7 Best Selling Salicylic Acid Lotions Of 2023

Minimize acne with non-comedogenic, light, and gentle salicylic acid body lotion.

Medically reviewed by Patricia Gaile EspinosaPatricia Gaile Espinosa, MD
By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

Acne, blackheads, and pimples are things that plague our skin daily. Pollution, climate, and dust further add to our misery. To help combat this problem, you need the best salicylic acid body lotion, which is the only way to deal with this menace. Salicylic acid has been used in several products for decades for skin-related issues. It helps clear your pores out by removing grime and dead skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for treating acne, pimples, and blemishes on your body. Check out our carefully curated list of the top salicylic acid body lotions for smooth and supple skin. Scroll down to know more!

Top Picks
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Best Dye-Free:CeraVE SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin
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Best Ultra-Light Formula:Perfect Image Gly + Sal Exfoliating Body Lotion
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Best Clinically Proven:Epionce Lytic Tx Retexturizing Lotion
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Best Herbal Formula:Botanic Tree KP Exfoliating Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin
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Best Hypoallergenic:Eau Thermale Avene Akérat Smoothing, Exfoliating Cream
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Best For Gentle Exfoliation:ReTone Exfoliating Lotion
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Best Non-Greasy:Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer
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7 Best-Selling Salicylic Acid Lotions

Best Dye-Free:CeraVE SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin

CeraVe SA lotion is infused with ingredients that make the skin healthy and bump-free. Vitamin D protects the skin from environmental aggressors while salicylic acid exfoliates the skin. It is crafted with MVE technology that continuously releases moisturizing ingredients into the skin and provides 24-hour hydration. Essential ceramides (1, 3, 6 II) strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, while niacinamide repairs and improves skin quality. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture and keep the skin soft and supple. This formula is ideal for extremely rough, dry, bumpy, and psoriasis-prone skin. The CeraVE SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin shows great results. For more information, check out this video.


Pros
  • Rich texture
  • Fragrance-free
  • Gentle formula
  • Dye-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

Price at the time of publication: $33.67

Best Ultra-Light Formula:Perfect Image Gly + Sal Exfoliating Body Lotion

4.3

Perfect Image Gly + Sal Exfoliating Body Lotion is a nourishing lotion infused with the goodness of natural fruit extracts. It is blended with green tea, papaya, licorice, bearberry, and an amino acid complex that provide essential nutrients to the skin. The cucumber extract in the lotion is a rich source of natural antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. It works as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe irritation and inflammation. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid stimulate collagen production to fade wrinkles and fine lines. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble agent. It allows loosening of the attachments between skin cells, which makes it a good exfoliant.”

The formula exfoliates dead skin cells, improves tissue health, and offers hydration to dry and damaged skin. This ultra-light product replenishes moisture and makes the skin smooth and refined.


Pros
  • Anti-aging formula
  • Mild exfoliant
  • Improves hydration
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Ultra-light formula

Cons

  • Watery texture

Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 551 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $24.95

Best Clinically Proven:Epionce Lytic Tx Retexturizing Lotion

4.6
Epionce Lytic Tx Retexturizing Lotion Image: Epionce

Whether you’re looking to treat acne or ingrown hair or just want smooth skin, you can do it all with the Epionce Lytic Tx Retexturizing Lotion. This lotion applies smoothly on your skin and improves the skin texture while concealing and correcting all skin imperfections. It is rich in hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, olive oil, and shea butter which hydrates the skin deeply and makes it smoother and softer. The lotion is gentle on the skin, and it is free from all harmful additives.


Pros
  • Ideal for acne and pimples
  • Hydrates skin
  • Suits sensitive skin
  • Minimizes pores
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Can be drying

protip_icon Quick Tip
Begin applying the medicated lotion once daily and gradually increase the application twice or thrice daily to prevent any allergic reaction or skin dryness.

Price at the time of publication: $44.8


This body lotion from Botanic Tree has a gentle formula specially created for people with Keratosis Pilaris. It is an effective acne treatment that leaves the skin clear and bump-free. The formula contains both salicylic acid and lactic acid, which exfoliate the dead cells, sebum, and impurities from the skin surface and promote cell regeneration. The active ingredients unclog the pores and make the skin smoother. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) restores moisture levels and hydrates the skin, keeping away dullness and wrinkles. The herbal ingredients like shea butter and glycerin hydrate the skin and keep it soft.

Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition where there are keratin plugs in the hair follicles. This appears as scattered rough scaly bumps on the skin. Salicylic acid and lactic acid will help loosen and remove the keratin plugs. This allows the dry skin to soften.”

