Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash
Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-recommended foaming face wash powered by 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) at pH 5.5. Designed by Cipla, one of India's leading pharmaceutical companies, to deeply cleanse pores, control excess oil, fight acne, and remove blackheads and whiteheads without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Deep Pore Cleansing
The foaming formula penetrates deep into pores to dissolve trapped oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that cause breakouts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Pore Cleansing
The foaming formula penetrates deep into pores to dissolve trapped oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that cause breakouts.
BHA Exfoliation
2% Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can cut through sebum inside pores to clear blackheads and whiteheads at the source.
Sebum Control
Regulates excess oil production throughout the day, reducing shine and keeping skin balanced without over-drying.
pH 5.5 Skin Barrier Friendly
Formulated at pH 5.5 to maintain the skin's natural acid mantle, preventing irritation, dryness, and barrier damage.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% Salicylic Acid. While low-concentration topical SA in wash-off products is generally considered low-risk, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco Isostearamide and PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, which can feed Malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Gentle surfactants like Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine are unlikely to clog pores.
Formula includes Perfume (fragrance) and Methyl Paraben. Those with fragrance sensitivities or paraben concerns should patch test first.
No SLS, SLES, or drying alcohols. Uses mild amphoteric surfactants (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate) gentle enough for baby products.
Salicylic Acid can increase sun sensitivity. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) during the day when using this face wash.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid 2%Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate through sebum into pores. It exfoliates dead skin cells, dissolves blackheads and whiteheads, reduces inflammation, and prevents new acne from forming.
- Type: Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) — oil-soluble exfoliant
- FDA Status: Recognized as OTC topical acne treatment at 0.5–2%
- Mechanism: Desmolytic action breaks intercellular bonds between corneocytes, promoting exfoliation inside pores
- Anti-inflammatory: Structurally similar to aspirin, providing soothing anti-inflammatory benefits
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Primary SurfactantGentle
An ultra-mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. It has both positive and negative charged groups, making it extremely gentle with excellent foaming properties. Commonly used in baby care products.
- Irritancy: 0–1 (very low)
- Comedogenicity: 0–2 (non-comedogenic to low)
- Source: Coconut-derived, biodegradable
Glycerin HumectantProven
A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Glycerin helps counterbalance the potential drying effects of salicylic acid, keeping skin hydrated during and after cleansing.
- Research: Found to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid in a 2016 study
- Mechanism: Low molecular weight allows it to draw moisture into deeper skin layers
- Barrier Support: Strengthens the skin barrier and has antimicrobial properties
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Co-SurfactantGentle
A mild coconut-derived surfactant and foam stabilizer. Enhances the cleansing action while keeping the formula gentle. Excellent at stabilizing the foaming texture for a luxurious wash experience.
- Function: Surfactant, foam booster, viscosity builder
- Safety: Very mild, widely used in gentle cleansers and baby products
16 ingredients
Salicylic Acid (2%), Purified Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Hexylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Glycerin, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco Isostearamide, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Perfume, Sodium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in both your AM and PM routines. Always follow with a moisturizer to prevent dryness, and sunscreen in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face to prepare the skin for cleansing. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils.
Dispense 2 Pumps
Press the pump dispenser twice to get the right amount of foaming wash onto your palm.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your wet face and massage in gentle circular motions. Avoid the eye area and surrounding skin.
Wait 20–30 Seconds
Allow the salicylic acid to work on your skin for 20–30 seconds. This short contact time lets the BHA penetrate pores.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Follow with toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin with frequent breakouts
- You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores
- You want a dermatologist-recommended, pharmaceutical-grade cleanser
- You need a gentle BHA exfoliant that controls oil without harsh scrubbing
- You have combination skin with an oily T-zone
- You want a sulfate-free foaming cleanser at the right pH
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may be too drying)
- You have fungal acne (contains fungal acne triggers)
- You are sensitive to fragrances or parabens
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
- You prefer a fragrance-free or preservative-minimal formula
- You want a larger bottle size (only 60ml)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for oily skin. Controls excess sebum, reduces shine, and deep cleans pores without over-stripping.
2% BHA targets acne at its source — inside the pore. Fights blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne effectively.
Works well on the oily T-zone. May feel slightly drying on cheeks — follow with a hydrating moisturizer on drier areas.
Contains fragrance and 2% SA which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first and start with once-daily use.
Not recommended for dry skin. Salicylic acid and the foaming action can further strip moisture. Opt for a hydrating, cream-based cleanser instead.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Initial Cleansing & Oil Control
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and less oily after each wash. Some users notice mild dryness or slight purging as pores begin to unclog.
