Score computed from verified review sentiment, ingredient efficacy, and cross-platform consistency.
Reviewed by Flash AI Editorial Team · Last updated March 2026.
This gel face wash is praised for its ability to effectively cleanse oily and acne-prone skin, significantly reducing excess oil without causing dryness, making it a daily essential for many users.
The gel texture of this face wash is noted for being moisturizing during rinsing, and it effectively targets and prevents whiteheads, with users experiencing a noticeable reduction in their occurrence within a week of use.
This face wash is highlighted as being gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, offering mild foaming and a fragrance-free formula that cleanses effectively without causing irritation, making it a repeat purchase for users with sensitive, acne-prone complexions.
The face wash effectively cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling soft and soothed without stripping natural moisture, contributing to a beautiful, dewy glow that is not greasy.
Despite claims of reducing acne and preventing breakouts, some users did not experience these benefits and even noticed new acne appearing while using the product, suggesting it may not be universally effective for significant acne treatment.
While marketed as fragrance-free, the inclusion of peppermint oil results in a strong peppermint fragrance, which some users feel detracts from its suitability for sensitive skin and could potentially be improved by being completely fragrance-free.
Some users found the face wash ineffective for treating whiteheads and blackheads, and it did not provide significant exfoliation benefits, performing only basic cleansing without addressing deeper pore congestion.
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 Dot & Key CICA Calming Blemish Clearing Gel Face Wash is a 175 ml gel cleanser built to address oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Powered by Super Cica Technology and Salicylic Acid, it cleanses pores, controls sebum, and calms skin inflammation from the first step of your skincare routine. On Flash AI, this face wash scores 80 out of 100, drawing on 1540 verified reviews across 5 platforms. Strong scores in Oil Control (85) and Skin Feel (80) reflect consistent reviewer feedback that it manages oiliness without leaving skin dry or tight.
The formula centers on four key ingredients. Salicylic Acid at 2% works as a BHA exfoliant, penetrating inside the pore to dissolve dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria, reducing active breakouts and controlling excess oil over consistent use. Cica, a calming botanical, targets skin inflammation and soothes redness, making it relevant for reactive or sensitive skin. Green Tea provides antioxidant support for overall skin health, while Aloe Vera adds a hydrating layer to prevent post-cleanse dryness. The SLS-free gel formulation keeps the cleanse gentle on the skin barrier compared to conventional sulphate-based face washes.
This face wash suits oily, combination, and sensitive skin types dealing with excess sebum, whiteheads, and mild to moderate breakouts. Reviewers consistently describe the gel texture as moisturising during rinse-off, with skin feeling soft and dewy post-wash. Those with fragrance sensitivity should note that while the product lists itself as unscented, several reviewers report a strong peppermint scent, with peppermint oil identified as the source. Users with deep blackhead concerns or persistent acne may find this cleansing step alone insufficient: some reviewers reported no improvement in blackheads and noted new breakouts during initial use. Pair it with leave-on treatments for more stubborn acne concerns.
Available across 12 sellers, this face wash ranges from ₹214 to ₹821. At the lower end of that range, it delivers solid value for a daily SLS-free gel cleanser with active ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Cica. Review consensus supports its effectiveness for oil control and gentle daily cleansing, making ₹214 a reasonable entry point for oily and sensitive skin types. Actives in a rinse-off formula have limited contact time with skin, so those needing stronger acne control should pair this with a targeted leave-on treatment. Flash AI recommends this as a reliable everyday cleanser for oily and blemish-prone skin at a competitive price point.
"With a Flash AI Score of 80/100, Dot & Key CICA Calming Blemish Clearing Gel Face Wash (175 ml) earns its ranking through demonstrated, cross-platform results."
