Skip to content

1% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Foaming Face Wash with Glycolic Acid, Fruit AHA & Blueberry Extracts

1% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Foaming Face Wash with Glycolic Acid, Fruit AHA & Blueberry Extracts

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle yet effective sulphate-free foaming face wash powered by 1% encapsulated salicylic acid (BHA), 0.2% glycolic acid (AHA), and 5 fruit-derived AHAs from blueberry, sugarcane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple to deeply cleanse pores, fight active acne, blackheads, and breakouts while keeping skin soft and hydrated.

100% Vegan Cruelty-Free (PETA Certified) Sulphate-Free Paraben-Free Encapsulated BHA Technology ECO Certified & COSMOS Approved Dermat-Tested For All Skin Types
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
110 ml
Key Active
1% Salicylic Acid
AHA
0.2% Glycolic Acid
Fruit AHAs
5 Fruit Extracts
Formula
Sulphate-Free
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Technology

1% salicylic acid is delivered in encapsulated microspheres using dextrin, polydextrose, and amylopectin, ensuring a sustained, time-released delivery that reduces irritation while maximizing pore-penetrating efficacy.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Foam
Scent
Light Clinical
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean & Soft

Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Technology

1% salicylic acid is delivered in encapsulated microspheres using dextrin, polydextrose, and amylopectin, ensuring a sustained, time-released delivery that reduces irritation while maximizing pore-penetrating efficacy.

5 Fruit AHA Complex

AHAs derived from blueberry, sugarcane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple work synergistically on the skin surface to gently exfoliate dead cells, brighten tone, and smooth texture.

Non-Drying Sulphate-Free Formula

Gentle surfactants like sodium methyl oleoyl taurate and coco-glucoside create a rich, creamy lather without stripping the skin, while aloe vera and glycerin maintain moisture balance.

Antioxidant-Rich Blueberry Extract

Blueberry fruit and leaf extract provides potent antioxidant protection, helping repair photodamage and neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging and dullness.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains 1% salicylic acid (BHA). While low-concentration topical salicylic acid in a wash-off product is considered low-risk by some dermatologists, many recommend avoiding BHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. Consult your doctor before use.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Contains Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, which is an ester-based emollient that may feed Malassezia yeast. As a wash-off product with short skin contact time, the risk is lower, but those with active fungal acne may want to exercise caution.

Low Comedogenic Rating (1/5)

This is a rinse-off cleanser with non-comedogenic base ingredients. Glycerin (comedogenic: 0), aloe vera, and gentle surfactants are unlikely to clog pores when used as directed.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

PETA-certified cruelty-free. Contains no animal-derived ingredients. ECO Certified and COSMOS approved formulation.

Sulphate-Free & Paraben-Free

Free from SLS/SLES and parabens. Uses mild, biodegradable surfactants derived from coconut and palm kernel oil for gentle yet effective cleansing.

Contains Fragrance

This product contains added fragrance (listed last in the INCI). Those with very sensitive or reactive skin may want to patch test first. The scent is described as mild and clinical.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Encapsulated Salicylic Acid 1%Proven

The star ingredient. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. The encapsulation technology (using dextrin, polydextrose, and amylopectin as carrier materials) ensures the acid is released gradually upon contact with the skin, delivering sustained efficacy with less irritation.

  • Mechanism: Oil-soluble BHA penetrates into the pore lining to dissolve the keratin plugs that cause blackheads and whiteheads
  • Encapsulation benefit: Sustained-release delivery exposes skin to smaller amounts over a longer period, improving efficacy and reducing irritation
  • FDA recognized: Salicylic acid (0.5–2%) is an FDA-approved OTC acne treatment ingredient
May increase sun sensitivity. Always use sunscreen after using this product. Not recommended for use during pregnancy without medical consultation.

Glycolic Acid 0.2%Proven

A water-soluble AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells on the skin surface. At 0.2%, it provides gentle resurfacing without over-stripping, helping to reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.

  • Function: Loosens bonds between dead skin cells for gentle surface exfoliation
  • Concentration: At 0.2%, this is a very gentle and well-tolerated level suitable for daily use
  • Synergy: Glycolic acid (AHA) works on the surface while salicylic acid (BHA) works within pores for complementary exfoliation

5 Fruit AHA ComplexPromising

A blend of botanical AHAs derived from blueberry (bilberry), sugarcane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple. These plant-sourced acids provide a multi-acid approach to gentle exfoliation, brightening, and skin texture improvement.

  • Blueberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus): Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum): Natural source of glycolic acid for surface exfoliation
  • Orange & Lemon: Provide citric acid for brightening and antioxidant vitamin C
  • Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum): Contains malic acid for gentle exfoliation and skin smoothing

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven

A multifunctional powerhouse ingredient with well-documented benefits for nearly every skin concern. In this cleanser, it supports oil control, helps fade post-acne marks, strengthens the skin barrier, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

  • Oil control: Helps regulate sebum production at concentrations as low as 2%
  • Brightening: Inhibits melanosome transfer to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots
  • Barrier support: Increases ceramide synthesis for a stronger, healthier skin barrier
Niacinamide is one of the most well-tolerated and versatile skincare actives, safe for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceProven

Aloe vera juice provides soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing benefits. It helps counterbalance any potential drying effects from the exfoliating acids, leaving skin calm and hydrated after cleansing.

