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Our standards.

The rules we formulate by, published so you can hold us to them.

What always goes in

  • A stated, defensible dose. Every active appears at a concentration supported by published evidence, and we'll tell you what it is.
  • A full ingredient list, on the pack and on this site, in descending order as required — with the rationale for each active on its own page.
  • Barrier support in every formula, including the exfoliating ones. Actives that damage the barrier don't produce results; they produce pigmentation.
  • Textures built for Indian conditions — heat, humidity, and air-conditioning — rather than adapted from temperate-climate formulas.

What never does

  • Hydroquinone. Effective, and genuinely damaging in the unsupervised long-term use that is how it is actually used in India.
  • Topical steroids in a cosmetic product. The steroid-adulterated fairness cream is one of the most serious dermatological problems in this country. We will not add to it.
  • Mercury, or any undeclared lightening agent. Not negotiable, and independently tested for.
  • Fairness or whitening claims. We formulate for even tone and clarity. We do not sell the idea that lighter is better.
  • Label dressing. No active named on the front in a quantity that does nothing.
  • Fragrance in leave-on products, which is the most common avoidable irritant in daily skincare.

How we talk about results

We state timelines in weeks, not days, and we state them at the pessimistic end. We say when a product is a supporting player rather than the lead — a brightening cleanser has short contact time, and we'd rather write that on the page than let you infer otherwise. And we point people to a dermatologist when that's the right answer, including when it costs us the sale.

On pricing

No inflated MRP printed to be discounted from. No permanent sale. The price reflects what's in the formula and what it costs to make it properly — which is why our matte sunscreen costs more than our hydrating one, and why we'd rather explain that than quietly thin the formula to match.

Testing and manufacture

Formulations are dermatologist tested and produced in facilities operating to Indian regulatory standards for cosmetic manufacture. We do not test on animals, and we do not commission others to.

Where we could be wrong

Skincare evidence moves. Doses considered optimal five years ago have been revised, and some of what's on this site will be revised too. When that happens we'll change the formula and say so on this page, rather than quietly updating a label. If you believe something here is wrong, we'd like to hear it — info@davaniqpharma.com.


DavaniQ products are cosmetic formulations intended to support skin health and appearance. They are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If a concern is persistent, painful or changing, please see a qualified dermatologist.

See it applied.

Every active we use, with its dose, its evidence and its caveats, published product by product.