Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum Review by Dr. Sanya Kundra: Can It Help With Acne, Clogged Pores & Dark Spots?

Dr. Sanya Kundra, Medical Aesthetician profile
Reviewed by Dr. Sanya Kundra, Medical AestheticianWritten By Ashmeet Chanana
September 30, 2026

3 min read

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Quick Take: Dr. Sanya Kundra’s Review

  • Product: Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum
  • Key ingredients: 12% Niacinamide + Azelaic Acid
  • Targets: Bumpy skin, clogged pores, active acne, and dark spots
  • Oil control: Helps manage excess oil
  • Pore care: Helps keep pores unclogged
  • Post-acne care: Azelaic Acid helps target post-acne marks
  • Formula highlights: Double Encapsulation Technology and hydration boosters
  • Texture: Lightweight and non-comedogenic
  • Skin suitability: Beginner-friendly and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
  • Usage discussed: Daily use for 14 days

Bumpy skin, clogged pores, active acne, and stubborn dark spots can make it difficult to achieve clearer-looking skin. It is difficult to choose the right concentration that would help treat your skin in the right manner. This is where Dr. Sanya Kundra’s review helps highlight the benefits of adding Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum for beginners and how the formula targets multiple acne-related concerns instead of focusing on just one.

She discusses the serum’s role in managing excess oil, keeping pores unclogged, calming active breakouts, and addressing post-acne marks. The formula combines 12% Niacinamide Serum with Azelaic Acid, along with Double Encapsulation Technology and hydration boosters.

What Dr. Sanya Kundra Highlights About the Serum

According to Dr. Sanya Kundra, the Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum is designed to address several common acne-related concerns in one formula.

Rather than targeting only oiliness, breakouts, or dark spots individually, the niacinamide serum focuses on treating pigmentation at home naturally, along with treating:

  • Excess oil
  • Clogged pores
  • Active acne
  • Bumpy skin
  • Post-acne marks

This multi-concern approach makes it relevant for those dealing with more than one of these skin concerns at the same time.

How Does Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum Target Acne-Prone Skin?

Dr. Sanya highlights the serum’s ability to help manage excess oil and keep pores unclogged. Learn more about Niacinamide’s Science-Backed Compatibility with Nourishing Ingredients for maximum results.

Excess oil and clogged pores are common concerns for people with acne-prone skin. By addressing these concerns, the serum is positioned as part of a routine focused on managing active breakouts and improving the appearance of uneven, bumpy skin.

The formula is also described as lightweight and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for those who prefer skincare that does not feel heavy on the skin.

1. The Role of Azelaic Acid in Post-Acne Marks

She also points out that acne-related skincare should address what remains after a breakout settles. The Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum contains Azelaic Acid, which helps target the appearance of stubborn post-acne marks.

This gives the formula a broader focus: Niacinamide addresses concerns such as excess oil and clogged pores, while Azelaic Acid helps work on the marks left behind after acne. 

2. Double Encapsulation Technology and Hydration Boosters

Dr. Sanya’s review also highlights the serum’s use of Double Encapsulation Technology and hydration boosters.

These formulation features are included alongside 12% Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid. According to the review, they support the serum’s positioning as a targeted formula that can address acne-related concerns without the dry or irritated feeling often associated with some acne treatments. Learn more about choosing Niacinamide serum for oily skin and treating several skin insecurities.

Is Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum Suitable for Beginners and Sensitive Skin?

Dr. Sanya describes the serum as beginner-friendly and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Her review highlights the lightweight, non-comedogenic texture and the inclusion of hydration boosters. The serum is positioned as an option for those who want to target oil, acne, and post-acne marks without using a heavy-feeling formula.

What About the 14-Day Results?

In the video, Dr. Sanya discusses using the Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum daily for 14 days.

The review focuses on its use for concerns such as:

  • Bumpy skin
  • Clogged pores
  • Excess oil
  • Active acne
  • Post-acne dark spots

Consistent daily use is central to the 14-day usage period discussed in the video.

Learn about Niacinamide Serum uses & Benefits for Skin to see visible results.
 

FAQs

1. What does Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum target?

Ans: According to Dr. Sanya Kundra’s review, the serum targets bumpy skin, clogged pores, excess oil, active acne, and post-acne dark spots.

2. What are the key ingredients in Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum?

Ans: The formula contains 12% Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid, along with hydration boosters and Double Encapsulation Technology.

3. Is Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum lightweight?

Ans: Yes. Dr. Sanya describes the serum as lightweight and non-comedogenic.