70% noticed reduced oilinessAcne Reduction Begins
Active pimples begin shrinking in size. Blackheads and whiteheads become less prominent. Skin texture starts improving as dead cells are exfoliated.
60% noticed fewer breakoutsVisible Clarity & Smoother Skin
Significant reduction in acne and comedones. Pores appear visibly tighter and refined. Skin looks clearer and more even-toned with consistent use.
80% reported clearer skinLong-Term Maintenance
Continued use helps prevent new breakouts and maintains balanced sebum levels. Best results achieved when used as part of a complete skincare routine with moisturizer and sunscreen.
85% saw sustained improvementRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effective at reducing active acne and preventing new breakouts
- Gentle foaming formula that doesn't feel harsh or abrasive
- Dermatologist-recommended, pharmaceutical-grade quality by Cipla
- pH 5.5 maintains the skin's natural acid mantle
- Sulfate-free with mild amphoteric surfactants
- Noticeable oil control and pore cleansing from first use
- Convenient pump dispenser for hygienic, measured dosing
Criticized
- Small 60ml bottle runs out quickly (about 2–3 weeks with twice daily use)
- Relatively expensive per ml compared to competitors
- Contains fragrance (Perfume) and Methylparaben
- Not fungal acne safe due to PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco Isostearamide
- Can cause dryness and flaking if used without moisturizer
- Some reports of packaging leakage during shipping
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame 2% SA concentration plus added LHA for enhanced exfoliation. Fragrance-free, larger bottle, and better value per ml. Slightly different texture (gel-to-foam vs pump foam).
Contains Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA for oil control and acne treatment. Fragrance-free and paraben-free. Gel-based consistency instead of foaming formula.
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid and Aloe Vera for acne treatment with added soothing benefits. Similar size but includes botanical extracts for sensitive skin comfort.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep away from the reach of children below 3 years.
Pump-action plastic bottle (60ml) — purple/transparent design for easy product level visibility
Yes, under 100ml — compliant with airline carry-on liquid regulations
Frequently asked questions
FAQSaslic DS contains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA). While topical salicylic acid at low concentrations in wash-off products is generally considered low-risk, medical guidelines advise caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. High-dose or oral salicylates are linked to complications. Always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using any BHA product during pregnancy or while nursing.
No. Saslic DS is not fungal acne safe. It contains PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco Isostearamide, which is a fatty acid derivative that can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, look for alternatives like the Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash or CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, which are fungal acne safe.
Yes, but with care. Since Saslic DS already contains 2% BHA, layering additional exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) in the same routine can cause over-exfoliation and irritation. It's best to alternate — use Saslic DS in the morning and your retinol or AHA at night. Vitamin C can be used after cleansing in the AM, but if irritation occurs, use them on alternate days. Always consult a dermatologist when combining active ingredients.
Saslic DS is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin. It also works well for combination skin, especially on the oily T-zone. People with sensitive skin should patch test first and start with once-daily use. It is not recommended for dry or dehydrated skin types, as the salicylic acid and cleansing action can further strip moisture.
Most users report noticeable improvements within 2–3 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Oil control and a cleaner feel are typically immediate from the first wash. Acne reduction and pore refinement usually become visible by week 3–4. Full results with clearer, smoother skin are typically seen by week 6–8. Some users may experience mild purging (temporary increase in breakouts) in the first week as clogged pores are cleared.
Saslic DS is a cleanser and should always be the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. After cleansing, follow with toner (optional), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Since it contains salicylic acid, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day, as BHA can increase sun sensitivity.
No. Saslic DS has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The primary surfactants (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine) are mild and non-comedogenic. Additionally, the 2% Salicylic Acid actively unclogs pores and dissolves excess sebum. As a rinse-off product, the brief contact time further minimizes any risk of pore clogging.
Saslic DS has a Period After Opening (PAO) of approximately 12 months. However, given the small 60ml bottle size and recommended twice-daily use of 2 pumps each time, most users will finish the bottle within 2–4 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for maximum shelf stability. Check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use.
Verdict: Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash is a solid, dermatologist-recommended BHA cleanser from Cipla that delivers reliable acne-fighting and oil control results. The 2% Salicylic Acid at pH 5.5 effectively unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, and refines skin texture. Its biggest strengths are the pharmaceutical-grade formulation, sulfate-free surfactants, and trusted brand backing. However, the small 60ml size makes it poor value per ml compared to competitors like Minimalist. It also contains fragrance and methylparaben, and is not fungal acne safe. If you have oily, acne-prone skin and want a proven, no-frills BHA cleanser recommended by dermatologists, Saslic DS is a dependable choice — just keep a good moisturizer and sunscreen handy.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Hexylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Surfactant, Fragrance, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
|
|







