Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set Review: Yay or Nay? Here's My Experience

Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set: My Experience

I ordered the Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set almost a month ago. I have dry to combination skin, and luckily, most skincare products tend to work well for me. While doing my usual monthly skincare restock, I was on the lookout for combo sets—because as a working individual, I’ve found skincare combos to be both time- and budget-friendly.

Trusting Dot & Key’s good track record and drawn in by the cute packaging, I decided to place the order. The CTM set includes three products: the Cica & 2% Salicylic Face Wash, CICA & Niacinamide Face Toner, and CICA Niacinamide Night Gel. When the package arrived, I was genuinely delighted by how aesthetically pleasing the products looked. I couldn’t wait to try them. On first use, my initial impression was positive—the textures were light and skin-friendly, and the minimal fragrance was a major plus.

However, after using the products for two consecutive days, I began to notice breakouts on my skin. At first, I blamed my makeup or maybe sun exposure, but no matter what I did, the pimples kept appearing. That’s when I decided to stop using the set. Slowly but surely, my skin started healing and eventually returned to normal.

I was disappointed—this was the first time Dot & Key had let me down. But rather than write it off completely, I decided to dig deeper and understand why this product didn’t work for my skin.

Why You Should Consult A Dermat Before Using It?

After a few Google searches, I came across the term “purging.” Dot & Key’s Cica Calming Acne Control range is infused with active ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide—both known to cause initial skin reactions in some users.

Salicylic Acid, in particular, can trigger a temporary “purge,” where breakouts worsen before they get better. This happens because the ingredient accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing trapped oil and dead skin to the surface. On the other hand, Niacinamide—while generally well-tolerated—can sometimes cause breakouts or irritation, especially in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations. These reactions can mimic purging, making it hard to tell whether your skin is adjusting or actually reacting negatively.

I’m fairly certain that’s what happened to my skin. Whether it was purging or simply a mismatch, I wasn’t willing to continue through the breakout phase to find out. For anyone considering this product range, I’d strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist first—especially when using active serum-based products like these.

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Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set Price

The Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set price is ₹1,139/-

Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set: Where to buy

You can buy the Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set from Dot & Key’s official website or any other third-party e-commerce site.

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Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set: Claims

These are the claims made by the product:

• Reduces active acne breakouts.
• Diminishes acne scars and dark spots
• Calms inflammation and irritation.
• Controls excess oil production.
• Provides balanced hydration.

Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set: HZ Rating

HZ Rating: 3/10

Dot & Key Cica Calming Acne Control CTM Set: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Cute packaging
• Balanced texture
• Minimal fragrance

Cons

• Causes purging or breakouts.
• Consulting a dermatologist is a must.

I hope you make a well-informed purchase, instead of swiping the card immediately just because of a cute aesthetic. Stay tuned for more such reviews.

Image Credits: Dot And Key

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