4. Is Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum beginner-friendly?

Ans: According to Dr. Sanya Kundra’s review, the serum is beginner-friendly.

5. Is Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum suitable for sensitive skin?

Ans: Dr. Sanya describes the serum as suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

6. How long does Foxtale 12% Niacinamide Serum take to show results?

Ans: The video discusses using the serum daily for 14 days and highlights visible improvement during this period.

Dr. Sanya Kundra, Medical Aesthetician profile

Dr. Sanya Kundra, Medical Aesthetician

Dr. Sanya Kundra, BDS, is a Medical Aesthetician specialising in facial aesthetics and skincare. With expertise in facial anatomy and advanced aesthetic techniques, she focuses on enhancing natural features while promoting healthy, radiant skin.

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A skincare and beauty content writer passionate about creating research-backed content on skincare, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. She regularly studies dermatologist recommendations, ingredient research, clinical findings, and industry trends to deliver accurate and actionable insights. Through her writing, she helps readers navigate skincare routines, understand ingredients, address common skin concerns, and make informed choices for healthier skin and overall well-being.

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Everything you need to know about Acne

September 13, 2021

6 min read

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Acne, whether you’ve struggled with it for years, or just get a random zit before your period, is a source of agony for many. This makes finding the right acne treatment—in the right ingredient, formula and concentration—the absolute beauty holy grail. But before you get to work and reach this step, you’re probably wondering why you’re breaking out in the first place, what your zit means, and what you can do to never get one again. Here’s what we know.

Why do I get acne?

You usually get a pimple when the pores of your skin become blocked with a mix of oil, dead skin and bacteria. This shows up on the surface as inflammation in the form of a whitehead, blackhead or cyst. Eventually, the pores become clogged and push their contents to the skin’s surface. It is important to note that it is multifactorial. You can be hit with a zit for many reasons, some of which you can control and others you can’t. It is not a definitive list—because so many things can cause breakouts at different times in your life. But if any of these issues ring a bell, here’s what you can do.

  • You could have oily skin

Some people are genetically programmed to make more oil. Skin cells stick together within the follicles (especially if you aren’t exfoliating) and then trap oil from reaching the surface. This causes oil to fill the pore, which when melded with any bacteria in the area, leads to acne.

  • Your beauty products could be getting in the way

You might be trying really hard to eat better, sleep more often and stick to your anti-acne routine. But if your products aren’t working for you, they could be causing acne. Mineral oil, for example, which is in many moisturizers, could clog your pores and cause blackheads or whiteheads. Fragrance, if you’re sensitive to it, could also increase inflammation and make you more prone to zits.

  • You’re about to get your period

Just before you get your period, oestrogen and progesterone levels fall, and testosterone levels are higher than usual. This triggers your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts. This is true in the case of medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which cause an overproduction of androgens, which can cause hormonal acne. These are usually seen on the bottom half of the face.

  • You’re stressed out

When you’re nervous, upset or overwhelmed, your body is in a fight-or-flight mode for longer than it should be. This causes the production of a corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol. These promote the overproduction of oil, which leads to a worsened inflammation.

  • You’re eating sugary foods

When blood sugar levels spike, the body produces more insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Eating foods with a high glycemic index can cause breakouts. Increased insulin ups the level of androgens, which increases sebum production.

  • You’re not washing your face enough (or you’re over-washing it)

To help prevent pimples, it’s important to remove excess oil, makeup, and sweat daily, so you can prevent congestion. Exfoliating is key too. You can ensure that you break down the glue between dead skin cells so they don’t stick together and accumulate. But, at the same time, if you over-cleanse, you could dehydrate your skin, which could make things worse. When skin is too dry, it causes a backup of dead skin, as well as excess sebum production to overcompensate, which hampers the balance even further.

What are the different kinds of acne?

The five main kinds of acne are whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts.

What It Is What You Can Do 
Whiteheads They form when a pore gets clogged by sebum and dead skin cells. However, it is non-inflammatory.
Blackheads These are similar to whiteheads, but the top is oxidised, so it looks black and dark. 
Papules  These occur when the walls surrounding your pores break down due to intense inflammation. This results in a hard, painful bump.
Pustules  Pustules are filled with pus, and are super inflamed. They are painful and warm to the touch. 
Cysts  They are caused due to clogs very deep in the skin. They take the longest to go away, and are most likely to scar.

 

Also Read: Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What are the major topical skincare ingredients I can use?

When it comes to tackling acne, topical ingredients are the most effective. They work to prevent, inhibit and treat them. These are some of the most popular ones you’ll spot on ingredient labels:

  • Salicylic acid 

The structure of the salicylic acid molecule makes it oil soluble, so it is able to break down the oil collected in the pores. It is able to penetrate so deep into the skin, unclogging pores and cleaning it deeply. Using an acne spot corrector gel that contains salicylic acid helps in controlling oil production and prevents breakouts. This is an ideal ingredient to use if you have blackheads or whiteheads and it works as a great preventative agent. 

  • Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and peeling dead skin cells away. It can cause dryness and irritation if you apply too much of it though, so doctors suggest layering it as a spot treatment. 

  • Retinoids

Retinoids increase the turnover rate by getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new collagen and healthy new skin. It works as the gold standard for acne therapy. 

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs like glycolic acid is water soluble, it exfoliates the dead skin cells on the surface, to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. 

  • Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a comedolytic, so it breaks down pore blockages and keeps new ones from forming, and it is able to get rid of the bacteria on the surface, reducing redness and inflammation in the process. 

The Conclusion 

Having acne can be a difficult thing to deal with, but remember, your worth as a person is not defined by the presence or absence of it. When you incorporate the right products into your routine, the road to clear skin doesn't seem like a bumpy ride. By consistently following this routine, you can help regulate oil production, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts. Achieving radiant and acne-free skin won't seem like a far-fetched dream anymore. 

FAQs 

1. What can I do as soon as I feel a zit coming on?

Keep your hands off! You don’t want to risk transferring any bacteria from your fingers onto the inflamed area and making it worse. Pros suggest icing the area—it soothes and may reduce redness. You may want to treat the area with small amounts of salicylic acid, and then layer a moisturizer to prevent dryness.

2. What measures can I take to prevent oily skin? 

Blotting excess oil from your skin is an excellent way of preventing excess oil appearance throughout the day. Keep in mind to cleanse your face even after exercising. Never skip putting on sunscreen. 

3. What causes acne on the face? 

Acne is caused when sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles. It is also caused due to hormonal changes seen during puberty which can increase oil production, leading to acne. Factors like stress and diet can also contribute to acne outbreaks.

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Somewhere, in some part of the world, there’s a girl highlighting a favourite line from a book and thinking, “Damn! I hope I remember this!” That’s Nikitha. Apart from reading, you’ll most probably find her stalking random Reddit threads, discussing conspiracy theories and binge-watching movies.

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Here’s How To Heal A Breakout At Every Step

December 3, 2021

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There’s nothing more annoying than an ill-timed zit, especially before a big first date or important meeting. And when it pops up, you’ll do anything to make it gone. 

What is a breakout?

A breakout refers to non-inflammatory spots like blackheads and whiteheads (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory ones, like papules, pustules and deeper cysts. They have a similar life cycle, but might stop at different stages or stay in phases for longer or shorter periods. It really starts a few days before it actually shows up on the skin. Usually, a blackhead or whitehead gets infected due to hardened sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria that all percolate into the pore. 

When your skin feels red or you feel a slight bump under the skin…

This is the first step. The sebaceous glands have ramped up oil production, and they’re clumping up and mixing with dead skin cells and bacteria. If you want to try to stop it from coming to the surface at all (which is what we all want to do!) wash your face with a salicylic acid spiked cleanser to ensure that any external bacteria or makeup doesn’t make it worse. Then, reach for a cube of ice or an ice roller and apply it to the area for 5-10 minutes as often as you can throughout the day. Cold temps reduce inflammation, by constricting the blood vessels and soothing down any swelling. Then, target bacteria by applying a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment—it degrades and releases oxygen, which kills p.acnes in the area.

When it gets to a bump on the surface of the skin with a white tip…

If the inflammation is too much, you may not have been able to stop it in its tracks. White blood cells rush to the area to break down the bacteria, which transforms the papule into the pustule, which is filled with pus. It might feel red and hot, and may hurt too. This kind of breakout is difficult to cover with makeup too, so you’ll want to get rid of it ASAP, but don’t pop! Popping makes it worse, pushing bacteria deep into the pores and making acne worse in the long run. Instead, use a spot treatment and layer all the acne-fighting heavyweights for the best results.

Apply a salicylic acid based serum or cream, which is able to remove excess oil from the skin surface and improve dead cell breakdown. Then, apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide to nix bacteria, and smooth hydrocortisone to the area to reduce redness and inflammation. 

