Are Dot and Key Products good? I am sure you might have seen this brand, Dot And Key popping out on your Facebook and Instagram feeds. Have you been wondering about them? Are you looking to try out some of their products? Confused about what to get? This post will be helpful for you. Jotting down my experience with some of the Dot and Key Products in this post. I’ve purchased all these products from Smytten App using the trial points that they offer.
Table of Contents
Dot And Key Products Review
1. Dot and Key Cica Face Wash
Product Type: A sulfate-free, salicylic acid-based face wash to kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent acne breakouts.
Skin Type: Best For Blemish Prone, Acne Prone Skin.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica (Cica) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Zinc PCA, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate (and) Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract (and) Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (and) Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract (and) Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract (and) Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract (and) Houttuynia Cordata Extract (and) Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Camphor, Benzophenone – 4, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Tocopherol, CI 19140, CI 42090
Key Ingredient Benefits:
- Salicylic Acid: deeply exfoliates the skin by unclogging the pores, thereby preventing acne formation.
- Cica: Soothes and calms inflamed and irritated skin.
- Green Tea: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory reduces redness and irritations.
- Zinc: Regulates sebum production, and treats and heals acne.
Texture: Medium runny gel with a green hue to it.
Fragrance: Subtle tea tree oil scent. Doesn’t last long and subsides soon after washing the face.
My Experience: This is a good face wash for oily, acne-prone skin types. It helps with fastening the healing process of active acne and also reduces the appearance of new acne breakouts.
What I like the most is that it does not leave the skin dry and stretchy post-wash – unlike most salicylic acid face washes. I like the fresh, bright, and clear skin that this face wash leaves. The scent also gives a refreshing cleansing experience.
It’s suggested to use twice a day by the brand, but I feel once a day is good enough to keep acne at bay. We don’t want to overexfoliate by using it too much.
My Rating: 4/5
2. Dot and Key Watermelon Face Wash
Product Type: A gentle sulphate-free face wash to keep your skin clean and fresh.
Skin Type: Normal, Oily and Combination
Ingredients: Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, IFRA Certified Allergen Free Fragrance, CI 16185
Key Ingredient Benefits:
- Vitamin C: anti-oxidant, skin brightening, glow-boosting ingredient.
- Cucumber Extract: Cools the skin and soothes irritated skin.
- Watermelon Extract: Controls excess oil, removes dead skin cells and makes your skin soft and plump.
Texture: Medium runny gel with a pale pink hue to it.
Fragrance: A mix of watermelon and cucumber. I am a sucker for such summery fresh scents. It’s pleasant and soothing to my senses.
My Experience: This is much gentler than the Cica & Niacinamide Face Wash. It’s a perfect face wash to start your day with. It lathers quite nicely, washes off easily without any slimy residue, and cleans the skin of dirt and impurities. I like that it doesn’t dry out the skin. Although it contains Vitamin C, it’s a gentle wash and is not powerful enough to remove sunscreen or makeup.
Overall, this is a good everyday cleanser that leaves your skin clean, soft, and plump. I would get this for its amazing fragrance alone.
My Rating: 4.3/5
Dot And Key Face Washes Texture Shots
3. Dot And Key Vitamin C+E Super Bright Moisturizer
Product Type: A skin-brightening moisturizer to reduce dullness, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.
Skin Type: All Skin Types.
Full Ingredient List: Aqua, Glycerine, Dicaprylyl Ether, Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCl, Maltodextrin, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Wheat Germ Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract, Blood Orange Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, IFRA Certified Allergen Free Fragrance, CI 15985, CI 19140.
Key Ingredients Benefits:
- Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract: boosts skin brightness and reduces dark spots.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
- Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: Fights hyperpigmentation.
- Blood Orange Fruit Extract: an antioxidant-rich in minerals and vitamins.
- Shea Butter: nourishes the skin.
- Vitamin E: antioxidant, fights free radical damage
Texture: Sorbet-like gel.
