NABL Test Report for 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne: NABL Lab Test Report
NABL lab test report for 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne: heavy metals not detected and pH 5.34. Batch AC5E015.
Safety Summary: 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
Is 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne safe? Yes. It was independently tested at Sigma Test & Research Centre, a laboratory accredited by NABL (Accreditation No. TC-15193). The tested sample, from batch AC5E015, met every safety limit the laboratory checked.
Free from lead, cadmium and arsenic. The report found no detectable lead, cadmium or arsenic - each was below the laboratory's detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg.
Free from harmful bacteria and fungi. Total microbial count was Less than 10 cfu/gm (limit 1000 cfu/gm); Total yeast & mould count was Less than 10 cfu/gm (limit 100 cfu/gm).
Gentle, skin-friendly pH. The measured pH is 5.34, which is mildly acidic.
Sulphate-free and paraben-free. The published ingredient list contains no sulphates, parabens, silicones or mineral oil. Preservation uses phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and sodium benzoate.
Is it chemical free? No cosmetic is chemical-free - water itself is a chemical. This one is free from sulphates, parabens, silicones, mineral oil and any detectable lead, cadmium or arsenic.
What these results cover. The laboratory findings apply to the tested sample from batch AC5E015 and the parameters listed on this page. Skin tolerance is assessed separately, in the dermatological patch test certificate. NABL accredits laboratories, not products.
Key Findings at a Glance
Results of Analysis
Result is the measured outcome for this batch. Requirement / Limit is the specification where the standard defines one; a dash means it defines none. Test Method is the standard the laboratory followed.
| Parameter | Result | Requirement / Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical & Organoleptic | |||
| Appearance | Colourless liquid | - | STRC/STP/F256 |
| Colour | Colourless | - | STRC/STP/F256 |
| Odour | Characteristic | - | STRC/STP/P044 |
| Chemical Parameters | |||
| pH | 5.34 | - | STRC/STP/P077 |
| 1,4 Dioxane, mg/kg | Not Detected (DL 1.0) | - | Indian Pharmacopoeia (Chapter No. 2.4.40) |
| Density, g/ml | 1.023 | - | Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022 |
| Total residue, % w/w | 9.45 | - | IS:6608:2004 |
| Heavy Metals | |||
| Lead (as Pb), mg/kg | Not Detected (DL 0.25) | - | STRC/STP/P018 |
| Cadmium (as Cd), mg/kg | Not Detected (DL 0.25) | - | STRC/STP/P018 |
| Arsenic (as As), mg/kg | Not Detected (DL 0.25) | - | STRC/STP/P018 |
| Microbial Counts | |||
| Total microbial count, cfu/gm | Less than 10 | NMT 1000 | IS:14648:2011 |
| Total yeast & mould count, cfu/gm | Less than 10 | NMT 100 | IS:14648:2011 |
Understanding These Tests for 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
Physical & Organoleptic
On the tested sample, 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne was recorded as a colourless liquid, colourless in colour and with a characteristic odour.
These checks record what the laboratory observed in the sample as received.
Chemical Parameters
It also lists pH 5.34, 1,4 Dioxane Not Detected, density, g/ml 1.023 and total residue 9.45 % w/w, for which the standard sets no specification.
Chemical parameters are measured against the standard's specification where one exists.
Heavy Metals
In this report, 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne showed no detectable lead, cadmium or arsenic - each below the laboratory's detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg.
Heavy metals can enter a product through raw materials or manufacturing.
Microbial Counts
2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne recorded total microbial count Less than 10 cfu/gm against a limit of NMT 1000 cfu/gm and total yeast & mould count Less than 10 cfu/gm against a limit of NMT 100 cfu/gm.
These tests count viable microorganisms against the limits set by the standard.
Test Overview
| Report Title | Chemical and Microbiological Analysis - 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne |
| Parameters Measured | physical and organoleptic properties, chemical parameters, heavy metals and microbial counts |
| Test Type | Laboratory chemical and microbiological analysis of a product sample |
| Test Methods | Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022; IS:6608:2004; IS:14648:2011 |
| Sample Tested | AC5E015 (30 ml x 3) |
About 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
The Derma Co 2% salicylic acid serum for skin. Powered by salicylic acid, willow bark & witch hazel, it helps treat active acne, unclog pores & prevent breakouts.
Claims and Their Evidence
Lab-sourced rows are measured results. Product-page rows are the brand's own claims, shown with the brand's qualifier. The laboratory report is not evidence for cosmetic-benefit claims.
| Statement | Evidence / basis | Source |
|---|---|---|
| No detectable heavy metals | Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic reported Not Detected at a detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg. | Lab report 13036981/A |
| Within microbiological limits | Counts within the standard limits; specified pathogens reported Absent. | Lab report 13036981/B |
| 2% salicylic acid serum for skin | Brand claim published on the product page. | Product page (brand claim) |
| Sulphate-free cleansing base | No SLS or SLES in the published ingredient list. | Product ingredient list |
| Paraben-free | No parabens in the published ingredient list. | Product ingredient list |
Report Details
| Testing Laboratory | Sigma Test & Research Centre (NABL-accredited, Accreditation No. TC-15193) |
| ULR Number | TC1519325000003635F |
| Report No. | 13036981/A, 13036981/B |
| Report Issue Date | 04/06/2025 |
| Testing Period | 24/05/2025 to 31/05/2025 |
| Batch Tested | AC5E015 (Mfg. 05/2025; use before 24 months) |
| Standards Referenced | Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022; IS:6608:2004; IS:14648:2011 |
| Authorised Signatory | Shruti Vij, Technical Manager, Sigma Test & Research Centre |
What This Report Shows
What the results demonstrate
- Physical characteristics of the tested sample were recorded as observed by the laboratory.
