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Join for free →The Derma Co 5% Niacinamide Daily Serum offers a well-formulated blend of actives for common skin concerns, but its ambitious claims could benefit from more robust, detailed finished-product clinical evidence to fully earn its promises.
₹389 • 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 is consistently priced at an MRP of Rs.499 across major platforms, but often available at discounts, with Nykaa offering the lowest price at Rs.389. 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 concentration (5%) is explicitly stated by the brand and confirmed in INCI. Alpha Arbutin and Multivitamin presence confirmed in INCI.
Brand states '90% of consumers found improvement in their skin tone and acne marks after using Niacinamide' (Consumer Testing Results). This is a finished product test summary, but lacks detailed methodology, sample size, and duration.
Brand states '90% of consumers found improvement in their skin tone and acne marks after using Niacinamide' (Consumer Testing Results). This is a finished product test summary, but lacks detailed methodology, sample size, and duration.
Niacinamide is known to help minimize pores and regulate sebum. Zinc PCA is also present, which helps normalize sebum production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
Niacinamide is known to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
INCI list does not contain 'Parfum' or 'Fragrance'.
Brand states 'Designed by Dermatologists' and 'safe & effective formulation'. While the formulation contains well-researched ingredients, specific dermatologist testing reports for the finished product are not publicly visible.
Claim of 'visible difference in 3-6 weeks' is made. The brand's 'Consumer Testing Results' mention improvement in 'a few weeks or months' but do not specify a 3-6 week timeframe or detailed study to back this precise claim.
What we could confirm from public sources and the verified ingredient list.
Ingredient Safety & Toxicity
Full ingredient list retrieved and verified against the label.
Brand describes ingredient origin in its claims.
Screened against the ingredient database (17 of 26 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
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 |
|---|
Purified Water |
Niacinamide |
Alpha-Arbutin |
1,3-Propanediol |
Zinc Pca |
Betaine |
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether |
Phenoxyethanol |
Glycerin |
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Sodium Gluconate |
Tocopherol |
Ascorbyl Palmitate |
Potassium Sorbate |
Pyridoxine Hcl |
Inositol |
Biotin |
Thiamine Hcl |
Riboflavin |
Xanthan Gum |
Sclerotium Gum |
Lecithin |
Pullulan |
Silica |
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 concentration (5%) is explicitly stated by the brand and confirmed in INCI. Alpha Arbutin and Multivitamin presence confirmed in INCI.
Mentioned only
Brand states '90% of consumers found improvement in their skin tone and acne marks after using Niacinamide' (Consumer Testing Results). This is a finished product test summary, but lacks detailed methodology, sample size, and duration.
Evidence visible
Brand states '90% of consumers found improvement in their skin tone and acne marks after using Niacinamide' (Consumer Testing Results). This is a finished product test summary, but lacks detailed methodology, sample size, and duration.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide is known to help minimize pores and regulate sebum. Zinc PCA is also present, which helps normalize sebum production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
Mentioned only
Niacinamide is known to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
Mentioned only
INCI list does not contain 'Parfum' or 'Fragrance'.
Evidence visible
Brand states 'Designed by Dermatologists' and 'safe & effective formulation'. While the formulation contains well-researched ingredients, specific dermatologist testing reports for the finished product are not publicly visible.
Evidence visible
Claim of 'visible difference in 3-6 weeks' is made. The brand's 'Consumer Testing Results' mention improvement in 'a few weeks or months' but do not specify a 3-6 week timeframe or detailed study to back this precise claim.
Evidence visible
Alpha Arbutin is a known skin-lightening agent that targets dark spots and melasma by inhibiting melanin production. Niacinamide also restricts melanin transfer. This is ingredient-level evidence.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C derivative), Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Thiamine HCl (Vitamin B1), and Riboflavin (Vitamin B2). These are generally known for antioxidant and skin health benefits, but specific finished product evidence for 'cell renewal and rejuvenation' is not publicly visible.
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 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
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.
Niacinamide is known to help minimize pores and regulate sebum. Zinc PCA is also present, which helps normalize sebum production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
Niacinamide is known to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
INCI list does not contain 'Parfum' or 'Fragrance'.
Brand states 'Designed by Dermatologists' and 'safe & effective formulation'. While the formulation contains well-researched ingredients, specific dermatologist testing reports for the finished product are not publicly visible.
Claim of 'visible difference in 3-6 weeks' is made. The brand's 'Consumer Testing Results' mention improvement in 'a few weeks or months' but do not specify a 3-6 week timeframe or detailed study to back this precise claim.
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 concentration (5%) is explicitly stated by the brand and confirmed in INCI. Alpha Arbutin and Multivitamin presence confirmed in INCI.
Mentioned only
Brand states '90% of consumers found improvement in their skin tone and acne marks after using Niacinamide' (Consumer Testing Results). This is a finished product test summary, but lacks detailed methodology, sample size, and duration.
Evidence visible
Brand states '90% of consumers found improvement in their skin tone and acne marks after using Niacinamide' (Consumer Testing Results). This is a finished product test summary, but lacks detailed methodology, sample size, and duration.
Evidence visible
Niacinamide is known to help minimize pores and regulate sebum. Zinc PCA is also present, which helps normalize sebum production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
Mentioned only
Niacinamide is known to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production. This is ingredient-level evidence, not finished product evidence.
Mentioned only
INCI list does not contain 'Parfum' or 'Fragrance'.
Evidence visible
Brand states 'Designed by Dermatologists' and 'safe & effective formulation'. While the formulation contains well-researched ingredients, specific dermatologist testing reports for the finished product are not publicly visible.
Evidence visible
Claim of 'visible difference in 3-6 weeks' is made. The brand's 'Consumer Testing Results' mention improvement in 'a few weeks or months' but do not specify a 3-6 week timeframe or detailed study to back this precise claim.
Evidence visible
Alpha Arbutin is a known skin-lightening agent that targets dark spots and melasma by inhibiting melanin production. Niacinamide also restricts melanin transfer. This is ingredient-level evidence.
Mentioned only
The INCI lists Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C derivative), Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Thiamine HCl (Vitamin B1), and Riboflavin (Vitamin B2). These are generally known for antioxidant and skin health benefits, but specific finished product evidence for 'cell renewal and rejuvenation' is not publicly visible.
Mentioned only