Say Bye-Bye to Breakouts (But FR) With These Salicylic Acid Cleansers (2024)

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!"

Almost every single dermatologist recommends the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. Dr. Chen explains that this gel cleanser uses salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to remove gunk and dead skin, and it's a great choice for a multitude of skin types, including sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It works to target acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, all while being oil-free. "It has a lightweight formula that does not contain harsh scrub particles that may irritate the skin," says Dr. Chen.

• Concentration of SA: 2 percent

Glowing Customer Review: "I’ve been using this for about three months now, my face is the clearest it’s ever been! It feels good when using it, and after I can see a difference. Will definitely continue to use it."

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 to use."

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!"

This best-selling pore cleansing oil is perfect for those with combination or dry skin who don't want to irritate or strip their skin out while treating their acne. With salicylic acid, this cleanser acts as a light exfoliant and prevents acne from reoccurring, while the jojoba and olive oils work together to keep your skin moisturized.

• Concentration of SA: this cleanser is mixed with salicylic acid and betaine (a gentle moisturizer). Although the exact percentage is not available, if you have sensitive or super dry skin, you should opt for the Hanskin Cleansing Oil

Glowing Customer Review: "I'm totally shocked!" one tester writes. "I’ve battled with acne for many years and have always stayed away from oil cleansers. Oil and acne just don’t mix, I thought. I’ve tried other ones in the past and never felt like it made my skin any better. This product is totally different, it is an oil but doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily. My skin feels comfortable with it."

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."

Another cult-favorite salicylic acid face wash is the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. Dermatologist Loren Krueger recommends this as an option for those looking for something affordable. Another fan, Dr. Chiu explains that this cleanser is among one of the gentlest formulas in the bunch. "This gentle salicylic acid cleanser removes oil and dead skin cells while promoting a healthy skin barrier with ceramides," she says. If you have sensitive skin, consider CeraVe. The product has no physical exfoliants and "utilizes ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to smooth and soften skin."

• Concentration of SA: >1 percent

Glowing Customer Review: "I have been consistently using it for the past few weeks, and I can confidently say that it has become a must in my skincare routine. The salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant for fighting acne, clogged pores, and blackheads. I didn't experience any irritation or redness, which is a huge plus for my sensitive skin. The texture is smooth, and as I massaged it into my face, I could feel its gentle exfoliating action, leaving my skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated after every use."

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 those 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'm Black and have a dark caramel color 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."

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 favorite? 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."

Are you busy, always on the go, or need a simple acne regime? Allow me to introduce you to my new favorite salicylic acid pads from dermatologist-founded brand, ZO Skin Health. These pads degrease and exfoliate your skin quickly and easily, removing dead skin cells and dirt. After cleansing your skin, rub these pads over your face once daily. However, because it's a higher concentration of salicylic acid, if you notice dryness or skin sensitivity, decrease it to a few times per week and work your way up from there.

• Concentration of SA: 2 percent

Glowing Customer Review: "I have used the 2% salicylic cleanser and toner pads every single night for 3-4 weeks now and my comedonal/cystic acne is almost completely gone. I’ve tried everything under the sun to try and heal my acne but these products have been the only thing to help. I no longer am insecure going out of the house without makeup and am no longer in pain due to deep cystic pimples. Love love love this company!

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 moisturizer. But it works great on my acne and a significant improvement is visible within a couple of uses."

This cleanser "combines lipo hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, pore-refining, and acne-reducing activity," says Dr. Chiu. It's also soap-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free, and she recommends this cleanser for combination skin due to the fact that it treats acne without the drying effects. The end result is a bright and even skin tone.

• Concentration of SA: the exact percentage of SA is not available, however, there is a 12 percent concentration of lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbitol.

Glowing Customer Review: "I have oily, blemish-prone skin, and when I finally found the SkinCeuticals line, my skin did a 180—fewer breakouts, more even skin tone—it improved everything," reads one review.

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."

If you travel often, this could be a great addition to your regime. Dr. Chiu is a huge fan of this PCA bar for those with combination skin because it "reduces acne breakouts with salicylic acid, and addresses post-inflammatory pigmentation with azelaic acid," but the ingredients like glycerin and coconut oil soothe less oily areas of the skin, she explains.

• Concentration of SA: 2 percent

Glowing Customer Review: "I've had a problem with acne since I was a teenager. I can't say enough about how much this has helped my complexion! You wash your face and leave the lather on your skin for two minutes with the enclosed sponge. The sponge is a little abrasive, and the lather is very creamy and rich."

This soapy body bar is perfect for all skin types who want to use a BHA to treat acne. The cleanser is packed with moisturizing shea butter, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils. With the addition of salicylic acid, it acts as a light exfoliant and prevents acne from reoccurring. Lather this bb up and rub it into your skin, and you'll be left with a moisturized, smooth texture.

• Concentration of SA: the exact percentage is not available, but the formulation is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Glowing Customer Review: "I was surprised how fast it worked to fade my dark spots. I have been trying for years to clear my skin and I finally found something to wash my face that my skin loves."

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that comes from bark willow, a natural substance, making it a natural ingredient, explains dermatologist Cheryl Burgess, MD. 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 Annie Chiu, MD. 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.

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)

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 Loren Krueger, MD. "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 Lucy Chen, MD. "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 moisturizer after cleansing.

• Annie Chiu, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Manhattan Beach, CA.
• Lucy Chen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, FL.
• Cheryl Burgess, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Seattle, WA.
• Loren Krueger, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.