- Measured chemical parameters that carry a specification fell within the referenced limits.
- The listed heavy metals were below the laboratory's detection limit in the tested sample.
- The tested sample met the microbiological count limits of the referenced standard.
- Testing was performed by an NABL-accredited laboratory.
What the results do not demonstrate
- They do not certify the product; NABL accredits laboratories, not products.
- They do not establish overall safety or suitability for every individual.
- They do not prove any cosmetic-benefit or performance claim; those are addressed separately and on the product page.
- They do not cover parameters or organisms outside those listed.
- They apply to the tested sample from the stated batch, not necessarily to other batches.
Formulation at a Glance
From the ingredient list published on the product page. Not part of the laboratory report.
Active Ingredients
| Component | Role in the formulation |
|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid | Beta-hydroxy acid used for exfoliation and clarity. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) | Salt of hyaluronic acid; binds water for hydration. |
Moisturising and Emollient
| Component | Role in the formulation |
|---|---|
| Propanediol | Humectant and solvent that improves texture. |
| Glycerin | Humectant that draws water into the skin surface. |
| Pentylene Glycol | Humectant that also supports preservation. |
| Propylene Glycol | Humectant and solvent. |
Texture and Stability
| Component | Role in the formulation |
|---|---|
| Aqua (Water) | Solvent base of the formulation. |
| Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate | Readily biodegradable chelating agent. |
| Sodium Hydroxide | Adjusts the pH of the formulation. |
Preservative System
| Component | Role in the formulation |
|---|---|
| Phenoxyethanol | Broad-spectrum preservative used at low levels. |
| Sodium Benzoate | Preservative effective in acidic formulations. |
| Potassium Sorbate | Preservative that works with sodium benzoate. |
What the Formulation Leaves Out
| Excluded | Basis |
|---|---|
| No sulphates | Not present in the published ingredient list. |
| No parabens | Not present in the published ingredient list. |
| No silicones | Not present in the published ingredient list. |
| No mineral oil | Not present in the published ingredient list. |
Published Research on Key Actives
Published literature on each ingredient, not studies on this product.
| Ingredient | Published finding | Relevance to the formulation |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hyaluronic acid is documented as a key water-binding molecule in skin hydration (Papakonstantinou E, et al. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258). | Supports hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate as a hydrating agent. |
| Salicylic Acid | Salicylic acid is an established beta-hydroxy acid used in acne and exfoliation protocols (Arif T. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461). | Supports salicylic acid as an exfoliating and clarifying active. |
Dermatological Patch Test Certificate
This NABL lab test report covers the chemical and microbiological analysis of 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne. Skin tolerance is a separate question, assessed through dermatological patch testing. The dermatological patch test certificate for this product is published on its own page, so you can review the laboratory analysis here and the patch-test findings there as one trust cluster.
View the Original Lab Report
The complete original report for 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne is available as issued by the laboratory. It carries the laboratory letterhead, the ULR number, and the authorised signatory's details.
The Tested Product

2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
The results on this page come from laboratory testing of a sample from batch AC5E015. See the complete ingredient list, current offers and reviews on the product page. Learn more about Salicylic Acid. You can also explore the full product range or other products in this category.
View ProductFrequently Asked Questions
A: Yes. In this report, Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic were reported below the laboratory's stated detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg at Sigma Test & Research Centre, an NABL-accredited laboratory (Accreditation No. TC-15193).
A: For the tested batch, microbial counts were reported within the limits of the referenced standard and the specified pathogens were reported Absent. These results indicate the tested sample met the referenced microbiological limits; they do not establish overall product safety.
A: The measured pH in this report is 5.34.
A: The published ingredient list for this product contains no sulphates, parabens, silicones or mineral oil. This is based on the ingredient list, not on the laboratory report, which covers contaminants and microbiological quality.
A: No. The report covers chemical and microbiological parameters on a sample from the stated batch. Performance and cosmetic-benefit claims are made by the brand on the product page and are not part of this laboratory report.
A: It means the substance was below the laboratory's stated detection limit using the specified method, so it was not found at or above that limit in the tested sample.
A: A ULR (Unique Lab Report) number is a one-of-a-kind identifier that NABL-accredited laboratories print on every test report, making it traceable. The ULR for this report is TC1519325000003635F. The original report PDF linked on this page carries the laboratory letterhead and authorised signatory details.
A: No. NABL accredits laboratories, not products. This page reports the results of testing performed at Sigma Test & Research Centre, an NABL-accredited laboratory (Accreditation No. TC-15193) on a sample of this product. It does not represent a product certification by NABL.
A: The report covers batch AC5E015 (manufactured 05/2025). The laboratory report states the tested sample as 30 ml x 3. Results refer only to the tested sample and the parameters listed.
References
- Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.
- IS:6608:2004. Bureau of Indian Standards.
- IS:14648:2011. Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Arif T. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461.
- Sigma Test & Research Centre. Test reports 13036981/A, 13036981/B.
