarity

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

✗Fragrance free

✓Alcohol free

✓Paraben free

✓Vegan

What was checked

3 claims checked against public evidence

Fair

2% Encapsulated Salicylic AcidVerified

Brand states 2% and the encapsulation matrix ingredients (Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin) are listed.

Published evidence

Unclogs pores / BHA exfoliationNeeds context

Salicylic Acid mechanism for follicular exfoliation is established. The encapsulation controlled-release efficacy for this specific formula has not been independently verified.

Brand claim

Reduces acne / breakoutsNeeds context

No formula-specific clinical study published. Ingredient mechanisms are established.

Brand claim

Verified: confirmed from public evidenceSupported: consistent with available evidenceNeeds context: relevant for some usersNot verified: could not be confirmed

The breakdown

Needs proof

Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.

Ingredient Safety

Good

Rosa Damascena Flower Water appears in this leave-on serum and contains geraniol, citronellol, farnesol, and linalool, which are the most frequently cited causes of cosmetic skin...

Rosa Damascena Flower Water appears in this leave-on serum and contains geraniol, citronellol, farnesol, and linalool, which are the most frequently cited causes of cosmetic skin reactions. Including these in a leave-on product designed for inflamed acne-prone skin is counterproductive: fragrance sensitisers applied to an already-compromised barrier increase cumulative allergen exposure. Ethoxydiglycol appears later in the ingredient list and is a confirmed penetration enhancer that amplifies the percutaneous absorption of Salicylic Acid and co-formulated actives, including the rose allergens. No synthetic Parfum is added, no parabens. Salicylic Acid at 2% in a leave-on product is permitted in India under IS:4011.

Formula Logic

Strong

Encapsulated Salicylic Acid is a real advance over free-acid BHA serums. The starch matrix releases the acid gradually rather than all at once, reducing irritation and supporting daily use, which matters because acne treatment requires consistency over weeks. Niacinamide is a thoughtful addition: it calms inflammation and prevents the dark marks that acne leaves in darker skin tones. Blueberry and Prickly Pear Extracts add soothing support. Ethoxydiglycol's penetration-boosting function supports SA delivery into follicles but also increases allergen absorption from the rose water.

Claims Evidence

Fair

The 2% Salicylic Acid concentration is confirmed by the brand. The full ingredient list is published. The Rose Flower Water fragrance allergens are not communicated to consumers, despite being present in a leave-on formula for inflamed skin. Ethoxydiglycol's penetration-enhancing role is not explained. No independent clinical study for this formula has been published.

“2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid” Brand states 2% and the encapsulation matrix ingredients (Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin) are listed.

“Unclogs pores / BHA exfoliation” Salicylic Acid mechanism for follicular exfoliation is established. The encapsulation controlled-release efficacy for this specific formula has not been independently verified.

“Reduces acne / breakouts” No formula-specific clinical study published. Ingredient mechanisms are established.

Test Transparency

Grade CFair

No independent study, efficacy test, or safety assessment is publicly accessible for this product. The 2% SA concentration disclosure is a positive transparency step. No published data verifies the encapsulation system's controlled-release efficacy for this specific formula.

Consumer Clarity

Good

Encapsulation as a tolerability improvement is explained. Fragrance allergens from Rose Water are not disclosed. Ethoxydiglycol's role in amplifying ingredient penetration is not communicated. This is a relevant gap for consumers who are managing acne-related skin sensitivity.

Ingredient list

20 ingredients · INCI order

Good

SafeNoteCaution

Ingredient	What it does
Aqua	Solvent base
Glycerin	Humectant; barrier-supportive
Salicylic Acid	BHA at 2%; encapsulated delivery for controlled release. EU leave-on face limit is 0.5%; compliant in India under IS:4011
Dextrin	Starch-derived encapsulation matrix component for SA controlled release
Polydextrose	Polysaccharide polymer; co-encapsulant in starch matrix system
Amylopectin	Branched starch polymer; completes the encapsulation matrix for timed SA release
Niacinamide	Anti-inflammatory (IL-6/IL-8 reduction), prevents PIH post-acne. Early list position indicates functional concentration
Propanediol	Plant-derived humectant and solvent
Pentylene Glycol	Humectant and mild preservative booster
Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Fruit Extract	Anthocyanin antioxidants; anti-inflammatory support for SA tolerance
Xanthan Gum	Ferment-derived biopolymer thickener
Hydroxyethylcellulose	Natural-derived polymer thickener
Opuntia Ficus (Prickly Pear) Extract	Betalain antioxidants and soothing properties
Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water	Contains EU fragrance allergens (geraniol, citronellol, farnesol, linalool) in a leave-on acne serum. Fragrance allergens are counterproductive in an inflammation-targeting formula
Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin	Copper chelate of chlorophyllin; anti-inflammatory colorant. Gives product distinctive green colour. Safe at cosmetic concentrations
Ethoxydiglycol	Transcutol (CPE); amplifies SA and co-active percutaneous penetration. Intentional for BHA delivery but increases systemic exposure of all actives including rose allergens
Phenoxyethanol	Preservative; within 1% limit
Ethylhexylglycerin	Preservative booster
Sodium Hydroxide	pH adjuster to maintain acid environment for SA efficacy
Disodium EDTA	Chelating agent supporting preservative efficacy and formula stability

INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).

Regulatory screen

Each ingredient mapped against 10 global regulatory authorities

Review

EU 1223/2009EU Cosmetics Regulation - Annexes II–VI

Salicylic Acid: EU Annex V permits maximum 0.5% in face leave-on products; this formula at 2% would not be EU-compliant for leave-on use. Rosa Damascena allergens require labelling above 0.01% threshold.

India CR 2020India Cosmetics Rules, CDSCO

No flagged substances; 2% Salicylic Acid is permitted for leave-on use under India IS:4011

Health Canada HotlistCanada prohibited & restricted ingredients

No flagged substances

US FDA 21 CFRUS FDA Parts 700–740

Salicylic Acid in leave-on OTC acne drug: 0.5-2% is the monograph range; as a cosmetic rather than OTC drug, classification may apply

MFDS KoreaKorea Cosmetics Act

No flagged substances

ECHA SVHCSubstances of Very High Concern

No flagged substances

IARCCarcinogen classifications Groups 1/2A/2B

No flagged substances

AICIS AustraliaAustralian industrial chemical safety

No flagged substances

TGA AustraliaTherapeutic claims (if applicable)

Salicylic Acid: check TGA OTC monograph for applicable leave-on limits

Canada NHPIDNatural health product ingredients

No flagged substances

Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.

Claims checked

1 of 3 publicly supported

Fair

2% Encapsulated Salicylic AcidPublicly supported

Brand states 2% and the encapsulation matrix ingredients (Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin) are listed.

Evidence visible

Unclogs pores / BHA exfoliationNeeds proof

Salicylic Acid mechanism for follicular exfoliation is established. The encapsulation controlled-release efficacy for this specific formula has not been independently verified.

Mentioned only

Reduces acne / breakoutsNeeds proof

No formula-specific clinical study published. Ingredient mechanisms are established.

Mentioned only

What would strengthen this review

Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps

○Rose Water fragrance allergens not disclosed despite presence in an inflamed-skin leave-on product
○Ethoxydiglycol penetration-enhancing effect not communicated
○No independent clinical study published

About this review

The encapsulated SA delivery system and Niacinamide inclusion are genuine formulation positives for acne management; the Rosa Damascena fragrance allergens in a leave-on serum for inflamed skin are counterproductive and undisclosed.

Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.

Independent reviewPublic evidence only

Full methodology