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Hyphen's Acne Defence Daily Serum offers a robust, active-rich formula for acne-prone skin, but consumers should manage expectations regarding 'clinically proven' claims that lack transparent, verifiable studies.
₹549 • Analysed 18 July 2026
Actives like this can raise sun sensitivity, which India's high year-round UV makes significant, so pairing with a daytime SPF is important; the lighter the vehicle, the better it tends to wear in heat and humidity. The product maintains a consistent price of Rs.549 across all major Indian e-commerce platforms and the brand's own website, indicating transparent and stable pricing. At Rs.18.30/ml, it is competitively priced for an active-rich serum. 1 marketing claim could draw ASCI scrutiny under India's advertising code; the ingredient list is the more reliable guide.
Independent and free. The Clean Sheet takes no money from brands to review, rank, or approve a product. 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.
The product name is descriptive and well-supported by the presence of 2% Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Tea Tree Extract in the formula, all known for acne-fighting properties.
The percentage of Salicylic Acid is explicitly stated in the product name and marketing, and the ingredient is present in the INCI list, confirming the claim.
Supported by formula logic: Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Tea Tree Extract are well-researched ingredients known for their efficacy against acne and preventing breakouts. The 'Dermatologically tested' claim also implies some finished product assessment.
Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid are present in meaningful concentrations and are known to help improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and blemishes over time. Formula logic supports this claim.
Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are key ingredients known for their ability to regulate sebum production and reduce oiliness. The formula logic strongly supports this claim.
Salicylic Acid (a BHA) is specifically known for its oil-soluble property, allowing it to penetrate and exfoliate inside pores, effectively unclogging them. Formula logic supports this core function.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract, Niacinamide, and Tea Tree Extract are all present and known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and redness-reducing properties. Formula logic supports this claim.
The brand states the product is 'Non-comedogenic', implying finished product testing has been conducted to ensure it does not clog pores.
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against INCIDecoder.
Screened against the ingredient database (7 of 16 ingredients matched); no cosmetics-prohibited ingredient found.
No ingredient with a recognised endocrine-activity concern found in the database.
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
No commonly-comedogenic ingredient found - a reasonable fit for acne-prone skin.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
No EU-declarable or database-flagged allergen found in the list.
No high-sensitisation preservative (MI/MCI/formaldehyde-releaser) from our screen was found.
Brand claims dermatologist testing (claim stated; underlying report not seen).
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Active percentages are disclosed for the hero ingredient(s).
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
No retinoid or other pregnancy-cautioned active found in the screen.
Sustainability & Ethics
Brand makes a cruelty-free / PETA claim.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua (Water) |
Propanediol |
Azelaic Acid |
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract |
Triethanolamine |
Niacinamide |
1,2-Hexanediol |
Pentylene Glycol |
Salicylic Acid |
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract |
Sodium Gluconate |
Xanthan Gum |
Sodium Citrate |
Sodium Hydroxide |
Phenoxyethanol |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
“Clinically proven to reduce acne in 4 weeks”
This quantified 'clinically proven' claim lacks publicly verifiable study details (methodology, sample size, results), which is an ASCI concern under Chapter 1.4 (Truthful and Honest Representation).
The product name is descriptive and well-supported by the presence of 2% Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Tea Tree Extract in the formula, all known for acne-fighting properties.
Evidence visible
The percentage of Salicylic Acid is explicitly stated in the product name and marketing, and the ingredient is present in the INCI list, confirming the claim.
Mentioned only
Supported by formula logic: Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Tea Tree Extract are well-researched ingredients known for their efficacy against acne and preventing breakouts. The 'Dermatologically tested' claim also implies some finished product assessment.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid are present in meaningful concentrations and are known to help improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and blemishes over time. Formula logic supports this claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are key ingredients known for their ability to regulate sebum production and reduce oiliness. The formula logic strongly supports this claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid (a BHA) is specifically known for its oil-soluble property, allowing it to penetrate and exfoliate inside pores, effectively unclogging them. Formula logic supports this core function.
