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Join for free →While Neothera's Purify + Control Acne Cleanser boasts strong ingredient transparency and a promising formula, its own published clinical data directly contradicts its core efficacy claims, creating a significant trust deficit for consumers.
₹525 • Analysed 4 September 2026
The Neothera Purify + Control Acne Cleanser is positioned as a premium acne-focused cleanser in the Indian market, priced at ₹5.25/ml. Its formulation with Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA is well-suited for the common issues of excess oil and breakouts in India's humid climate. However, the brand's own clinical study results, showing '0% reduction' for key acne concerns, raise significant ASCI compliance issues regarding the truthfulness of its claims, which Indian consumers should be aware of.
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.
Formula contains Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA, which are known actives for acne-prone skin. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid, a known exfoliant. The term 'deeply' for a rinse-off product is ambitious, but Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and can penetrate pores.
Salicylic Acid is effective at oil dissolution and pore cleansing. Surfactants in the formula also support impurity removal. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Actives like Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA are known to help manage acne. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne', which is a critical discrepancy.
Formula uses mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside) and includes humectants (Sorbitol, Propanediol). Brand states 'cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin barrier' and 'formulated to cleanse acne-prone skin while helping maintain a healthy skin barrier'.
Actives (Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Zinc PCA) are relevant. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Salicylic Acid is effective for blackheads. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Salicylic Acid is a known exfoliant and can help prevent pore blockages. The term 'deeply' is ambitious for a rinse-off product.
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against the label.
Screened against the ingredient database (9 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.
Uses milder (non-sulphate) surfactants.
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.
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 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Sorbitol |
Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide (and) Lauroyl/Myristoyl Methyl Glucamide |
PEG-400 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil |
Lauryl Glucoside |
PEG 160 Sorbitan Triisostearate |
Propanediol |
Salicylic Acid |
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol |
Potassium Olivoyl PCA |
Succinic Acid |
Salicylic Acid (and) Polyvinylpyrrolidone (and) Cyclodextrin |
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 |
Phenoxyethanol |
Sodium Chloride |
Zinc PCA |
Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Extract |
Abelmoschus Moschatus Extract |
Sodium Gluconate |
Citric 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.
“minimize breakouts”
The brand states '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim to 'minimize breakouts'. This is a significant concern for truthfulness in advertising.
“Helps reduce existing acne and prevent new breakouts”
The brand states '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim.
“Helps in reducing blackheads”
The brand states '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim.
“helps prevent future breakouts”
The brand states '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim.
“Most people notice improved oil control and fewer blackheads within 7 to 10 days.”
This quantified, time-bound claim is directly contradicted by the brand's own visible clinical study results, which state '0% subjects saw reduction in excess sebum after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use'. This is a serious ASCI concern.
“*Based on feedback collected from subjects in a clinical study on 32 volunteers. View Results. 0%. subjects…”
The brand's own clinical study results, as presented on their website, state '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use', '0% subjects saw reduction in excess sebum after 14 days of use', '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use', and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use'. These results directly contradict multiple key claims made by the brand, which is a severe violation of ASCI Chapter 1 (Truthful and Honest) and Chapter 4 (Personal Care & Health) rules.
Formula contains Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA, which are known actives for acne-prone skin. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Evidence visible
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid, a known exfoliant. The term 'deeply' for a rinse-off product is ambitious, but Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and can penetrate pores.
Mentioned only
Salicylic Acid is effective at oil dissolution and pore cleansing. Surfactants in the formula also support impurity removal. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Evidence visible
Actives like Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA are known to help manage acne. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne', which is a critical discrepancy.
Evidence visible
Formula uses mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside) and includes humectants (Sorbitol, Propanediol). Brand states 'cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin barrier' and 'formulated to cleanse acne-prone skin while helping maintain a healthy skin barrier'.
Evidence visible
Actives (Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Zinc PCA) are relevant. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid is effective for blackheads. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid is a known exfoliant and can help prevent pore blockages. The term 'deeply' is ambitious for a rinse-off product.
Mentioned only
Mild surfactants and humectants support this. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Evidence visible
INCI lists 'Salicylic Acid' and 'Salicylic Acid (and) Polyvinylpyrrolidone (and) Cyclodextrin' which supports 'dual-action' and 'encapsulated' forms. Percentage is disclosed.
Mentioned only
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.
Uses milder (non-sulphate) surfactants.
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.
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.
Actives like Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA are known to help manage acne. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne', which is a critical discrepancy.
Formula uses mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside) and includes humectants (Sorbitol, Propanediol). Brand states 'cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin barrier' and 'formulated to cleanse acne-prone skin while helping maintain a healthy skin barrier'.
Actives (Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Zinc PCA) are relevant. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Salicylic Acid is effective for blackheads. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Salicylic Acid is a known exfoliant and can help prevent pore blockages. The term 'deeply' is ambitious for a rinse-off product.
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.
Formula contains Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA, which are known actives for acne-prone skin. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Evidence visible
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid, a known exfoliant. The term 'deeply' for a rinse-off product is ambitious, but Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and can penetrate pores.
Mentioned only
Salicylic Acid is effective at oil dissolution and pore cleansing. Surfactants in the formula also support impurity removal. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Evidence visible
Actives like Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Zinc PCA are known to help manage acne. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne', which is a critical discrepancy.
Evidence visible
Formula uses mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside) and includes humectants (Sorbitol, Propanediol). Brand states 'cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin barrier' and 'formulated to cleanse acne-prone skin while helping maintain a healthy skin barrier'.
Evidence visible
Actives (Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Zinc PCA) are relevant. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid is effective for blackheads. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'. However, the clinical study results visible in the snippet show '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use', which directly contradicts the claim.
Evidence visible
Salicylic Acid is a known exfoliant and can help prevent pore blockages. The term 'deeply' is ambitious for a rinse-off product.
Mentioned only
Mild surfactants and humectants support this. Brand states 'clinically validated products' and 'rigorously tested'.
Evidence visible
INCI lists 'Salicylic Acid' and 'Salicylic Acid (and) Polyvinylpyrrolidone (and) Cyclodextrin' which supports 'dual-action' and 'encapsulated' forms. Percentage is disclosed.
Mentioned only
“minimize breakouts”
The brand states '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim to 'minimize breakouts'. This is a significant concern for truthfulness in advertising.
“Helps reduce existing acne and prevent new breakouts”
The brand states '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim.
“Helps in reducing blackheads”
The brand states '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim.
“helps prevent future breakouts”
The brand states '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use' in its clinical study summary, which directly contradicts the claim.
“Most people notice improved oil control and fewer blackheads within 7 to 10 days.”
This quantified, time-bound claim is directly contradicted by the brand's own visible clinical study results, which state '0% subjects saw reduction in excess sebum after 14 days of use' and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use'. This is a serious ASCI concern.
“*Based on feedback collected from subjects in a clinical study on 32 volunteers. View Results. 0%. subjects…”
The brand's own clinical study results, as presented on their website, state '0% subjects saw reduction in acne after 14 days of use', '0% subjects saw reduction in excess sebum after 14 days of use', '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps prevent new acne breakouts within 14 days of use', and '0% subjects reported that Purify + Control helps in reducing blackheads in 14 days of use'. These results directly contradict multiple key claims made by the brand, which is a severe violation of ASCI Chapter 1 (Truthful and Honest) and Chapter 4 (Personal Care & Health) rules.