
Oh, hi, hello! I’m assuming you’ve stumbled upon this page because (a) you’d do anything to cure your acne, and (b) there’s an equally good chance you’ve f*cked up your skin barrier (see: red, inflamed skin) while trying to do so in the past.
Well, allow me to introduce you to salicylic acid – the powerhouse chemical exfoliant that clears your blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil gently and effectively. The best and easiest way to start incorporating it into your skincare routine? A salicylic acid cleanser.
Our top picks for best salicylic acid cleansers in 2025
1
Best overall salicylic cleanser
Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Read review
2
Best salicylic acid cleanser for sensitive skin
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
Read review
3
Best soothing salicylic acid cleanser
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Read review
4
Best salicylic acid cleanser for oily skin
Murad Clarifying Cleanser
Read review
5
Best dermatologist-approved salicylic acid cleanser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Wash
Read review
6
Best clean salicylic acid cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Read review
7
Best salicylic acid makeup removing cleanser
Beekman Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Read review
8
Best salicylic acid cleanser for redness
Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Read review
9
Best salicylic acid body cleanser
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying Body Wash
Read review
10
Best high-street salicylic acid cleanser
Neutrogena Clear and Defend Facial Wash
Read review
Listen, as easy as it is to go into your local pharmacy and pick up a new cleanser, take a beat. Though it’s a gentler form of acne treatment, it can still cause dryness and irritation to those with sensitive-prone skin. It also comes in many different concentrations and formulas, so finding the right product for you and your skin type is important.
To get you started on your acne-clearing journey, I spent the last year testing the top formulas on the market to see how they reacted on my own skin, and consulted the pros on all the need-to-knows. (Hi, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Annie Chiu, Dr. Lucy Chen, Dr. Cheryl Burgess, and Dr. Loren Krueger!)
Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best salicylic acid cleansers – according to my own testing and product reviewers – along with tips from dermatologists on choosing the best salicylic acid cleansers, how to incorporate one into your skincare routine, and what to look for before you buy.
If you’re new to chemical exfoliants or are sensitivity-prone and don’t want to irritate your skin, this cleanser with a lower salicylic acid concentration is a good starting point. Board-certified dermatologist Lucy Chen recommends this three-in-one cleanser, saying it improves uneven skin tone, dullness, and helps prevent acne breakouts. “It is formulated with a soothing gel that calms and refreshes your skin, and it effectively cleanses without irritation,” she says.
Concentration of SA: 0.5 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “This product seriously changed my life. I was probably at the lowest point in my skin journey – my skin had never been that bad – but now my pimples are minimal and I feel way more confident about my skin. I’ve seriously tried every product on the market and none of them have worked this good!”
Another cult-favourite salicylic acid face wash is the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser. It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for something affordable plus it’s one of the gentlest formulas of the bunch, so a great starting point. The salicylic acid removes oil and dead skin cells, while the ceramides promote a healthy skin barrier, in turn preventing future breakouts from forming. It also has zero physical exfoliants, so a great choice if you have sensitive skin.
Concentration of SA: >1 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “I have genuinely lost count of how many bottles I’ve bought. I have been using this for about 3 years, mainly on my body, but even with sensitive skin I can use this and it clears my skin without any scarring!”
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If you haven’t heard of INKEY, you’re seriously missing out. Not only are the products gaining an increasing amount of popularity, but they’re also incredibly inexpensive.
The best thing about this salicylic acid cleanser is that it can be used on virtually any type of skin – oily, normal, and combination. It’s a light and foamy face wash that unclogs pores and reduces acne while also soothing your skin with allantoin.
Concentration of SA: 2 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “One of the best cleansers I’ve ever used. I have dark, caramel colour skin, so it’s important that the cleansers I use maintain moisture, while also deeply cleansing, and giving my skin a glow. I use this to control my breakouts. It’s very lightweight and smells great.”
This cleanser is ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin due to using time-released salicylic acids. Dr. Chiu says that a time-released salicylic acid is a free form of the ingredient that works to clear pores on contact and an encapsulated form that continues to treat the skin even after you rinse.
