Score computed from verified review sentiment, ingredient efficacy, and cross-platform consistency.
Reviewed by Flash AI Editorial Team · Last updated March 2026.
This cleanser is praised for being non-drying and non-irritating, leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable after washing, which is ideal for those who find other cleansers too stripping.
The cleanser effectively manages excess oil and helps in reducing the appearance of acne marks and pimple scars, making it a beneficial choice for individuals struggling with oily skin and post-acne concerns.
With a 100% soap-free formulation and a pH-balanced composition, this cleanser is gentle on the skin, suitable for sensitive skin types, and helps maintain the skin's natural barrier without causing irritation.
The cleanser contains 2% Niacinamide, which is known for its benefits in improving skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and helping to balance excess oil production.
Some users have reported a peculiar or unpleasant smell from the cleanser, describing it as 'weird' or similar to a 'hospital' scent.
Despite its intended benefits, one user experienced negative reactions including darker skin, redness, breakouts, and increased oiliness after using the cleanser, suggesting it may not suit all skin types.
The product is only available in a single size (125 ml), and there are limited variant options, which might be a drawback for users who prefer more choices in size or specific formulations.
Flash AI analyzes thousands of reviews across Amazon, Nykaa, YouTube & Reddit, etc. to give you one honest score — and finds you the best price in India.
The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Oily Skin Cleanser is a pH 5.5, soap-free gel formula designed to manage excess oil, target acne marks, and maintain your skin's natural barrier through twice-daily use. Available in 125 ml, it is formulated for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types and is free of sulphates, parabens, alcohol, and fragrance. It earns an AI Score of 80/100 on Flash AI, drawn from 415 verified reviews across 5 platforms, with particularly strong marks for Gentle Cleansing (85/100) and Oil Control (80/100). The gel-based formulation rinses cleanly and leaves skin feeling soft rather than stripped, which reviewers consistently highlight.
Four active ingredients do the work here. Niacinamide at 2% helps regulate sebum production, supports skin elasticity, and reduces the visible appearance of acne marks and post-breakout discolouration. Salicylic Acid targets uneven skin texture and helps keep pores clear, which makes it relevant for skin prone to congestion and breakouts. Ceramide Complex strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, an important consideration when you are cleansing twice daily. Oatmeal Extract adds a calming element that keeps the formula non-irritant even on reactive skin. The pH 5.5 level ensures the cleanser stays close to your skin's natural acid mantle, avoiding the disruption that higher-pH soaps and traditional cleansers often cause.
This product suits oily, combination, and sensitive skin types best. If you deal with acne, skin inflammation, excess oiliness, or uneven texture, the pairing of Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid gives you two targeted benefits in a single cleansing step. Be aware that a small number of reviewers reported increased oiliness, redness, and breakouts after use, which indicates the formula does not work for every individual despite its gentle profile. Some users also described an unusual, clinical scent that they found off-putting, which is worth knowing before you purchase. A patch test before full-face use is advisable, particularly if your skin is reactive to active ingredients.
At a price range of ₹224 to ₹460 across 16 sellers, this cleanser offers strong value at the lower end of its pricing. The active ingredient list, sulphate-free and paraben-free formulation, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic profile, and reported 24-hour post-wash hydration make it a well-rounded daily option for oily and combination skin. For the price, you get a cleanser with multiple actives and a thoughtfully assembled free-of list that avoids common irritants. Flash AI recommends it as a solid entry-level active cleanser, particularly at or near the ₹224 price point. Compare across sellers before purchasing, as the gap between the cheapest and most expensive listing is considerable.
"With a Flash AI Score of 80/100, The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Oily Skin Cleanser 125 ml earns its ranking through demonstrated, cross-platform results."
— Flash AI Editorial TeamThe Derma Co is a dermatologist-designed skincare brand founded in India in 2020, known for clinically active formulations targeting specific skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, and ageing. Their products are built around efficacious actives like Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, and Retinol, and are available across Amazon, Nykaa, Flipkart, and their own website.
| Features | 2% Niacinamide Oily Skin Cleanser | Rice Berry Face Wash | Deconstruct Salicylic Acid | Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Actives | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Ceramide Complex, Oatmeal Extract | Black Rice Water, White Mulberry… | Salicylic Acid (2%), Niacinamide (1.5%) | Glycerin, Niacinamide |
| Best For | Oily | Radiance & Glow | Acne | Acne |
| Fragrance | Fragrance Free | Fresh | Unscented | Unscented |
| Price From | ₹224 | ₹307 | ₹269 | ₹275 |
"This is the first time I?m using the derma co cleanser and I?m totally satisfied with this product I?m a girl with oily skin I always look for products that ..."
"I have been using this cleanser from past two weeks. I can see a very minimal difference on my face like I can see my acne and pimple marks getting lighter ..."
"I've been using The Derma Co Face Cleanser and I really like how gentle it feels on the skin. It cleanses well without making my face dry or stretchy and it ..."
Use this cleanser twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Pump out an adequate amount, massage gently onto wet skin in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with water. Consistent twice-daily use is the recommended approach for managing excess oil and keeping skin clear.
The formula is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and soap-free, which makes it appropriate for sensitive skin. The pH 5.5 formulation and Oatmeal Extract help reduce the risk of irritation. A small number of reviewers did experience breakouts and redness, so a patch test before full-face use is advisable, particularly if your skin reacts easily to active ingredients.
Niacinamide at 2% helps regulate sebum production, reducing excess oiliness over time. It also supports the skin's barrier function and helps fade the appearance of acne marks and post-breakout discolouration. Even in a rinse-off formula, consistent daily use allows these benefits to accumulate gradually with regular use.
Your skin's natural pH sits in the range of 4.5 to 5.5. A cleanser formulated at pH 5.5 stays close to that range, helping preserve the acid mantle and skin barrier. High-pH soaps and traditional cleansers can disrupt this balance, leading to dryness, sensitivity, or increased sebum production as your skin tries to compensate.
The cleanser has a gel-based, mild foaming texture. It produces a light rather than dense lather, which is typical of sulphate-free and soap-free formulas. Reviewers consistently report that skin feels soft and comfortable after rinsing, without the tight or dry sensation associated with stronger cleansers.
Review insights suggest that improvements in oil control and the appearance of acne marks build over several weeks of consistent use. A face wash is a supporting step in a broader skincare routine, not a standalone treatment. Pairing it with a targeted serum or moisturiser will improve your overall results over time.
The gel formulation, oil-control focus, and soap-free composition make it a practical option in humid climates where excess sebum and environmental pollution are daily concerns. The non-drying formula allows for twice-daily cleansing without stripping necessary moisture, which helps when conditions cause skin to swing between oily and dehydrated.
This is a daily face cleanser rather than a dedicated makeup or sunscreen remover. Reviewers note that it effectively removes dirt and light impurities, and some mention it works for light makeup removal. For heavy sunscreen or full-coverage makeup, using a dedicated oil-based or micellar remover first, followed by this cleanser, will give better results.
The Derma Co 2% Niacinamide Oily Skin Cleanser is available from ₹224 across 16 sellers on major online retail platforms. Comparing prices before purchasing will help you find the best deal, as prices vary significantly, with the highest listed price reaching ₹460 for the same 125 ml bottle.
Yes, a patch test is a sensible precaution before committing to full-face use. A small number of reviewers reported breakouts, redness, and increased oiliness after using this cleanser, indicating it does not suit every skin type despite its gentle formulation claims. Apply a small amount to your jawline or inner wrist, wait 24 hours, and check for any reaction before using it all over your face.