  • Soothing: Contains salicylates, polysaccharides, and magnesium lactate for anti-inflammatory action
  • Hydrating: Acts as a natural humectant to help retain moisture in the skin
  • Healing: Supports wound healing and skin regeneration

26 ingredients

Aqua, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Salicylic Acid, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Buteth-3, Tributyl Citrate, Fragrance

FREE FROM: Sulphates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Animal-Derived Ingredients, Silicones, Petrochemicals
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Product (Cleanser)
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step in both your AM and PM routine. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (daytime). Always apply sunscreen after using products with AHA/BHA.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare the skin for cleansing.

2

Dispense 2–3 Pumps

Press the foam pump 2–3 times to dispense a generous amount of creamy foam directly onto your fingertips.

3

Gently Massage

Apply the foam to your face and gently massage in circular motions for 20–30 seconds, focusing on oily and acne-prone areas like the T-zone.

4

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Do not rub.

5

Follow Up & Protect

Apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Always finish with sunscreen in the morning. Use twice daily for best results, up to three times if you have very oily skin.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or acne-prone skin with frequent breakouts
  • You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores
  • You want a gentle exfoliating cleanser for daily use
  • You prefer sulphate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free products
  • You want a cleanser with both BHA and AHA for dual exfoliation
  • You are new to salicylic acid and want a beginner-friendly concentration

Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
  • You have active fungal acne (contains esters that may aggravate Malassezia)
  • You need a higher concentration of salicylic acid (2%) for severe acne
  • You have extremely dry or eczema-prone skin that needs barrier-first care
  • You are sensitive to added fragrance in skincare products
  • You prefer a completely fragrance-free formulation
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. Salicylic acid controls excess oil production, unclogs pores, and the sulphate-free foam cleanses without over-stripping. Use up to 3 times daily.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. The encapsulated BHA plus AHA combo fights active acne, prevents new breakouts, and clears blackheads.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across oily T-zone and drier areas. Aloe vera and glycerin ensure dry patches are not further stripped during cleansing.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for maintaining clear pores and preventing occasional breakouts. Use once or twice daily as part of a preventative routine.

Dry Skin
Moderate

The exfoliating acids may be too much for very dry skin with regular use. If needed, limit to once daily and always follow with a rich, hydrating moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

The encapsulation technology reduces irritation potential, but the product contains fragrance. Patch test first and introduce gradually (every other day).

08

Results timeline

MONTHS 2–3
Week 1

Cleaner, Less Oily Skin

Pores feel noticeably cleaner after each wash. Skin appears less greasy throughout the day. The gentle foam texture feels refreshing without tightness or dryness.

70% noticed cleaner-feeling skin
Weeks 2–3

Reduced Breakouts & Smoother Texture

Active pimples begin to heal faster. Frequency of new breakouts decreases. Skin texture starts to smooth out as dead cells are gently exfoliated. Minor purging may occur initially.

60% noticed fewer new breakouts
Weeks 4–6

Visible Acne Reduction & Clearer Pores

Significant reduction in blackheads and whiteheads. Pores appear tighter and less congested. Overall complexion looks brighter and more even as the AHAs continue to resurface.

75% saw noticeably clearer skin
Months 2–3

Consistently Clear, Healthy-Looking Skin

Acne is well-managed with regular use. Post-acne marks begin to fade thanks to niacinamide and glycolic acid. Skin barrier remains intact due to the gentle, non-stripping formula.

80% reported sustained improvement
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
Amazon India
4.2
Rating
1,400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users found the 110ml bottle runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Nykaa
4.3
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users with dry skin experienced mild tightness after use
Flipkart
4.1
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Results may take several weeks; some expected faster acne clearing
Myntra
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Fragrance may be noticeable for those who prefer unscented products
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Encapsulated salicylic acid provides sustained release with less irritation
  • Dual AHA + BHA exfoliation for comprehensive pore cleansing
  • Sulphate-free, creamy foam that does not strip or dry the skin
  • 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and ECO Certified formula
  • Convenient foam pump dispenser eliminates the need to lather
  • Contains niacinamide for added brightening and oil control
  • Affordable price point with effective active concentrations
  • Noticeable reduction in blackheads and active breakouts within weeks

Criticized

  • 110ml bottle is relatively small and can run out quickly with frequent use
  • Contains added fragrance, which may irritate very sensitive skin
  • 1% salicylic acid may be too mild for severe or cystic acne
  • Contains Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, which may not suit fungal acne-prone skin
  • Not recommended during pregnancy without medical consultation
  • Some users experienced initial purging during the first 1–2 weeks
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Clear & Defend 2 % Salicylic Acid Face Wash
₹299
Similar Price

Higher salicylic acid concentration (2% vs 1%) without encapsulation technology. Lacks the 5 fruit AHA complex and glycolic acid. Fragrance-free option available. May be more effective for stubborn acne but potentially more drying.