Concentration of SA: 1.5 percent
Glowing Customer Review: "I've been getting more and more breakouts recently, more than just the occasional breakout on the chin or forehead but everywhere. It was like I was in my teens again. Bought this and after a few days of using it at night, and it has really cleared everything up without drying out my skin. It lathers really well so you only need like a pea-sized amount."
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5
Best dermatologist-approved salicylic acid cleanser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Wash
Almost every single dermatologist recommends La Roche-Posay. The Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Wash contains a powerful blend of salicylic acid (2%) as well as beta-lipohydroxy acid and zinc to remove gunk and dead skin, while preventing acne, blackheads, and whiteheads from forming in the first place. It also features La Roche-Posay's Thermal Spring Water, so those with sensitive skin can use it knowing it won’t cause irritation.
Concentration of SA: 2 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “It effectively cleanses my skin without drying it out, and I love the refreshing feel. The gentle exfoliating formula helps keep my complexion clear and smooth.Highly recommend for anyone with oily or blemish-prone skin.”
If you’re committed to clean beauty, try this purifying gel cleanser that’s also an incredibly gentle option for those with sensitive skin. According to dermatologist Annie Chiu, the salicylic acid in the cleanser reduces your oil and sebum, while grape polyphenols and essential oils help reduce inflammation. “Grapeseed oil promotes a healthy skin barrier that leaves your skin clean but not over-stripped or tight,” she says.
Concentration of SA: 0.2 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “I have been using this cleanser for years and it is perfect for removing excess oil and sebum off the skin without being stripping or drying. My skin feels nice and clean after use, very refreshing.”
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7
Best salicylic acid makeup removing cleanser
Beekman Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Now 38% Off
Looking for a cleanser that removes your makeup and prevents stubborn breakouts from reoccurring, treats current ones, and soothes your skin? Kill two three birds with one stone with this milky cleanser from Beekman 1802.
Using a combo of chemical exfoliants (hi, lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids), as well as peptides and growth factors derived from its signature goat milk, this formulation effectively breaks down acne-causing bacteria while removing makeup and keeping your skin barrier’s moisture intact.
Concentration of SA: the exact percentage of salicylic acid is not available, however, this is a gentler formula that uses soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients to prevent dryness and irritation.
Glowing Customer Review: “First off, know that your skin is not going to feel ‘squeaky clean’ after using it. This was hard to adjust to as I’ve spent a lifetime tearing at my skin trying to get it clean enough to stop the oil! BUT almost immediately I noticed my skin calmed down, was less irritated, and less flaky, and then all the acne just cleared up! I still have oily skin, guess nothing is going to change that but overall my skin is so much healthier!”
If you struggle with acne and redness, this clarifying cleanser by Tata Harper is a great clean choice. The face wash uses salicylic and lactic acid from willow bark while “balancing with ingredients, like honey and chlorella, to soothe redness for those with acne,” says Dr. Chiu.
Concentration of SA: < 2 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “After stopping birth control in my 30s, my skin went from being a little dry but no pimples in 10 years to I-must-be-back-in-high-school-oily. I was breaking out every day and none of my previous makeup or skin care worked for my skin when my hormones changed. I probably tried eight different types over 10 weeks and this was the ONLY cleanser that didn’t make me break out.”
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As many of us know (myself included), acne is not exclusive to your face. If you struggle with chest acne, back acne, butt acne, or acne anywhere else on your body, opt for a salicylic acid body cleanser. My favourite? This body wash that’s jam-packed with chemical exfoliants (see: salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid), hydrating glycerin, and skin-brightening antioxidants. But we wouldn’t be doing Sol De Janeiro justice if we didn’t address how freakin’ yummy the warm floral fragrance is.
Concentration of SA: 1 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “It smells incredible and makes my skin look, and feel, radiant. As someone with body acne, I love how it has salicylic acid, so it helps my skin look clearer.”