Evidence visible
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract, Niacinamide, and Tea Tree Extract are all present and known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and redness-reducing properties. Formula logic supports this claim.
Evidence visible
The brand states the product is 'Non-comedogenic', implying finished product testing has been conducted to ensure it does not clog pores.
Evidence visible
The brand states the product is 'Dermatologically tested', indicating professional oversight in product assessment, though specific details of the testing are not publicly visible.
Evidence visible
The retrieved INCI list confirms the absence of 'Parfum', 'Fragrance', or any essential oils, supporting this claim.
Evidence visible
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
This review evaluates brand claims against visible evidence and formula logic. It does not replace a full ingredient safety analysis or a clinical product test. Results vary by individual, and the consumer should always read the full ingredient list and follow usage guidance.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
No IARC-classified or formaldehyde-releasing ingredient found in the database screen.
No commonly-comedogenic ingredient found - a reasonable fit for acne-prone skin.
Irritation & Allergen Risk
No EU-declarable or database-flagged allergen found in the list.
No high-sensitisation preservative (MI/MCI/formaldehyde-releaser) from our screen was found.
Brand claims dermatologist testing (claim stated; underlying report not seen).
Ingredient Transparency
The full INCI list is publicly available, not just hero ingredients.
Active percentages are disclosed for the hero ingredient(s).
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
No retinoid or other pregnancy-cautioned active found in the screen.
Sustainability & Ethics
Brand makes a cruelty-free / PETA claim.
Screened against a curated reference set that we are continuing to verify and expand, so “clear” means no flag from that set, not a guarantee. Not a substitute for a full toxicological or clinical assessment.
Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid are present in meaningful concentrations and are known to help improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and blemishes over time. Formula logic supports this claim.
Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are key ingredients known for their ability to regulate sebum production and reduce oiliness. The formula logic strongly supports this claim.
Salicylic Acid (a BHA) is specifically known for its oil-soluble property, allowing it to penetrate and exfoliate inside pores, effectively unclogging them. Formula logic supports this core function.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract, Niacinamide, and Tea Tree Extract are all present and known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and redness-reducing properties. Formula logic supports this claim.
The brand states the product is 'Non-comedogenic', implying finished product testing has been conducted to ensure it does not clog pores.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
No prohibited or restricted ingredients identified.
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
The product name is descriptive and well-supported by the presence of 2% Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Tea Tree Extract in the formula, all known for acne-fighting properties.
Evidence visible
The percentage of Salicylic Acid is explicitly stated in the product name and marketing, and the ingredient is present in the INCI list, confirming the claim.
Mentioned only
Supported by formula logic: Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Tea Tree Extract are well-researched ingredients known for their efficacy against acne and preventing breakouts. The 'Dermatologically tested' claim also implies some finished product assessment.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid are present in meaningful concentrations and are known to help improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and blemishes over time. Formula logic supports this claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are key ingredients known for their ability to regulate sebum production and reduce oiliness. The formula logic strongly supports this claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid (a BHA) is specifically known for its oil-soluble property, allowing it to penetrate and exfoliate inside pores, effectively unclogging them. Formula logic supports this core function.
Evidence visible
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract, Niacinamide, and Tea Tree Extract are all present and known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and redness-reducing properties. Formula logic supports this claim.
Evidence visible
The brand states the product is 'Non-comedogenic', implying finished product testing has been conducted to ensure it does not clog pores.
Evidence visible
The brand states the product is 'Dermatologically tested', indicating professional oversight in product assessment, though specific details of the testing are not publicly visible.
Evidence visible
The retrieved INCI list confirms the absence of 'Parfum', 'Fragrance', or any essential oils, supporting this claim.
Evidence visible
“Clinically proven to reduce acne in 4 weeks”
This quantified 'clinically proven' claim lacks publicly verifiable study details (methodology, sample size, results), which is an ASCI concern under Chapter 1.4 (Truthful and Honest Representation).
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
