Score computed from verified review sentiment, ingredient efficacy, and cross-platform consistency.
Reviewed by Flash AI Editorial Team · Last updated March 2026.
Users with oily and acne-prone skin report this face wash effectively controls excess oil and helps clear up pimples, leading to a calmer complexion without over-drying.
The face wash is formulated with Cica and other soothing ingredients like Green Tea and Tea Tree Oil, which help calm inflammation and reduce redness associated with acne breakouts, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
The face wash features a gel-based texture that provides a gentle yet deep cleanse, removing dirt, pollution, and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling refreshed.
With 2% Salicylic Acid, this face wash is noted for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and dissolve acne-causing bacteria, which helps in healing existing acne and minimizing future breakouts over time.
Despite claims of being fragrance-free, the product contains peppermint oil which results in a strong peppermint scent that some users find overpowering and potentially irritating.
Some users experienced new acne breakouts or found the face wash ineffective in healing existing acne and preventing future breakouts, suggesting that while it may be calming, it doesn't deliver on all its acne-fighting claims.
While the face wash is described as moisturizing during rinsing, some users report a slight dryness if moisturizer is not applied immediately after use, indicating a need for follow-up hydration.
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 targeted cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin, built around Cica and Salicylic Acid 1% to address breakouts, excess oil, and clogged pores. On Flash AI, it scores 78/100 based on 2876 verified reviews across 5 platforms, with standout scores for Acne Control (85/100) and Soothing (80/100). The gel texture cleanses deeply without stripping, and users report a calmer, clearer complexion with consistent twice-daily use.
The formula draws on four key ingredients. Cica brings skin-soothing and barrier-supporting properties to the mix, calming the inflammation and redness that come with active breakouts. Salicylic Acid at 1%, a beta-hydroxy acid, penetrates oil-filled pores to exfoliate dead skin cells, dissolve sebum buildup, and help prevent future breakouts over time. Green Tea contributes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, while Aloe Vera helps maintain skin hydration during the cleansing process. The formulation carries sulphate-free, paraben-free, and no added synthetic fragrance credentials, reducing irritation risk for sensitive and reactive skin.
This face wash suits oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin best, and the non-comedogenic, oil-free formula avoids adding to pore congestion. Reviewers with persistent whiteheads report visible improvement within about a week of consistent twice-daily use. There are a few honest caveats to consider. Despite its fragrance-free positioning, the product contains peppermint oil, which produces a noticeable scent that some users find overpowering or mildly irritating. If your skin reacts to essential oils, a patch test before full use is advisable. Some users also note slight post-wash dryness when they skip a moisturiser, so following up with a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser helps. A small number of reviewers found limited results against stubborn acne, making this better suited to mild to moderate breakouts.
Flash AI rates this face wash 78/100, reflecting strong Acne Control and Soothing performance with moderate marks for Gentleness. Prices range from ₹167 to ₹744 across 11 sellers, and the lower end of that range offers strong value for a sulphate-free, salicylic acid formula with 2876 verified reviews behind it. The wide price gap across sellers makes comparing platforms before buying worth your time. For oily and acne-prone skin dealing with daily breakouts, clogged pores, and excess sebum, this cleanser delivers on its core promise at an accessible price. If sensitivity to essential oils concerns you, check the full ingredient list before purchasing.
"With a Flash AI Score of 78/100, Dot & Key CICA Calming Blemish Clearing Gel Face Wash for Oily & Acne Prone Skin 100ml 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 | Cica, Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Salicylic Acid 1% | 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 | ₹167 | ₹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"
"This face wash is amazing! It cleared up my acne in just a week. My skin feels so much smoother and less oily."
"I have sensitive + acne-prone skin and this Cica face wash worked like magic for me! ? It gives a refreshing feel without drying out the skin. The texture ..."
Squeeze a small amount onto wet hands, apply to your damp face, and massage gently before rinsing thoroughly. Pat your skin dry. The specs recommend using it twice daily, morning and night, for best results. Follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturiser, especially if your skin tends to feel dry after cleansing.
The specs list it as suitable for oily, acne-prone, and all skin types. The sulphate-free, paraben-free formula without added synthetic fragrance reduces irritation risk for sensitive skin. However, the product contains peppermint oil, which some users with sensitive skin find irritating. A patch test before regular use is a good step if your skin reacts to essential oils.
Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that dissolves in oil, allowing it to penetrate pores and break down the sebum and dead skin cells that cause blockages. At 1% concentration as listed in the specs, it exfoliates within pores to reduce whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples over time. Consistent twice-daily use builds up this pore-clearing effect gradually.
Review insights suggest that users with persistent whiteheads notice a visible reduction after about a week of consistent twice-daily use. For broader improvement in acne and oiliness, a few weeks of regular use is more realistic. Results vary based on skin type, acne severity, and consistency of use.
Some users report slight post-wash dryness when they skip a moisturiser, so applying a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser after each wash is advisable. Despite its fragrance-free positioning, the product contains peppermint oil, which some users find mildly irritating. Users with high sensitivity to essential oils should patch test before committing. A small number of reviewers also experienced new breakouts during initial use, so monitor your skin during the first few weeks.
A standard face wash removes surface dirt and oil. This one adds Salicylic Acid 1%, a BHA that penetrates pores to clear congestion, alongside Cica for active soothing and Green Tea for anti-inflammatory support. The sulphate-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic formulation also makes it more targeted for oily and acne-prone skin than a basic cleanser.
This face wash is available across 11 sellers, with prices starting from ₹167. Comparing prices across major Indian shopping platforms before purchasing is advisable, as prices can reach ₹744 depending on the seller. Buying from authorised sellers also helps ensure product authenticity.
The gel texture produces a gentle lather and rinses off cleanly, leaving skin feeling refreshed rather than tight or stripped. Despite its fragrance-free claim, the product contains peppermint oil, giving it a distinct peppermint scent. Some users enjoy the cooling sensation, while others find the scent strong or irritating, particularly on sensitive skin.
At 1% concentration in a rinse-off formula, Salicylic Acid contacts the skin briefly before washing off, which reduces cumulative exposure compared to leave-on treatments. The specs confirm this formula suits daily use for oily and acne-prone skin. If you notice persistent dryness or irritation, starting with once-daily use and building up gradually is a sensible approach.
Cica, derived from Centella Asiatica, brings anti-inflammatory properties that calm the redness and irritation surrounding active breakouts. In this formula, Cica works alongside Salicylic Acid 1% to soothe the skin surface while the BHA targets congestion inside pores. Cica also supports the skin barrier, which acne-prone skin often needs during active treatment.
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