15 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers To Exfoliate Dead Skin
Exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce excess oil, and enjoy the goodness of salicylic acid.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician 
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 yearsArshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are dealing with acne, and have used seemingly all the products in the market, and still haven’t gotten any desired results, then what you have not tried yet is the best salicylic acid cleanser. Salicylic acid is the holy-grail active ingredient that helps exfoliate dead skin effectively, removes dirt from skin pores, and minimizes excess oil production. This beta-hydroxy acid reduces pimples and skin inflammation. In this article, we have listed the 15 best salicylic acid cleansers. Scroll down and check them out.
In This Article
15 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers
1. Best Lightweight Formula:CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
The foaming SA cleanser from CeraVe contains salicylic acid that gently gets rid of dead skin cells and imparts radiance. It is fortified with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This cleanser gently cleanses the skin of dirt and grime while exfoliating it and leaves it soft and smooth. It is also enriched with vitamins B3 and D that protect the skin from free radicals and premature aging and improve its appearance. This daily-use cleanser balances oil production and reduces irritation and redness.
- Gentle
- Non-irritating
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested
- Drying
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 42,692 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Oil-Free Formula:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
This oil-free gel cleanser from La Roche-Posay, a dermatologist-recommended brand, is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to minimize acne breakouts and reduce oil production while deep cleansing the skin. It is enriched with micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid to gently remove dead skin cells and cleanse the skin of dirt and grime. This medicated cleanser does double duty for troubled skin. It smoothens rough and dry patches while maintaining the moisture balance of the facial skin. With its soothing properties, it removes dead skin cells, reduces inflammation, and purifies the pores, making it one of the best cleansers for combination and acne-prone skin. It is also suitable for sensitive skin types and tackles blackheads, whiteheads, and large pores.
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Drying
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 11,588 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser
This cleanser from Neutrogena is enriched with natural salicylic acid from willow bark, which deeply penetrates into the skin to cleanse it of oil, dirt, and makeup residues. It is formulated with 90% natural ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals and skin irritants. This dermatologist-recommended pore-tightening cleanser helps keep the skin fresh and clear of acne and blemishes by detoxifying and controlling sebum production. It is suitable for acne-prone skin and can be used daily to keep it healthy and clean.
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Strong fragrance
StyleCraze TriviaCeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser Best Lightweight Formula | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Best Oil-Free Formula | Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser Best Hypoallergenic Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal skin | Oily, Sensitive, acne-prone | Acne-prone skin |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 1.46 x 6.75 inches | 2.95 x 1.9 x 7 inches | 2 x 2 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 10.4 Ounces | 8 Ounces | 7.37 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 42,692 | 11,588 | 6,944 |
| Price | $9.82 | $15.99 | $18.99 |
4. Best Paraben-Free Formula:Murad Clarifying Cleanser
The acne-fighting formula of the Murad Clarifying Cleanser is enriched with salicylic acid and green tea. It combines hydrating ingredients with natural extracts for a comprehensive skincare solution. It is formulated with two types of salicylic acid to prevent breakouts – one starts working immediately, and the other has lasting effects even after rinsing off. The green tea extracts have skin calming properties to keep irritation and redness at bay. The glycolic acid in the formula polishes the skin to give it a smooth and soft texture. It controls oil production and reduces the occurrence of new breakouts and, offers pore-refining benefits. It leaves the skin smoother and more refined. Additionally, the gel-based formula of this cleanser effectively cleanses clogged pores, imparts skin-brightening effects, and promotes a healthier complexion. It comes as no surprise that this product is highly recommended by experts, such as Medical Esthetician Hillary Clark, for its effective acne care properties.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dries the skin.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
This gentle and effective cleanser from Paula’s Choice is formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid that provides exfoliating and cleansing benefits without drying out the skin. It is enriched with arginine to soothe irritation and reduce redness. The formula can work well for rosacea as well. The provitamin B5 in the formula conditions the skin and keeps it soft and smooth. This non-irritating cleanser minimizes open pores, blackheads, and acne breakouts while maintaining an even skin tone. It removes excess oil and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and clean. The cleanser is clinically proven to reduce enlarged pores and provide relief from severe acne
- Gentle
- Lightweight
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- May cause irritation.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 4,777 great reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
The Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser from Bioré uses salicylic acid to effectively protect the skin from acne and blemishes by cleansing oil, dirt, and grime. It gently purifies the skin to leave it revitalized and refreshed. This cooling gel cleanser boosts circulation and tightens open pores to even out the skin tone. It helps control blackheads and has a gentle formula for daily use.