Pros

  • Improves skin texture
  • Herbal formula
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Non-greasy
  • Anti-aging formula
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Quick-absorbing formula
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • Runny consistency
Price at the time of publication: $19.9


Eau Thermale Avene Akerat is a nourishing cream especially developed for rough and dry skin. Apart from salicylic acid, this formula contains lactic acid that softens dry, flaky skin. The urea in this formula exfoliates dead cells and keeps the skin moisturized. It provides hydration and nourishment to the skin and leaves it feeling baby soft.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Softens hard skin
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Sticky texture


Best For Gentle Exfoliation:ReTone Exfoliating Lotion

ReTone Exfoliating Lotion is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lactic acid, which are gentle yet effective exfoliants. The urea in this formula moisturizes the skin, while hemp oil reduces inflammation. Chamomile and licorice neutralize irritants and minimize redness. The gentle formula evens out bumpy, rough, and dry skin, giving it a soft, clear, and healthy texture.

Pros

  • Natural exfoliant
  • Moisturizing formula
  • Protects the skin’s natural barrier
  • Reduces body acne
  • Mild minty fragrance

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Ensure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen after starting to use the salicylic acid lotion because it tends to make your skin sensitive.

Price at the time of publication: $34.95

This Neutrogena facial moisturizer is infused with pink grapefruit extracts that nourish the skin from within. These ingredients are easily absorbed by the skin and provide hydration. Salicylic acid deep-cleanses the pores and effectively removes dirt and grime. It is a water-based formula that does not make your skin feel sticky or greasy. In this YouTube video, you will learn more about the nuances of the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Facial Moisturizer.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Oil-free formula
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Overpowering fragrance
Price at the time of publication: $9.12

Salicylic Acid lotions are excellent for treating bacne and blemishes on the skin. However, with plenty of lotions available, it can get tricky to choose the right one. Check out this guide that entails what you need to consider while buying one.

What To Consider When Buying Salicylic Acid Lotions

  • Concentration

There needs to be an optimum amount of salicylic acid in the product to be safe and effective. Look for a lotion between 1 to 7 percent of salicylic acid present. Anything less may not work well, and anything above that could harm your skin.

  • Ingredients

Make sure to thoroughly check the ingredients while choosing a lotion. Ingredients like niacinamide & AHAs are among the few that increase the efficacy of salicylic acid. Altogether, they minimize pores, reduce acne, and control sebum production. A combination of lactic acid and salicylic acid exfoliates the dead cells, sebum, and impurities from the skin surface and promotes cell regeneration. Also, never use retinol as it doesn’t work well with salicylic acid. The combination will trigger irritation and increase skin sensitivity.

  • Chemical-Free

Opt for a chemical-free lotion that doesn’t have ingredients like paraben, alcohol, phthalate, dye, fragrance, GMO, and artificial color. These chemicals will cause skin irritation and will dry out the skin while making it dull and lifeless.

  • Gentle Formulation

Choose a lotion with natural ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, almond oil, and other essential oils to hydrate the skin deeply while making it smoother and softer. Chamomile and licorice neutralize irritants and minimize redness.

  • Hypoallergenic

Make sure that the lotion is non-allergic to avoid side effects. The best way to know this is to see if it is dermatologically tested.

Why let the environmental aggressors ruin your skin when you can protect it with a salicylic acid lotion. Salicylic acid targets various skin concerns like acne, dark spots, and pimples and aids in reducing them. It also cleanses clogged pores and ensures clean and healthy skin. The bestselling salicylic acid cleansers have non-comedogenic formulas that offer mild exfoliation. They also have anti-aging benefits and soothe inflamed skin. However, steer clear of products that have a watery texture or overwhelming fragrance.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. After thorough research and reviewing customer feedback on trusted sources and brand websites, she has curated the best salicylic acid lotions. These lotions are a must-have to maintain skin health and are the best way to combat skin issues like acne, pimples, and blackheads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salicylic acid lotion every day?

When you start using salicylic acid lotion, it is recommended to use it every alternate day to see how your skin responds to it. If your skin responds well after two weeks, you can use it daily.

How long does salicylic acid lotion take to work?

Salicylic acid takes 4-6 weeks to show results related to skin cleansing and acne treatment.

What are the side effects of salicylic acid?

The most common side-effect of using salicylic acid is skin dryness. In sensitive skin, it can also cause redness, irritation, and skin peeling. It is also known to trigger allergies. This is why it is best to use this acid starting from a very low concentration and then gradually moving towards a higher concentration. However, in rare cases, salicylic acid allergies are also reported. So, keep an eye out and if you see any uncomely symptoms, consult a physician immediately.

How long does salicylic acid take to absorb?

Salicylic acid takes about 30 seconds to a minute to get absorbed into the skin.

Does salicylic acid make skin worse before better?

Salicylic acid may cause skin dryness, but is beneficial for eliminating acne, blackheads, etc.


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