Fragrance: Zesty citrus scent. It’s subtle and not at all overpowering. The smell fades away soon after application.
My Experience: This claims to be a brightening moisturizer made with three types of Vitamin C. Sure, the ingredients have some solid research on skin brightening. But personally, I did not find it brightening.
I’ve used it for two weeks straight day and night. It definitely is a lightweight moisturizer that’s absolutely non-greasy and non-sticky. Someone with oily skin will love this. It gets absorbed super quickly and leaves the skin with a matte finish. On my combination skin, I would say its moisturizing ability was average.
Dry skin may not find it sufficient. But if you are someone who uses hydrating toners, something like the Klairs Toner, you can comfortably use this during the summers.
I noticed that when I used more quantity of the product, it kind of left a film behind, which may not be liked by many. Again if you are layering products underneath, this would work well in sealing them.
Overall, it’s a pretty nice moisturizer.
Rating: 3.5/5
4. Dot And Key 72 Hr Hydrating Gel + Probiotics
Product Type: An oil-free, gel-based, lightweight moisturizer to balance the skin microbiome, strengthen skin barrier function, and provide long-lasting moisturization.
Skin Type: Oily, Normal, Combination Skin
Full Ingredient List: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerine, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Silanetriol, Hyaluronic Acid, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Oryza Sativa Bran Water, Saccharomyces Ferment, Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, IFRA Certified Allergen Free Fragrance, CI 42090.
Key Ingredient Benefits:
- Fermented Rice Water: Plumps and hydrates the skin for a dewy look.
- Kombucha: Natural antiseptic that makes skin smooth.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides long-lasting hydration and makes skin supple.
- Probiotics: Balances skin’s natural microbiome and makes it healthy and glowing.
Texture: Lightweight gel-based moisturizer. This is a tad bit denser than the other two Dot and Key Moisturizers.
Fragrance: Fresh cucumber scent. To me, that’s what it smells like. I love it by the way.
My Experience: This is one of my favorite Dot and Key Moisturizers among the three. It’s formulated for my skin type (combination skin). That might be the reason.
The Probiotics Gel is a Nourishing yet Lightweight Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer. It doesn’t make my skin dry & stretchy. At the same time, it doesn’t make it sticky & greasy either. This moisturizer provides the perfect balance of moisturization that my skin needs. It’s an oil-free moisturizer that can be used all year round.
I cannot attest to its claims of balancing skin microbiome or strengthening barrier function. But it is a fuss-free product that’s very comfortable on the skin. The gel leaves my skin hydrated supple and soft to the touch. The gel feels soothing and calming on the skin, which is on par with most Ceramide Moisturizers.
The 72-hour claim might be an exaggeration, as I definitely needed to moisturize twice a day.
Overall, if you have been wanting to try a Dot And Key Moisturizer, this is the one I’d recommend, especially for combination skin.
Rating: 4.5/5
5. Dot And Key Cica Calming Skin Renewing Night Gel
Product Type: A gel-based, skin-repairing night gel to calm skin, reduce inflammation & fade acne scars.
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin.
Full Ingredient List: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerine, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternafolia Leaf Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Mentha Piperita Oil, Chlorophyll, Niacinamide, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Cetyl – PG Hydroxyethyl palmitate, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 4, Ceramide 6 II, Silanetriol, Hyaluronic Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, CI 19140, CI 42090.
Key Ingredient Benefits:
- Centella Asiatica: Repairs damaged skin barrier.
- Green Tea: antioxidant reduces skin inflammations, redness, and irritations.
- Niacinamide: fades dark spots and brightens overall skin tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid: offers balanced hydration to the skin.
Texture: Sorbet-like gel that dries down quickly.
Fragrance: Has a distinct tea tree oil scent. Fades away quickly like the other two.
My Experience: This is marketed as a Cica and Niacinamide Moisturizer. However, there is no mention of the Niacinamide percentage.
