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Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash

Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

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.

2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) pH 5.5 Balanced Dermatologist Recommended Sulfate-Free Oil-Free Non-Comedogenic Alcohol-Free
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Active
2% Salicylic Acid
pH Level
5.5
Size
60 ml
Brand
Cipla Ltd.
Skin Type
Oily / Acne-Prone
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

The foaming formula penetrates deep into pores to dissolve trapped oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that cause breakouts.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Airy foam
Scent
Mild medicinal
Absorption
Rinse-off (20–30s)
Finish
Clean matte

Deep 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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains 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.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco Isostearamide and PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, which can feed Malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Rating

Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Gentle surfactants like Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine are unlikely to clog pores.

Contains Fragrance & Methylparaben

Formula includes Perfume (fragrance) and Methyl Paraben. Those with fragrance sensitivities or paraben concerns should patch test first.

Sulfate-Free & Alcohol-Free

No SLS, SLES, or drying alcohols. Uses mild amphoteric surfactants (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate) gentle enough for baby products.

Sun Sensitivity

Salicylic Acid can increase sun sensitivity. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) during the day when using this face wash.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic 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
May cause mild dryness, flaking, or irritation when starting. Begin with once daily use and always follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.

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
Mild enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Provides effective cleansing without stripping the skin barrier.

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

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Drying Alcohols, Oils, Harsh Anionic Surfactants, Colorants/Dyes, Phthalates, Formaldehyde
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 routines. Always follow with a moisturizer to prevent dryness, and sunscreen in the morning.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face to prepare the skin for cleansing. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils.

2

Dispense 2 Pumps

Press the pump dispenser twice to get the right amount of foaming wash onto your palm.

3

Massage Gently

Apply the foam to your wet face and massage in gentle circular motions. Avoid the eye area and surrounding skin.

4

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.

5

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Follow with toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

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 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)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for oily skin. Controls excess sebum, reduces shine, and deep cleans pores without over-stripping.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

2% BHA targets acne at its source — inside the pore. Fights blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne effectively.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well on the oily T-zone. May feel slightly drying on cheeks — follow with a hydrating moisturizer on drier areas.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains fragrance and 2% SA which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first and start with once-daily use.

Dry Skin
Poor

Not recommended for dry skin. Salicylic acid and the foaming action can further strip moisture. Opt for a hydrating, cream-based cleanser instead.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 8+
Week 1

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 oiliness
Week 2–3

Acne 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 breakouts
Week 4–6

Visible 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 skin
Week 8+

Long-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 improvement
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Amazon India
4.1
Rating
2,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 60ml bottle size for the price — runs out quickly with 2–3 pumps per use
1mg
4.3
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can make skin feel dry after use — moisturizer is essential
PharmEasy
4.0
Rating
125+
Reviews
Main complaint: Packaging leakage issues reported by some customers during delivery
Apollo Pharmacy
4.2
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find the foam amount insufficient for thorough cleansing
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser
₹349 / 100ml
Budget Pick

Same 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).

70% Match
Re'equil Oil Control Anti Acne Face Wash
₹350 / 100ml
Budget Pick

Contains Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA for oil control and acne treatment. Fragrance-free and paraben-free. Gel-based consistency instead of foaming formula.

65% Match
Daily Face Cleanser
₹299 / 60ml
Similar Price

Contains 2% Salicylic Acid and Aloe Vera for acne treatment with added soothing benefits. Similar size but includes botanical extracts for sensitive skin comfort.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Clear & Defend 2 % Salicylic Acid Face Wash
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA
pH Not disclosed
Fragrance No
Sulfate-Free Yes
Price per ml ₹3.49/ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid
pH ~3.5 (Low)
Fragrance Yes
Sulfate-Free No (Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate)
Price per ml ₹2.85/ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Renewing SA Cleanser
Key Active SA + Niacinamide + Ceramides
pH ~5.0
Fragrance No
Sulfate-Free Yes
Price per ml ₹5.06/ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep away from the reach of children below 3 years.

Packaging

Pump-action plastic bottle (60ml) — purple/transparent design for easy product level visibility

Travel Friendly

Yes, under 100ml — compliant with airline carry-on liquid regulations

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Saslic 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

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.

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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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
37% 37% 25%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 16 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
4 B
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
Pores
1 A
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
1 A
Hexylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Surfactant, Fragrance, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Emulsifying
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
0 Unknown
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS