Getting you a comprehensive review of the product
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
Reading every ingredient in the formula…
Join The Clean Sheet™ community
Science-backed beauty tips, ingredient alerts, and early access. Straight to your WhatsApp.
Join for free →
ApprovedA highly transparent and clinically-backed serum that delivers on its core promises for oil control and pore refinement, making it a strong choice for its target audience with minimal claim risk.
₹569 • 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 Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum maintains a consistent price point across major Indian platforms, typically around Rs. 599 for 30ml, with minor discounts occasionally available on marketplaces like Nykaa. The marketing stays within India's cosmetic advertising norms (ASCI / CDSCO), with claims that match what the formula can do.
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.
Niacinamide is the second ingredient in the INCI list, and the 10% concentration is explicitly stated by the brand.
Zinc PCA, Zinc Glycinate, and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (Matmarine™) are present high in the INCI list, indicating meaningful concentrations.
Brand website states 'Clinically proven to reduce sebum by 28% in 4 weeks & pore appearance by 24% in 8 weeks. Based on a 4-week clinical study with 30 subjects.' This is strong finished-product clinical evidence.
While clinical data supports sebum reduction and pore appearance (factors related to acne), a direct 'fights acne' endpoint is not explicitly detailed in the provided clinical summary. Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are known to help with acne.
Niacinamide is a well-researched ingredient with general published research supporting its role in improving skin barrier function.
Niacinamide and Allantoin are present in the formula, both known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties based on general ingredient research.
Brand states the product is non-comedogenic, which is a standard safety claim for products targeting acne-prone skin, implying finished product testing.
The retrieved INCI list confirms the absence of Parfum/Fragrance, essential oils, silicones (like Dimethicone high up), sulphates, parabens, and dyes. INCIDecoder also labels it alcohol-free, fragrance & essential-oil free.
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 (12 of 23 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).
Any proprietary 'complex' is broken down into its actual ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
The product pH is disclosed - important for acids / vitamin C / cleansers.
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
No retinoid or other pregnancy-cautioned active found in the screen.
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 |
|---|
Water/Aqua |
Niacinamide |
Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Ethoxydiglycol |
Propanediol |
Zinc Pca |
Pentylene Glycol |
Glycerin |
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract |
Zinc Glycinate |
Acetyl Glucosamine |
Allantoin |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Phenoxyethanol |
Xanthan Gum |
Lecithin |
Sclerotium Gum |
Pullulan |
Sodium Lactate |
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Lactic Acid |
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.
Niacinamide is the second ingredient in the INCI list, and the 10% concentration is explicitly stated by the brand.
Mentioned only
Zinc PCA, Zinc Glycinate, and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (Matmarine™) are present high in the INCI list, indicating meaningful concentrations.
Mentioned only
Brand website states 'Clinically proven to reduce sebum by 28% in 4 weeks & pore appearance by 24% in 8 weeks. Based on a 4-week clinical study with 30 subjects.' This is strong finished-product clinical evidence.
Evidence visible
While clinical data supports sebum reduction and pore appearance (factors related to acne), a direct 'fights acne' endpoint is not explicitly detailed in the provided clinical summary. Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are known to help with acne.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide is a well-researched ingredient with general published research supporting its role in improving skin barrier function.
Mentioned only
Niacinamide and Allantoin are present in the formula, both known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties based on general ingredient research.
Mentioned only
Brand states the product is non-comedogenic, which is a standard safety claim for products targeting acne-prone skin, implying finished product testing.
Evidence visible
The retrieved INCI list confirms the absence of Parfum/Fragrance, essential oils, silicones (like Dimethicone high up), sulphates, parabens, and dyes. INCIDecoder also labels it alcohol-free, fragrance & essential-oil free.
Evidence visible
The brand explicitly states the pH range on its website, which is optimal for niacinamide stability and skin compatibility.
Evidence visible
Brand states 'Dermatologist tested', implying finished product testing for safety and efficacy under professional supervision.
Evidence visible
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).
Any proprietary 'complex' is broken down into its actual ingredients.
Ingredients are listed in the descending order required by India Cosmetics Rules 2020.
Standards & Compliance
The product pH is disclosed - important for acids / vitamin C / cleansers.
Usage warnings and directions are clear on the label.
No retinoid or other pregnancy-cautioned active found in the screen.
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.
While clinical data supports sebum reduction and pore appearance (factors related to acne), a direct 'fights acne' endpoint is not explicitly detailed in the provided clinical summary. Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are known to help with acne.
Niacinamide is a well-researched ingredient with general published research supporting its role in improving skin barrier function.
Niacinamide and Allantoin are present in the formula, both known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties based on general ingredient research.
Brand states the product is non-comedogenic, which is a standard safety claim for products targeting acne-prone skin, implying finished product testing.
The retrieved INCI list confirms the absence of Parfum/Fragrance, essential oils, silicones (like Dimethicone high up), sulphates, parabens, and dyes. INCIDecoder also labels it alcohol-free, fragrance & essential-oil free.
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.
Niacinamide is the second ingredient in the INCI list, and the 10% concentration is explicitly stated by the brand.
Mentioned only
Zinc PCA, Zinc Glycinate, and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (Matmarine™) are present high in the INCI list, indicating meaningful concentrations.
Mentioned only
Brand website states 'Clinically proven to reduce sebum by 28% in 4 weeks & pore appearance by 24% in 8 weeks. Based on a 4-week clinical study with 30 subjects.' This is strong finished-product clinical evidence.
Evidence visible
While clinical data supports sebum reduction and pore appearance (factors related to acne), a direct 'fights acne' endpoint is not explicitly detailed in the provided clinical summary. Niacinamide and Zinc PCA are known to help with acne.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide is a well-researched ingredient with general published research supporting its role in improving skin barrier function.
Mentioned only
Niacinamide and Allantoin are present in the formula, both known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties based on general ingredient research.
Mentioned only
Brand states the product is non-comedogenic, which is a standard safety claim for products targeting acne-prone skin, implying finished product testing.
Evidence visible
The retrieved INCI list confirms the absence of Parfum/Fragrance, essential oils, silicones (like Dimethicone high up), sulphates, parabens, and dyes. INCIDecoder also labels it alcohol-free, fragrance & essential-oil free.
Evidence visible
The brand explicitly states the pH range on its website, which is optimal for niacinamide stability and skin compatibility.
Evidence visible
Brand states 'Dermatologist tested', implying finished product testing for safety and efficacy under professional supervision.
Evidence visible
