Salicylic acid is a multifunctional skin savior—try these face washes for a smoother, healthier complexion.
A salicylic acid cleanser is one of those multitasking skincare products that people swear by. Whether you’re looking for one of the best acne treatments, a solution for clogged pores, or a tried and true face exfoliator to buff away dry, flaky skin, a face wash with salicylic acid can help you achieve the glowing, healthy skin you covet.
“Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in the category of active ingredients called salicylates, derived from willow bark,” says Ava Shamban, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, CA. As opposed to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that simply exfoliate the skin’s surface layer, BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate through oil and work hard to unclog pores. “It gets to work like a little jackhammer,” Dr. Shamban adds, breaking down dead skin cells and dissolving impurities that build up and cause breakouts. Its exfoliating properties can also help manage psoriasis, even skin tone, and combat signs of aging by reducing hyper-pigmentation and photodamage.
If you’ve ever had acne, chances are you’ve used something that contains salicylic acid before. It’s found in spot treatments, serums, and even moisturizers, so why use it in a cleanser? “It’s short contact,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., a CT-based board-certified dermatologist and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board. When you rinse off the active ingredient rather than leaving it on long-term, it can help mitigate irritation and dryness. Also, unlike topical treatments, when you rinse the cleanser, you’re “literally removing” the top layer of dead skin cells, which is a plus, adds Dr. Shamban.
But if you have very dry, easily inflamed skin, salicylic acid—even in cleanser form—may not be for you. Dr. Gohara warns that those with eczema and rosacea should tread lightly with the ingredient, and Orit Markowitz, M.D., F.A.A.D., CEO and Founder of OptiSkin, says that those with cystic, under-the-skin breakouts may not see clearer skin after using it. However, those with oily, breakout-prone skin should definitely give it a try with the below derm-approved options.
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BEST OVERALL SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Sometimes it’s best to stick with the basics, and this cleanser from CeraVe, recommended by Dr. Shamban, is tried and true. It contains a low percentage of salicylic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide and is fragrance-free. The formula is creamy enough to feel non-drying, too.
2
BEST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
This one is a step-down in strength from La Roche-Posay’s gel cleanser, and is less likely to cause irritation. Still, its blend of salicylic acid and AHAs make unclogging pores a breeze. Zinc pidolate works to gently cleanse your pores while restoring the pH balance of your skin.
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BEST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER WITH RAVE REVIEWS
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Another derm-trusted brand, this cleanser is as straight-forward and effective as it gets, which is why Dr. Shamban recommends it. With 2% salicylic acid, it will fight breakouts without causing too much irritation.
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BEST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER FOR BEGINNERS
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
The first step in the Paula’s Choice CLEAR line, this wash has a nice gel texture and just 0.5% salicylic acid, making it an ideal beginner’s choice. It also has a 4.5 star review on Amazon, which is hard to beat.
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BEST OIL-FREE SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
A classic. This face wash’s orange bottle may be the most recognizable on the market, and that’s because it works. The cleanser contains MicroClear technology that helps boost salicylic acid to reduce breakouts. It’s a favorite of Dr. Gohara’s while Dr. Markowitz has always recommended it to acne-prone, oily patients.
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BEST BRIGHTENING SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
Eminence Organic Skin Care Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam
This natural cleanser “fights inflammation and pigment issues” with a natural herb blend and green tea while “gently cleaning pores” with salicylic acid, Dr. Shamban says.
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BEST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER FOR ACNE
Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
“This is a great, affordable cleanser that features a power duo—salicylic acid and natural charcoal—that helps clean pores and absorb excess oil,” says Dr. Markowitz. “The formula is also oil-free making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.”
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BEST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER FOR DRY SKIN
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
This cleanser combines salicylic and glycolic acid to exfoliate from the inside out. Dr. Gohara especially loves its gel texture. Plus, its AHA-BHA cocktail can also combat signs of aging.
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BEST VALUE SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
A drugstore favorite, this foaming cleanser gently exfoliates with 0.5% salicylic acid and contains soy extracts to soothe and moisturize. It’s also oil-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it’s designed with acne-prone skin in mind.
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BEST NOURISHING SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
If you don’t want to choose between efficacy and hydration, this cleanser is perfect. It contains a hefty 2% salicylic acid, accompanied by allantoin and vitamin B5 to calm and nourish the skin.
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BEST GENTLE SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
With more than 2,400 Sephora reviews, Murad’s acne cleanser stands tall with a four-star rating. It contains two types of salicylic acid to fight stubborn breakouts—a free form that immediately treats, and an encapsulated one that treats even after its rinsed away—plus green tea extract to soothe redness and protect against environmental damage.
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BEST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSING WIPES
Obagi Medical Acne Cleansing Wipes
OK, this one isn’t technically a traditional cleanser, but Dr. Gohara couldn’t help but recommend them. “Generally, I don’t like cleansing wipes,” she says. But she likes these antioxidant-rich salicylic acid wipes as part of a double cleanse, paired with a non-exfoliating gentle cleanser like the Dove Beauty Bar.
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BEST FOAMING SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER
Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Acne Face Wash
If you’re not into wipes, the Obagi brand also has a traditional salicylic acid cleanser that Dr. Gohara recommends. This cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help reduce oil production while addressing acne and clogged pores.
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BEST SALICYLIC ACID BODY WASH
Dove Men+Care Advanced Care Acne Clear Face & Body Cleanser
If you’re looking for an effective acne body wash or liquid body exfoliant, Dr. Gohara recommends this salicylic acid- infused face and body cleanser from Dove that she says she “really loves” and uses almost “every morning.”
How to choose and use the best salicylic acid cleanser
✔️Experiment with textures: Generally, a gel cleanser absorbs oil and “foams are great when you need something to really penetrate into the skin,” says Dr. Markowitz. However, just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a hydrating, creamy wash—especially if you are easily irritated. It’s really not a one-size-fits-all journey, but a gel texture is the most middle-of-the-road option to start with.
✔️Pay attention to potency: Most OTC salicylic acid cleansers contain 2% of the active ingredient, which is a standard amount. But it’s still something to watch out for, because the stronger the percentage, the more potential for irritation there is.
✔️Watch for oils and hydrators: If a salicylic acid cleanser contains a hydrator like shea butter or ceramides, their occlusive properties can actually increase the acid’s strength by trapping it into the skin, says Dr. Markowitz. Dr. Shamban says calming ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, allantoin, and niacinamide can soothe potential irritation. And, of course, stay away from oil-based ingredients that might worsen breakouts.
✔️Extra exfoliators are a plus: Salicylic acid’s efficacy can be increased when combined with AHAs like lactic or glycolic acid, says Dr. Shamban.
After choosing a cleanser, start with daily use at night. If your skin tolerates that, you can increase use to twice daily—especially if you deal with maskne. After cleansing, repair your skin’s barrier with moisturizer and be weary of topicals like spot treatments, especially if they’re prescription strength. “You have to be a little careful starting to combine these products,” Dr. Markowitz says, because you could get a reaction. When in doubt, consult your derm first.
How we chose the best salicylic acid cleansers
We spoke with Ava Shamban, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, CA, Mona Gohara, M.D., a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board, and Orit Markowitz, M.D., F.A.A.D., CEO and Founder of OptiSkin. We also sifted through countless online reviews to find the best salicylic acid cleansers available.