It’s the lightest among the three in terms of moisturization. It dries down with a matte finish. Oily skin types might find it adequate. As a standalone moisturizer, it wasn’t enough for my combination skin. I could make it work with a hydrating toner and/or serum underneath.
The Cica Gel is targeted for acne, dark spots, and pigmentation. It did help in calming my active acne when used as a spot treatment. It also helps in the prevention of future breakouts. But it isn’t as soothing as other affordable ceramide moisturizers in India.
Dark spots and pigmentation reduction take time and this isn’t very powerful in getting rid of them. This would work as a harmless moisturizer in support of other acne products.
I wouldn’t categorize this as a calming product. It’s a nice non-sticky gel overall.
Rating: 4/5
Dot And Key Moisturizer Texture Shots:
6. Dot and Key Retinol Night Cream
Product Type: This is a Non-Comedogenic, Retinol Night Cream to fight signs of aging.
Skin Type: Oily, Combination Skin
Full Ingredient List: Aqua, Glycerine, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide (and) C13-14 Isoparaffin (and) Laureth-7, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Retinyl Palmitate (Retinol Ester), Silanetriol (and) Hyaluronic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract (and) Cetyl – PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide (and) Ceramide 1 (and) Ceramide 2 (and) Ceramide 3 (and) Ceramide 4 (and) Ceramide 6 II, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Tocopherol, IFRA Certified Allergen Free Fragrance, CI 16185, CI 15985, CI 42090
Key Ingredient Benefits:
- Encapsulated Retinol: Releases retinol onto the skin to treat fine lines and wrinkles.
- Pomegranate: Rich in antioxidants helps to fade hyperpigmentation and boost skin radiance.
- Multi-Peptides: Promotes collagen production to improve skin elasticity and give firmer and tighter skin.
- Vitamin E: Is an Antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Texture: Gel cream texture that vanishes into the skin within seconds. Very lightweight and Non-sticky.
Fragrance: A fresh fragrance, that’s subtle and calming.
My Experience: Finally, I got a retinol cream with a good texture and finish. Most retinol creams are drying, but this feels just like a moisturizer. It doesn’t dry out the skin rather it leaves the skin nicely moisturized with a non-sticky, non-greasy finish. I love this the most about this night cream.
I used this for about two weeks. I was able to easily introduce this in my routine and use it comfortably every night without any irritations or side effects. It’s definitely a beginner-friendly retinol – it’s so gentle and lightweight.
I didn’t notice any major effect on fine lines, but I believe that’s too soon to see any results. However, I can say that I always woke up with smoothened and refined skin every morning whenever I used this.
Overall, a good beginner-friendly retinol cream with some really great ingredients. Get this for its amazing texture and skin feel.
My Rating: 4/5
Dot And Key Retinol Night Cream Texture Shot
7. Dot and Key Vitamin C+E Super Bright Sunscreen
Product Type: This is a fragrance-free, Non-comedogenic, hybrid sunscreen that offers protection against UV rays.
Skin Type: All skin types.
Full Ingredient List: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (and) Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (and) Benzophenone-3 (and) Phospholipids, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide (and) Silica, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13 (and) Polyisobutene (and) Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer 6, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Fructooligosaccharides (and) Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Citrus Cinennsis (Blood Orange) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid.
Key Ingredient Benefits
- Blood Orange Extract: Rich in antioxidants and helps to fade dark spots and acne marks
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant that soothes and calms irritations.
- Vitamin C: Reduces dullness and gives a visibly glowing skin
Texture: Thin, runny lotion-like.
Fragrance: It’s free of fragrance.
My Experience: I was surprised by how liquidy this sunscreen was. It’s very runny and flows out of the tube. Despite this, it blends easily and gets absorbed into the skin in no time. It has a watery skin feel to it initially and settles down to a natural satin finish with absolutely no white cast. It’s one of the nicest, cosmetically elegant, comfortable sunscreens.