Search “salicylic acid cleanser” on Google, and more than likely, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash will be one of the first products to appear, considering it’s “the quintessential classic salicylic acid cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin,” Dr. Chiu says.
The affordable price point makes it a great option for those looking for a tried-and-true product without spending a ton of ££. According to Dr. Chiu, the cleanser dries out pimples while soothing the skin with aloe and chamomile.
Concentration of SA: 2 percent
Glowing Customer Review: “Nothing works like this specific Neutrogena facial cleanser for my acne-prone skin! I keep coming back to this over the years. It’s a strong formula, so definitely needs to be followed with a moisturiser. But it works great on my acne and a significant improvement is visible within a couple of uses.”
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What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that comes from bark willow, a natural substance, making it a natural ingredient, explains dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess. It’s most commonly known for “helping clear pores of dirt, reducing acne-causing sebum production at the follicular level, and dissolving dead skin cells,” says dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, penetrates deep into the pores, and acts as a chemical exfoliant, it can greatly help reduce mild acne while working to prevent future breakouts, Chiu explains to Cosmo.
In dermatology or skincare, the ingredient salicylic acid is most commonly used in a topical form. It is approved anywhere up to 2 percent by the FDA for over-the-counter sales and the mass market, making it readily available for purchase in many different forms. If you need a higher dosage for specific concerns, it can be prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist under their supervision and care.
What else can salicylic acid treat other than acne?
Salicylic acid can also be used to treat other skin issues and concerns due to its exfoliating properties. They include, but are not limited, to:
- Wart and callus removal
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Scars
- Dandruff
- Skin disorders (such as psoriasis and ichthyosis)
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How to choose the best salicylic acid cleansers:
Consider your skin type
According to Dr. Chiu, the cleanser you choose should depend on your skin type, age, and primary skin concern. A salicylic acid cleanser comes in two forms: 1) a soapy and lathery consistency, which is best for oily skin, and 2) a soapless preparation, which is best for dryer skin, explains Dr. Burgess. Then, depending on your skin type, she adds, you can choose between 0.5, 1, or a 2 percent salicylic acid concentration. It is important to note that the higher the concentration of salicylic acid in the cleanser, the more drying it can be.
Know how to get the full benefits
Although a lot of us may be used to throwing on, lathering up, and immediately rinsing a cleanser off, Dr. Burgess has a recommendation to get the full effect of the salicylic acid cleanser: You want to suds it up, put it on your skin, and let it sit on there for maybe a minute or two. By doing this extra step, the top layer of the skin is softened, and the active ingredient can penetrate just a little bit more. You’ll subsequently see more response versus just washing your face and then abruptly rinsing, she says.
Incorporate it into your skincare routine slowly
When using a salicylic acid cleanser, it is important to let your skin be the guide, explains dermatologist Dr. Loren Krueger. “I would recommend starting the use of a salicylic acid cleanser either every other morning or each morning,” Dr. Krueger says, adding that using the cleanser too frequently at the beginning of your treatment can potentially lead to irritation. “If you are tolerating well at once daily yet have room for improvement in your skin, you can bounce it up to twice daily,” she says.
“Everyone’s skin can react differently,” says dermatologist Dr. Lucy Chen. “Common side effects include burning, peeling, dry, flaky skin, and inflammation, especially at the start of treatment,” she says, adding that if any of these effects worsen or continue, make sure to consult your doctor because sometimes, all you may need to change is the amount of the drug or how frequently you’re using it. If you are experiencing dryness, apply a gentle, fragrance-free face moisturiser after cleansing.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Annie Chiu is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Manhattan Beach, CA.
- Dr. Lucy Chen is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, FL.
- Dr. Cheryl Burgess, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Seattle, WA.
- Dr. Loren Krueger is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
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Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best blackhead removal tools and the best clear sunscreens. She feels especially knowledgeable about salicylic acid cleansers, thanks to being a beauty editor and therefore trying a million different formulas. She regularly tests and analyzes salicylic acid cleansers on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
From: Cosmopolitan US
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.