The good bad cleanser

 I have acne prone oily skin  and the only thing that works for me is a 2% salicylic face wash. Not all face washes are made equal though. Since cleansers are the first step of any skincare routine, ending up with a wrong cleanser could literally spell doom for your skin. 

Cica Salicylic & Green Tea Face Wash for Acne Prone & Oily Skin, Dot & Key, 100ml, Rs.249

This is a massively popular option and the best part is that it's super affordable. The only downside is that it doesn't work. At least not for me. The concentration of salicylic acid is not disclosed and upon using there for no benefits seen. It cleansed my skin decently and didn't dry me out but was no help with my breakouts.

2% Salicylic Acid Anti Acne Face Wash with Niacinamide & Matcha Tea, MCaffeine, 100ml, Rs.299

Another affordable option I really wanted to like but alas. Despite the 2% salicylic acid and impressive ingredient list, this face wash gave me zero benefits. It cleanses well without drying my skin but that's where it ends. My poor face is still breakout central whenever I use this face wash.

Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily Acne Prone Skin with Glycolic Acid & Cica Extract, Conscious Chemist, 100ml, Rs.399

This face wash has glycolic acid in it so I was expecting some results from it but I was totally disappointed by it. It's a very gentle, non drying cleanser but it is no help for acne. The concentration of salicylic acid is also unknown. This one is a pass for me.

Green Tea Pore Cleansing Gel Face Wash with Glycolic Acid, Plum, 100ml, Rs.275

In this one's defence, it has no salicylic acid but it is still marketed as a Godsend for anti-acne but it definitely did not stop my breakouts. It's a gentle cleanser that doesn't dry your skin out. The unbearable part though were the cellulose beads that would pop any active acne that they came in contact with. I have no idea what they're doing in an anti acne face wash in 2025.

Word of caution to the wise; next time while buying a cleanser, buy a small size trial pack first. Yes, it's more expensive but it's still cheaper than the amount you'll have to spend trying to fix your skin if it ends up wrecking it.