I see myself reaching out for this for everyday indoor use as it doesn’t seem to be waterproof or sweat-resistant. It may not be the ideal one for harsh summers or beach vacations.
The filter used in it is “old school” SunCat DE. It’s a reliable filter used by many sunscreen companies, but I prefer new-generation filters. But that’s me!
Overall, get this if you want a lightweight indoor sunscreen.
My Rating: 4/5
Dot And Key Super Bright Sunscreen Texture Shot
8. Dot and Key Vitamin C Serum Concentrate
Product Type: This is a glow-boosting vitamin C serum to fight pigmentation and dark spots.
Skin Type: All Skin Types.
Full Ingredient List: Aqua, Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, 1,3 Butylene Glycol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract (and) Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract (and) Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract (and) Acetyl Tyrosine (and) Arbutin (and) Glutathione (and) Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract (and) Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (and) Glycerin (and) Sodium Benzoate (and) Sodium Metabisulfite (and) Phenoxyethanol, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Citric Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laminaria Digitata Extract (and) Cetyl – PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide (and) Ceramide mix, D- Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola Cherry) Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Hydroethylcellulose, Benzyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Tocopherol, IFRA Certified Allergen Free Fragrance.
Key Ingredient Benefits:
- Kakadu Plum: a natural source of Vitamin C to reduce melanin production and reduce acne marks and pigmentation.
- Acerola Cherry: an antioxidant that promotes collagen and imparts glow to the skin
- Hyaluronic Acid: a humectant that locks in moisturizes the skin for plump and youthful skin.
Texture: Clear serum texture.
Fragrance: Fruity fragrance – relatable to the citrus fruit extracts in it.
Experience: This is tried and tested by one of our writers reviewed in detail here. Dot and Key have released three vitamin C serums so far. This is the first one that they released. It’s the gentlest one with natural vitamin C from plant extracts. The other ones have 10% Vitamin C (With Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide )and 20% Vitamin C (with Pure L-Ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid) respectively.
She has used this serum for about a month and has noticed a visible reduction in blemishes and a brightening effect. She loved this serum for its lightweight, good skin feel, fast absorbing, and hydrating formula that left her skin glowing. This is a beginner-friendly vitamin C serum that gives results without any causing irritations.
Rating: 4/5
Dot And Key Vitamin C Serum Concentrate Texture Shot
Brand Info:
Dot and Key is an Indian Skincare brand that was launched by Kolkata-based Suyash Saraf and Anisha Saraf. The brand has a wide range of products ranging from face washes to serums. Dot and Key became famous overnight with its attractive and cool packaging. (Who doesn’t like their cute jam jars).
But guess what? They are supposedly very similar to the packaging of a Korean skincare brand called Frudia. Starting from the design, pastel colors, and even the fonts. Anyways, packaging similarity isn’t some new in the market!!!
One more thing that many may not know. The giant beauty retailer, Nykaa, acquired Dot and Key in 2021. In addition to skincare, Dot and Key have also got nutraceutical products under the brand IKWI. Nutraceuticals are nothing but pharmaceutical nutrients such as Biotin, Vitamin C, and Melatonin that are consumed orally as supplements for hair and skin-related issues.
Are Dot And Key Products Good?
Dot and Key Products are 100% safe and free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, heavy metals, formaldehyde donors, triclosan, and synthetic dyes. They list their entire Ingredient list on their official website.
Personally, I think they nailed their moisturizers – they are basic yet easy on the skin. You don’t have to worry about any reactions. They do what they claim. Their face washes are fine too. And I’ve heard lots of good reviews on their newly launched sunscreens.
What do you think of Dot And Key as a brand? Have you tried their products?
Do let us know your favorites in the comments section below.
Safiya is the editor and founder of TheBeautyInsideOut. With 7 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has been contributing content since its inception in 2016. She’s keen on trying out skincare from various verticals – be it Western skincare, Korean beauty, or Indian Ayurveda and sharing their unbiased opinions on them.