— Flash AI Editorial TeamDot & Key is an Indian skincare brand founded in 2018, focused on trend-driven, vitamin-rich formulations for younger consumers. Known for colourful packaging and fruit-forward ingredients like Watermelon, Vitamin C, and Cica, it is widely available across Nykaa, Amazon India, and Flipkart.
| Features | Cica Calming Blemish Clearing Gel Face | Dot & Key Barrier Repair + Hydrating | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | Pilgrim Tea Tree Purifying Gel Face Wash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Actives | Salicylic Acid, Cica, Green Tea, Aloe Vera | Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Rice Water… | Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol | 1% Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Extracts… |
| Best For | Men & Women | Men & Women | Men & Women | Men & Women |
| Fragrance | — | Unscented | Unscented | Scented |
| Price From | ₹214 | ₹231 | ₹1471 | ₹150 |
"It's a nice product..... Clean your face very gently... With mild foming....no fregnance and color it's gel like texture ....I'm using before 3months...... it is my 2nd purchase..... Such a lovely face wash.... Absolutely work on acne"
"I?ve been using the Dot & Key Salicylic Acid Face Wash for a few weeks now and the results are amazing! It gently cleanses my face without drying it out ..."
"Gentle cleansing foam Feels soft, luxurious, and soothing."
Use it twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, for consistent results. The SLS-free gel formula is gentle enough for daily use on oily and sensitive skin. If your skin is new to Salicylic Acid, start with once daily and build up as your skin adjusts to the active ingredient.
Yes, it is formulated for sensitive, oily, and all skin types. The SLS-free formula avoids harsh sulphates, and reviewers with sensitive, acne-prone skin report minimal irritation with regular use. However, some users detect a strong peppermint scent attributed to peppermint oil in the formula, which may cause sensitivity in those who react to fragrant botanicals. Patch-test before committing to daily use if your skin is reactive.
Salicylic Acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that is oil-soluble, which lets it work inside the pore rather than only on the skin surface. At 2%, it dissolves dead skin cells and targets acne-causing bacteria within pores, helping reduce active breakouts and control excess oil over consistent use. It also provides mild exfoliation to prevent pore congestion from building up with daily use.
Reviewers report a noticeable reduction in oiliness and softer skin within the first few uses. For whitehead reduction, some users saw improvement within a week of consistent use. Acne improvement typically requires two to four weeks of daily use, and results vary based on skin type and acne severity. This face wash works best as part of a complete skincare routine rather than as a standalone acne treatment.
The product is listed as unscented in its specifications and the formula is SLS-free. However, several reviewers report a distinct and strong peppermint scent, identifying peppermint oil as the source. If you have fragrance sensitivity or reactive skin, consider patch-testing before regular use. The SLS-free base removes one common source of irritation found in conventional face washes, but the peppermint scent is worth noting for sensitive users.
Most basic gel face washes focus only on surface cleansing using sulphates or soap bases. This formula is SLS-free and includes active ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate inside the pore, and Cica to calm skin inflammation. Aloe Vera and Green Tea round out the formula for hydration and antioxidant support. This makes it more targeted for oily, acne-prone skin compared to a standard cleanser that carries no actives.
This face wash is available across 12 sellers, with prices starting from ₹214. Platforms like Amazon India, Flipkart, and Nykaa list multiple sellers, so comparing prices before purchasing helps you access the lower end of the range. Prices can go up to ₹821 depending on the seller and platform, so a quick comparison check is worth it.
It is a gel formulation that produces a mild, soft lather on application. Reviewers describe the rinse-off experience as moisturising, with the post-wash feel being soft and dewy rather than tight or stripped. It does not leave a greasy residue, and users consistently describe the overall experience as refreshing with regular use. The gel texture itself is noted as pleasant to apply.
Salicylic Acid at 2% in a rinse-off formulation is generally considered suitable for daily use on oily and acne-prone skin. Because it washes off quickly, the skin's exposure time remains limited, reducing the risk of over-exfoliation compared to leave-on treatments. If you notice dryness, flaking, or irritation, reduce use to once daily or every alternate day, and consult a dermatologist if the reaction continues.
Salicylic Acid can help prevent the pore congestion that leads to blackheads with regular use. However, some reviewers found the face wash did not provide significant improvement for existing blackheads or deep pore congestion, as a rinse-off product has limited dwell time compared to leave-on treatments. For stubborn blackheads, use this as a preparatory cleanse and pair it with a targeted leave-on exfoliant for better results.
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