- Gentle
- Lathers well
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- May dry the skin.
7. Best Non-Comedogenic:Neutralyze Breakout Clearing Facial Cleanser
The combination of salicylic acid and mandelic acid in the Neutralyze Facial Cleanser combats acne-producing bacteria and prevents future breakouts. It has nitric oxide to promote the healing process, reduce redness, and renew damaged skin cells to reveal a youthful complexion. This anti-aging formula fades away dark spots, reduces fine lines, and smoothens the skin tone. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells and relieves various skin concerns like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and cystic acne.
- Clinically proven
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Not suitable for dry skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,456 rave reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Creamy Texture:Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
The natural salicylic acid in the Cosrx cleanser sloughs away dead skin cells and controls the production of sebum. It gently removes dirt and impurities from open pores to effectively combat acne and blemishes and leaves the skin smooth and supple. This foaming cleanser has a creamy texture that keeps the skin hydrated and refreshed. It deeply penetrates the pores to prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
- Gentle
- A little goes a long way
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- May dry the skin.
9. Best Non-Drying Formula:The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is powered by zinc which has anti-inflammatory properties and keeps the oil production of the skin under control, making it an ideal choice among cleansers for oily skin. This clarifying cleanser with salicylic acid unclogs pores, reduces blackheads, and minimizes breakouts while gently exfoliating the skin. The formula is enriched with allantoin to soothe irritation and keep the skin hydrated. This light foaming cleanser removes dirt and makeup residue to clarify the skin tone and leave the face refreshed and clean. This results-oriented cleanser not only clarifies the skin tone but also serves as an effective acne scar treatment, promoting clear and healthy skin. A four-week trial test of the product showed visible results with blackheads and blemishes.
- Non-drying
- Gentle
- A little goes a long way
- Not suitable for dry and very sensitive skin.
10. Best For Sebum Control:Derma E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash
This Derma E cleanser uses salicylic acid to remove dirt, bacteria, and oil buildup from the pores to unclog them and prevent breakouts. It is enriched with ingredients like tea tree oil and chamomile, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and willow bark extract, which minimizes pores and treats eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. This gentle cleanser balances sebum production to maintain natural moisture levels and keep the skin healthy. It also removes dead skin cells to give the skin a vibrant glow.
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Lanolin-free
- Gluten-free
- Strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,136 reviews claiming its efficacy.
11. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Perfect Image Salicylic Deep Gel Cleanser
The blend of salicylic and glycolic acids makes the Perfect Image Cleanser a unique formulation to cleanse all impurities, oil, and dirt from the inner layers of the skin. This foaming gel face cleanser exfoliates dead cells from the skin’s surface and unclogs pores. It harnesses the benefits of tea tree oil and green tea extract to reduce irritation and inflammation and fight free radicals that cause premature aging. It can also be used in between peels to increase the benefits of the skin peel treatment.
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
"This salicylic acid-based cleanser is gentle and does the job well. It removes dirt and dead skin cells and makes the skin feel clean. It exfoliates gently and keeps the pores clean."
12. Best For Moisturizing:Obagi Medical Clenziderm Daily Care Foaming Cleanser
The lightweight foaming cleanser from Obagi Medical is formulated with a 2% salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and cleanse the skin of impurities. It is infused with cooling menthol leaves to refresh, calm, and soothe the skin. This foaming cleanser helps unclog blocked pores and prevent new breakouts. It controls sebum production and maintains the natural balance of the skin to reveal a healthier skin tone. Hillary Clark, a Medical Esthetician, advises, “ Use sparingly as menthol can be too much for active breakouts.”
- Laboratory tested
- Gentle
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Expensive
13. Best Natural Formula:Honest Beauty Clearing Cleanser
The Honest Beauty cleanser is packed with plant-based ingredients that reduce and prevent acne without drying out the skin. It contains wintergreen-derived salicylic acid that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to deeply cleanse the skin of impurities. The alpha-hydroxy acids in this face wash clarify open pores and leave the skin soft and smooth. This cleanser gets rid of oil and makeup residue to reveal a healthy skin tone.
- Natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- PEG-free
- Does not lather well.
14. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
The natural salicylic acid in the Caudalie Gel Cleanser helps reduce blemishes, tighten pores, and control oil production. The lightweight formula contains grape seed polyphenols, grape water, and essential oils. The grapeseed polyphenols have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage and prevent premature aging. The rose water in the formula has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while the grape water reduces redness. The essential oils promote skin health and help maintain a natural glow. This gentle face cleanser moisturizes and soothes the skin to promote an even skin tone. It diminishes the appearance of blackheads by unclogging blocked pores.
- Clinically tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Soap-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oils-free
- Strong fragrance
15. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Cosrx Calming Foam Cleanser
This cleanser from Cosrx has CentellAC-RX complex, which is made of madecassic acid, asiaticoside, asiatic acid that fortify the skin’s natural barrier, soothe irritated skin, and impart a translucent pearly glow. The salicylic acid in the formula controls oil production, exfoliates dead skin cells, and clarifies the pores. This gentle daily cleanser combats acne breakouts and heals damaged skin. It helps maintain the natural pH balance of the skin and leaves it soft and smooth.
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- pH-balancing
- Dermatologist-tested
- Drying
- Overwhelming scent
Before going ahead with a salicylic acid cleanser, there are certain factors to keep in mind.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- Concentration: Generally, salicylic acid cleansers contain 2% concentration, which is the standard recommended amount. Higher percentages may cause irritation, while lower concentrations may work better for sensitive skin types. Hence, choose the concentration based on your skin type.
- Additional Exfoliators: The efficacy of salicylic acid increases when used in combination with other exfoliators like glycolic acid or lactic acid.
- Other Ingredients: Oil and hydrators can potentially increase the strength of the salicylic acid by trapping it under the skin cells, which may lead to adverse reactions.
- Texture: Salicylic acid cleansers come in a variety of textures, from gel, foam to creamy. Usually, a gel texture suits most skin types.
The Bottom Line
Salicylic acid cleansers can be your holy grail if you have acne-prone skin. This active ingredient helps exfoliate dead skin cells, remove dirt from skin pores, and minimize excess oil production. The CeraVe Renewing SA is a great choice as it fights free radicals to prevent premature aging, while the La Roche-Posay Effaclar tackles breakouts, and minimizes pores while maintaining moisture balance of the skin. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic cleanser then try the Cosrx Calming Foam. The salicylic acid cleansers mentioned in this article have a non-irritating, gentle, and lightweight formula that balances oil production and soothes redness. You should consider the concentration, texture, and other ingredients of the cleanser while buying it to choose the one that suits your skin type!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She has tried many anti-acne products and found salicylic acid cleanser is the best one for acne. She has carefully researched the product and checked several reviews online to compile the list of the best products for her readers. These products not only remove dead skin cells but also maintains the moisture balance of the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a salicylic acid cleanser every day?
It is recommended to start using a salicylic acid cleanser a few times a week and then build it up to every day once your skin gets accustomed to it. Cleansers with lower concentrations of salicylic acid can be used twice a day.
Can I use 2% salicylic acid every day?
Salicylic acid treatments with 0.5% concentration are safe to use every day and 2% concentration is safe once you know your skin can tolerate it by letting it adjust to it slowly over a couple of weeks.
Should I use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning or night?
A salicylic acid cleanser can be used in the morning and at night but always remember to follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
How long can I leave salicylic acid on my face?
To get the maximum benefits from your cleansing routine, leave the salicylic acid wash on your face for 30 seconds to a minute.
Is salicylic acid cleanser good for acne?
Yes, it clears the pores and gently exfoliates the skin to reduce acne. It also kills acne-causing bacteria to prevent further breakouts.
How quickly does salicylic acid work?
It takes 4-6 weeks for salicylic acid to start showing satisfactory results.
Does salicylic acid clear blackheads?
Yes, it breaks down dirt and grime and clears pores and blackheads.
Does salicylic acid make skin darker?
Yes, darker skin tones run the risk of forming dark spots with continued or excessive use of salicylic acid. It may also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