When it’s painful, hard and under the surface…

A blind pimple can be really painful, and in this case, a warm compress is a good pick. The heat can open up pores, which draws the pimple closer to the skin’s surface and creates a head. The formation of this head enables the sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria to exit. A hydrocolloid patch will also help protect it at this step—it’ll soak up all the excess pus on the surface while creating a moist, clean environment for healing. Plus, it’ll stop you from popping too.

When it scabs up…

As the infection heals, the inflammation may start to go down. The area may feel itchy and uncomfortable, but this is good. It means that the red, pustular skin is being replaced by new, healthy skin, and exfoliation is in process. At this point, it is best to moisturize and protect the skin—ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, fatty acids and niacinamide are a good idea. 

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.

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7 Ways To Treat Your Skin And To Safeguard Your Skin In Your 20s

December 11, 2021

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Coco Chanel once said, “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty you get the face you deserve.” In your 20s, there’s a lot you can do to safeguard the skin you have, and ensure that it’s healthy, balanced and primed for when you get older. By the time you’re 25, collagen (which keeps the skin resilient and lifted) and elastin (which gives skin flexibility) decrease. Sounds scary? Here’s what you can do to fight acne, preventatively anti-age and protect your skin when you’re in your 20s.

1. Double cleanse, always

You’re likely wearing a lot of makeup, going out all the time and working long hours in your 20s, so cleansing your face well and keeping that habit on lock as you get older is important. Things such as sleeping with makeup products on or not cleansing after a long day outdoors cause dirt and grime to seep so far in that it can really harm your skin. Dirt that is not cleared thoroughly is dirt that is accumulated! Cleanse first using a double cleanse friendly cleanser or makeup remover, and then rinse again using a cream, gel or foam-based cleanser.

2. Ensure that you’re exfoliating

Old skin cells accumulate on the surface and don’t reflect light as well as new ones, causing the skin to look dry, dull and patchy. This pile-up, when mixed with sweat, oil and makeup, can clog the pores and lead to breakouts. Regular exfoliation 2-3 times a week, with scrubs or acid-based products can help get rid of them, improving turnover and making the skin look fresher and younger.

3. Wear Sunscreen – Daily!

Studies show that sun damage seems to be responsible for 80-90% of noticeable symptoms of aging in the skin on the face. A lack of sun protection in your 20s will show up as wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots in your 30s. You may be applying sunscreen when you go to the beach or play a sport, but you actually need to slather it on every single day. Even if you’re just working from your bed. It is best to spend your early 20s shopping around to find the perfect sunscreen. It has to be one that you can wear under makeup, reapply and comfortably wear everyday. Then, you can build up that habit until it is second nature.

4. Start using an eye cream

Yes, really. The most common concerns for the skin around your eyes in your 20s, are dark circles. These can be thanks to a lack of sleep, a busy lifestyle, odd work hours and even genetics, for some. Plus, the eye area ages 10 years faster than the rest of the face. You can thank the collagen and elastin in the area constantly being broken down every time you squint, blink or smile. Wearing eye make up like mascara and liner and scrubbing it off can also tug at the delicate area. It is best to smooth on a moisturizing peptide-rich eye cream. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, caffeine, peptides and glycerin.

5. Try retinoids to boost collagen levels

You might not see the effects of collagen breakdown now, but you’ll want to salvage everything you’ve got. Loss of structural proteins lead to thinned skin, fine lines and poor wound healing, so it is important to stop its loss. To do so, use a topical retinoid, which has been proven to stimulate collagen production in the deep layers of the skin. This ingredient also helps facilitate cell turnover and improves skin tone and texture, making it a must-have to fight all possible signs of future ageing and dullness.

6. Get treatments from a licensed specialist

Since you can still experiment, this is a great time to figure out which in-office treatments work for you from licensed professionals like estheticians or dermatologists. Try chemical peels, resurfacing peels and microneedling, which will all promote collagen formation in the skin. If you have acne, dermatologist intervention is key to prevent further dark marks, scars and irritation.

7. Treat your acne with care

If you’re struggling with bouts of acne, figure out a good way to get it sorted out before it spirals, or leaves dark marks and pigmentation behind. Products with salicylic, glycolic, alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids will help exfoliate dead skin cells, unclogging pores to prevent future breakouts. Since your skin is still balancing itself out, it is best not to over-dry your skin. Use a targeted treatment with benzoyl peroxide or a pimple patch, which will draw out congestion and soothe the skin without overdoing it on the clear areas.

While sooner is better, it’s never too late to find a cosmetics store near you and get started!

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.

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