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 4.92. Batch AC5F035.
Safety Summary: 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
Is 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne laboratory tested? Yes. It was independently tested at Sigma Test & Research Centre, a laboratory accredited by NABL (Accreditation No. TC-15193). The tested sample came from batch AC5F035.
Heavy metals not detected. Lead, cadmium, arsenic and antimony were not detected at a detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg. Mercury was not detected at 0.1 mg/kg.
Microbiological quality. Total microbial count was less than 10 cfu/g (limit NMT 1000 cfu/g); total yeast & mould count was less than 10 cfu/g (limit NMT 100 cfu/g).
Measured pH. The laboratory recorded a pH of 4.92 for the tested batch.
Sulphate-free and paraben-free. The published ingredient list contains no sulphates, parabens, silicones or mineral oil. Preservation uses phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and sodium benzoate. These formulation details are not laboratory findings.
Is it chemical-free? No cosmetic is chemical-free; water itself is a chemical. The laboratory reported specific substances as not detected at their stated detection limits, rather than demonstrating complete absence.
What these results cover. The laboratory findings apply to the tested sample from batch AC5F035 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 | 4.92 | - | STRC/STP/P077 |
| 1,4 Dioxane, mg/kg | Not Detected (DL 1.0) | - | Indian Pharmacopoeia (Chapter No. 2.4.40) |
| Density, g/ml | 1.025 | - | Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022 |
| Total residue, % w/w | 3.58 | - | 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 |
| Mercury (as Hg), mg/kg | Not Detected (DL 0.1) | - | STRC/STP/P018 |
| Antimony (as Sb), 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 with a characteristic odour.
These checks record what the laboratory observed in the sample as received.
Chemical Parameters
The report lists pH 4.92, 1,4-dioxane not detected (DL 1.0 mg/kg), density 1.025 g/ml and total residue 3.58% w/w.
Chemical parameters are measured against the standard's specification where one exists.
Heavy Metals
The report records lead, cadmium, arsenic and antimony as not detected at a detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg, and mercury as not detected at 0.1 mg/kg.
Heavy metals can enter a product through raw materials or manufacturing.
Microbial Counts
2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne recorded a total microbial count less than 10 cfu/gm against a limit of NMT 1000 cfu/gm and a total yeast & mould count less than 10 cfu/gm against a limit of NMT 100 cfu/gm.
These tests count viable microorganisms against the stated limits.
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 | AC5F035 (10 ml x 9) |
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, arsenic and antimony not detected at DL 0.25 mg/kg; mercury not detected at DL 0.1 mg/kg. | Lab report 13038197/B |
| Within microbiological limits | Both microbial counts less than 10 cfu/g, within the referenced limits. No pathogen-specific results reported. | Lab report 13038197/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 | TC1519325000004497F |
| Report No. | 13038197/A, 13038197/B |
| Report Issue Date | 03/07/2025 |
| Testing Period | 23/06/2024 to 30/06/2025 (as printed on report) |
| Batch Tested | AC5F035 (Mfg. 06/2025; Exp. 05/2027) |
| Sample Quantity | 10 ml x 9 |
| 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 by the laboratory.
- Measured chemical parameters were documented using the stated methods.
- Five specified heavy metals were below their respective detection limits.
- The tested sample met the stated microbial count limits.
- Testing was performed at 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 cosmetic-benefit or performance claims.
- They do not include pathogen-specific findings.
- They apply to the tested sample from the stated batch, not necessarily 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, ULR number TC1519325000004497F, and authorised signatory details.
The Tested Product
2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
The results on this page come from laboratory testing of a sample from batch AC5F035. 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. Lead, cadmium, arsenic and antimony were reported not detected at a detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg, while mercury was not detected at 0.1 mg/kg in the tested sample.
A: Total microbial and yeast/mould counts were both less than 10 cfu/g, within the report's stated limits. The report does not contain pathogen-specific findings or establish overall product safety.
A: The measured pH in this report is 4.92.
A: The published ingredient list for this product contains no sulphates, parabens, silicones or mineral oil. This is based on the ingredient list, not the laboratory report.
A: No. The report covers physical, chemical and microbiological parameters on the submitted sample. Cosmetic-performance claims are outside its scope.
A: It means the substance was not detected at or above the laboratory's stated detection limit using the specified method.
A: A ULR is a unique report identifier. The ULR on this certificate is TC1519325000004497F. The original PDF includes the laboratory letterhead and authorised signatory details.
A: No. NABL accredits testing laboratories rather than individual cosmetic products.
A: Batch AC5F035, manufactured in June 2025, with an expiry date of May 2027. The submitted sample quantity was 10 ml x 9.
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 13038197/A and 13038197/B.