70% Match
1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Witch Hazel
₹249
Budget Pick

Similar salicylic acid concentration (1%) in a gel format rather than foam. Does not use encapsulation technology for sustained release. Lacks the fruit AHA blend and niacinamide. More basic formulation at a lower price point.

65% Match
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
$8.99
Similar Price

Contains 2% salicylic acid in a traditional (non-encapsulated) formula. Uses SLS-based surfactants which may be more drying. No fruit AHAs or niacinamide. Widely available internationally but less gentle than Plum's sulphate-free approach.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Acne Control Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 2% (Standard)
Additional Actives Ceramides + Niacinamide + Hectorite Clay
Size 237ml
Sulphate-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Vegan Not Certified
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 2% (Standard)
Additional Actives Zinc Pidolate + Thermal Spring Water
Size 200ml
Sulphate-Free No (Contains SLS)
Fragrance-Free Yes
Vegan Not Certified
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
Salicylic Acid 2% (Standard)
Additional Actives None (Single Active)
Size 177ml
Sulphate-Free No (Contains SLS)
Fragrance-Free No
Vegan Not Certified
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. The product has a total shelf life of 24 months from date of manufacture.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use to maintain the foam pump mechanism.

Packaging

Foam pump bottle (110ml). The built-in foaming dispenser creates a ready-to-use creamy foam without the need to lather manually.

Travel Friendly

Yes, the 110ml bottle is over the 100ml carry-on limit but fits easily in checked luggage. The pump cap seals tightly to prevent leaks.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Caution is advised. This face wash contains 1% salicylic acid (BHA), which many healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While topical salicylic acid at low concentrations in a wash-off product poses minimal systemic absorption risk, the general medical consensus is to err on the side of caution. Consult your obstetrician or dermatologist before using any BHA-containing product while pregnant or nursing.

Use with caution. The formula contains Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, which is an ester-based ingredient that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. However, since this is a wash-off product with very short skin contact time, the risk is lower compared to leave-on products. If you have active fungal acne, you may want to opt for a cleanser with a fully fungal acne-safe ingredient list to be safe.

Since this is a wash-off cleanser, it can generally be used alongside most other actives in your routine. However, if you are using strong leave-on retinol, AHA, or BHA products, you may experience increased dryness or irritation. A good approach is to use this cleanser in the morning and your retinol at night, or alternate days. Vitamin C serums are generally fine to layer after this cleanser once the skin is dry. Start slowly and monitor your skin's tolerance.

This face wash is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling excess oil, unclogging pores, and fighting active breakouts. It can also work for normal skin as a preventative cleanser. Those with dry or very sensitive skin should use it sparingly (once daily or every other day) and always follow with a hydrating moisturizer.

Most users report cleaner-feeling skin within the first week of consistent use. Noticeable reduction in active breakouts and blackheads typically occurs within 2–4 weeks. Significant improvement in overall skin texture, pore appearance, and acne management is usually seen after 6–8 weeks of twice-daily use. Some initial purging (temporary increase in small breakouts) is normal in the first 1–2 weeks as clogged pores are cleared.

This is a cleanser, so it goes as the very first step in both your morning and evening skincare routine. If you use a makeup remover or oil cleanser (double-cleansing method), use that first, then follow with this foaming face wash as your second cleanse. After rinsing, proceed with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).

No, this product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1/5. Its primary purpose is actually to unclog pores. The base ingredients like glycerin (comedogenic: 0), aloe vera, and gentle surfactants are non-pore-blocking. As a rinse-off product, even trace amounts of potentially comedogenic ingredients are washed away, making pore-clogging extremely unlikely.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months, meaning it should be used within one year of first opening. The total shelf life from manufacturing is 24 months (2 years). With twice-daily use (2–3 pumps each time), the 110ml bottle typically lasts approximately 4–6 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place and ensure the pump cap is closed after each use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Plum 1% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Foaming Face Wash is a well-formulated, affordable acne-fighting cleanser that stands out for its innovative encapsulated BHA delivery and multi-acid approach. The combination of sustained-release salicylic acid, glycolic acid, 5 fruit AHAs, and niacinamide in a gentle, sulphate-free base makes it an excellent daily cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. Its vegan, PETA-certified, and ECO-approved credentials add ethical appeal. The main drawbacks are the small 110ml size, the presence of fragrance, and one ester-based ingredient that may not suit fungal acne-prone skin. Overall, it delivers strong value and effective results for the price, especially for those seeking a beginner-friendly BHA cleanser with bonus brightening and exfoliating actives.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Glycolic Acid
brightening Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid Niacinamide Glycolic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Glycolic Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 3 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Niacinamide Glycolic Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
35% 17% 46%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 28 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Cleansing, Foaming
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS