Last Updated on June 15, 2020

You might have heard or seen salicylic acid in skincare commercials and magazines. Salicylic acid has gained widespread popularity among skincare addicts and those suffering from skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, warts, and breakouts, as salicylic acid is quite efficient in treating such conditions.

Salicylic Acid is derived from Salix, or willow bark tree and belongs to the same class of compounds such as aspirins. In skin care, there are two main commonly used acids, BHA (beta hydroxy acid ) and AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). These both have exfoliating properties but AHAs are water-soluble and BHAs are oil-soluble. This means that BHAs are more likely to work for skincare as they can better penetrate the lipid layers of the skin.

Salicylic acid is a BHA and thus it can dive deep into the skin to de-clog pores and keep them free from dirt, grime, and excessive oil. It is efficient in fading away scars and blemishes left by acne and pimples. It has great anti-inflammatory properties that can help with healing redness and inflammation. Blackheads and whiteheads can be completely wiped out with the help of salicylic acid.

These features make salicylic acid a great medication for acne, psoriasis, eczema or just oily skin types prone to breakouts or pimples. It is found in many face washes and exfoliants meant for sensitive, acne-prone skin. However, salicylic acid can dry out the skin and can cause redness and peeling. So for dry skin types and overly sensitive skin types, it is best to avoid it altogether.

Choosing salicylic acid for treating acne or pimples can be an excellent choice. Below is our list of the fifteen best salicylic acid face washes on the market for all skin types.

Fifteen of the Best Salicylic Acid Face Washes of 2020

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid

The La Rochey Posay Medicated Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice for oily. combination or acne-prone skin. This medicated cleanser is formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid, which serves as an effective acne treatment. It is clinically proven to reduce excessive oil from the skin by 47% throughout the day.

This medicated gel cleanser is a part of La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar line — which has products specifically designed to help acne-prone and oily skin types. The medicated gel cleanser has micro-exfoliating Lipo Hydroxy Acid which helps to absorb excessive oil from the face and remove dirt and debris and dead skin cells from the skin without drying it.

The medicated gel face wash can be used twice everyday, once in the morning and once in the night. The face wash also has menthol, a cooling agent that helps to soothe and calm the skin and prevent moisture loss after washing it.

Features

• Medicated Gel Cleanser from La Roche Posay Effaclar line
• Formulated for oily, combination and acne-prone skin types
• Consists of 2% salicylic acid that acts as an effective acne medication
• Lipo Hydroxy Acid helps to gently remove dead skin and debris

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel Cleanser

This refreshing gel cleanser from Vichy has a unique formulation that is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin types. The face wash is formulated with .5 % Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and LHA that work together as a powerful exfoliating trio that helps to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface, and clear dirt, debris and dead skin cells from the pores.

The texture of this face wash is a translucent gel type that lathers and foams easily. It is effective in cleansing the skin thoroughly without drying it excessively. The formula is tested for allergies, so it is safe to be used for sensitive skin types. It also contains Vichy’s trademark Mineralizing Water, which is charged with 15 essential minerals that help to heal environmental damage.

The face wash is gentle enough to be used twice everyday. Its efficient formula helps clear up all acne breakouts and pimples and prevent anymore breakouts. The formula is also free from any harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Features

• Gentle and refreshing gel cleanser
• Contains .5 % Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and LHA, a powerful yet gentle exfoliating trio
• Helps to clear the skin of any debris, dirt and dead skin cells
• Fades appearance of breakouts and prevents new breakouts

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Face Wash

CeraVe is a brand that is well-known for making skincare products for sensitive skin types. This gentle cleanser from CeraVe helps sensitive skin types with acne to keep the breakouts in check and reduce and fade the appearance of new breakouts.

The formul a consists of Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and antioxidant Vitamin D. Salicylic Acid helps to gently exfoliate and clear the skin of excessive oil and other pore-clogging material such as dirt, debri and dead skin cells. Hyaluronic Acid helps to flood the skin with hydration and keep it soft and plump after cleansing. Vitamin D helps to brighten the complexion and help fight sun and free radical damage. The formula also consists of 3 essential ceramides, which are naturally found in the skin and help retain moisture in the skin.

The gentle, non-irritating formula is great for sensitive, acne-inflicted skin types that need to be careful while choosing a cleanser that is gentle enough to not irritate the skin but efficient enough to clear all the excessive oil and grime from the skin.

Features

• Formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin types
• Contains 3 essential ceramides that help to retain moisture in the skin
• Contains Salicylic Acid that helps to gently exfoliate the skin
• Hyaluronic Acid floods the skin with moisture and hydration
• Vitamin D brightens the skin and protects it from sun and free radical damage.

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

This foaming gel face wash from The Inky List is an excellent choice for oily skin types with recurring acne and breakouts. The formula has 2% Salicylic Acid, which is the highest concentration of the acid that can be found in over-the-counter skin care products.

Salicylic Acid acts as an excellent chemical exfoliant that can effectively de-clog pores and reduce appearance of acne scars and breakouts. The formula also contains zinc compounds which are anti-inflammatory in nature and help with combating cystic acne and breakouts, The last but not the least, the formula has allantoin, a plant-derived moisturizer that helps to hydrate the skin post-washing.

The gently foaming face wash can be used twice a day safely and it wont cause any additional dryness. The formula is significantly devoid of sodium laurel sulfate, a potential irritating compound that can be too harsh for sensitive or acne skin types.

Features

• Pure 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
• Zinc Compounds that are anti-inflammatory nd help with soothing acne prone skin types
• Allantoin is a natural moisturizer that helps with hydrating the skin
• Free from sodium laurel sulfate and other harmful chemicals

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser Gel

This award winning facial cleanser contains a potent mix of active ingredients that help to maintain a healthy skin and fight acne-causing agents .The facial cleanser is the best on the market for combating adult acne and breakouts

The formula consists of a blend of 12% concentration of key ingredients combining lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbitol. Salicylic Acid and LHA, which is again a derivative of salicylic acid only, help to gently exfoliate the skin and help with removing dirt, grime and dead skin cells from the pores and de-clog them. They also help get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Glycolic Acid has serious anti-aging benefits and can help promote cell regeneration.

The unique formula has won awards, including the Women’s Health Healthy Skin Award in 2018. The face wash helps to maintain a healthy skin and reduce appearance of large congested pores and blemishes.

Features

• Features a potent mix of salicylic acids to address breakouts and visible signs of aging
• Gives gentle exfoliation to unclog congested pores
• Removes excess oils and dirt and grime
• Suitable for oily, combination, and aging skin types

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Perfect Image Salicylic Deep Gel Exfoliating Cleanser

This unique formulation is designed as a product to be used to prep your skin for chemical peel treatments. That being said, this product also acts as an excellent cleanser for daily use. It contains Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid that act as chemical exfoliants that help fight acne-causing bacteria and helps prevent pimples and acne breakouts and visibly improve appearance of blackheads

Salicylic Acid can sometimes be too much for sensitive skins as it can cause redness in the skin. That is why this cleanser is also formulated with green tea extracts that is anti-inflammatory in nature help to calm and soothe the skin and avoid inflammation. Green Tea Extracts are also rich in antioxidants that help to brighten up the complexion and protect the skin from sun damage. It also contains tea-tree oil that aids the salicylic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria. It also boosts of chamomile, and comfrey extracts along with cucumber extracts that help in calming inflamed skin.

If you are into chemical peel treatments, this is the perfect cleanser to use before hand. The cleanser has the perfcet blend of acne-fighting ingredients along with skin-soothing and calming ingredients.

Features

• Mix of ingredients that fight acne causing bacteria and ingredients that are soothing to the skin
• Preps the skin for chemical peel treatment
• Skin calming green tea extracts, chamomile, and comfrey extracts along with cucumber extracts that are anti-inflammatory in nature
• Tea tree oil works along with salicylic acid to treat acne

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Replenix Acne Solutions Gly/Sal Exfoliating Acne Cleanser

This face wash combines two powerful chemical exfoliants- 2% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid to help form a efficient duo that can get rid of all your acne and breakouts concerns. It can help fade away acne scars, whiteheads and blackheads and unclog pores.

These two chemical exfoliants are often recommended by dermatologists to fight acne and inflammation-causing bacteria. These two work together to unclog the pores, remove dead skin cells, dirt and grime and give the skin a healthy, youthful glow. The formula also has green-tea extracts that are anti-inflammatory in nature and help to soothe and calm the skin.

This is no-nonsense formula that delivers excellent results. It is free from parabens and sulfates and is non-comedogenic.

Features

• 2% Salicylic Acid and 2% glycolic acid formula
• Powerful duo helps in gentle exfoliation
• Help reduce appearance of blackheads and acne scars
• Green tea extracts help to calm and soothe the skin

Ratings

5 stars out of 4 stars (average customer ratings)

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Skin Normalising Cleanser

Paula’s Choice is a brand that is dedicated to providing skincare that is made ethically and provides efficient results. The brand was found by Paula Begoun, a dermatologist with over 35 years of experience. This cleanser is a part of their The Clear range which is aimed for people suffering from acne and inflammation.

The gentle cleanser is made from .5% salicylic acid and has a refreshing gel texture that is soothing on the skin. The salicylic acid helps with both cystic and hormonal acne. It helps to de-clog the pores, reduce appearance of scars and blackheads, gently exfoliates the skin and reveals a brighter complexion.

The refreshing gel cleanser can be used safely twice a day. The face wash is suitable for all skin types and can be used on the most sensitive of skin types.

Features

• .5% Salicylic acid formulation
• Unclogs and helps clear acne breakouts.
• Suitable for all skin types prone to breakouts.
• Soothes redness and inflammation
• Diminishes blackheads and large pores

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

This hypoallergen daily face wash from COSRX is formulated with .5% salicylic acid and is great for sensitive and acne prone skin types. It also has tea tree oil and this together with salicylic acid forms an excellent exfoliating duo.

Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps with fading appearance of acne scars and blemishes. This facial cleanser can be used for both cystic and hormonal acne. This works with salicylic acid to deeply and gently exfoliate the dead skin cells, declog the pores and give the skin a healthy radiant boost.

The formula also consists of willow bark extracts that help in fighting acne-causing bacteria. The face wash is suitable for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin types.

Features

• .5% salicylic acid facial exfoliating cleanser
• Tea tree oil helps to soothe inflammation and reduce scars and blemishes
• Willow bark extracts help to fight acne causing bacteria
• Suitable for all skin types

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Daily Facial Cream Cleanser with Natural Salicylic Acid

Neutrogena is the a drugstore skin care brand that is very popular for its stellar products made mostly from organic materials. The brand is highly recommended by dermatologists for acne prone and oily skin types for its amazing products that deliver quick results at an affordable price.

This daily cleanser from Neutrogena has a creamy, soft texture that lathers easily and can be used day and night. It is made from 98% natural ingredients, including willow bark bio nutrients, which have naturally occurring salicylic acid. The cleanser is efficient in de-clogging the pores and removing dirt, oil and even makeup to keep the pores clean and healthy.

The cleanser is hypoallergenic and free from all harmful chemicals. It is gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive of skin types.

Features

• Daily face wash with creamy, foaming texture
• 98% natural ingredients
• Contains willow bark extracts, that have naturally occurring salicylic acid
• Helps to de-toxify and de-clog the pores and keep the clean

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser

Image Skincare is a physicians formulated skin care brand that produces products based on dermatologist-backed research. Their products have pharmaceutical lineage and use mostly chemical exfoliants such as AHA and BHA.

This refreshing, foaming cleanser has salicylic acid and natural ingredients such as neem leaf extracts and tea tree oil. Salicylic acid acts as an exfoliant, helping to gently remove dead skin cells and de-clog and de-toxify the pores to keep them clean and healthy. Tea tree oil is inflammatory in nature and helps with redness and inflammation usually associated with acne and breakouts. Neem leaf extracts work to soothe and calm the skin after exfoliation.

The formula also has a unique peptide-based complex that aids as salicylic acid to work together as a exfoliating duo that help to gently exfoliate acne-prone skin without irritating it.

Features

• Physicians formulated daily cleanser
• Contains salicylic acid that acts as a chemical exfoliant
• Natural ingredients such as neem leaf extracts and tea tree oil
• Unique peptide-based complex aids salicylic acid to gently exfoliate acne-prone skin types

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Facial Cleanser

Aveeno is yet another beloved skin care brand whose moisturizers and cleanser are a fan-favorite among skincare addicts. This daily cream cleanser from them is especially formulated for acne prone skin types or generally anyone who is suffering from breakouts and pimples.

The formula consists of salicylic acid and soya extracts. These two work together to effectively banish acne scars and blemishes, de-clog and de-toxify the skin and the pores to keep them healthy and clean. Soya extracts flood the skin with moisture and reduce appearance of bumpy and blotchy skin

The cleanser can be used for the most sensitive of skin types. It is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Features

• Daily cream cleanser for acne prone skin types
• Contains salicylic acid, a natural chemical exfoliant
• Soya bean extracts, help to retain moisture and reduce appearance of bumpy and blotchy skin
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

CLn Acne Cleanser

Yet another dermatologist- approved and formulated facial cleanser, CLN Acne Cleanser consists of .5% Salicylic Acid that is an efficient acne medication. It helps to fight acne causing bacteria, gently exfoliate the skin and helps reduce acne scars and blemishes.

The cleanser combines salicylic acid with Sodium Hypochlorite, a disinfectant that works to help kill bacteria that might cause acne and breakouts. Together these two ingredients act as a powerful anti-acne duo that help even the sensitive of skin types.

If you experience redness and inflammation caused due to acne and breakouts, then this is the cleanser for you. It helps to reduce irritation cause by the acne and reduce redness and inflammation.

Features

• .5% Salicylic Acid daily physicians formulated cleanser
• Contains Sodium Hypochlorite, a disinfectant that helps to fight bacteria that causes acne
• Reduces redness and inflammation
• Can be used on the most sensitive of skin types

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

This gel cleanser from Murad Skincare is the ultimate acne medication you’ll need. It is formulated with an unique formula of two forms of salicylic acid that form the ultimate acne fighting duo.

The two forms of salicylic acid are a free form that starts treating immediately and an encapsulated form that treats the skin long after cleansing. These help to absorb excessive oil, de-clog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and dirt and debris and prevents any future acne scars and breakouts. The formula also consists green tea extracts that help with soothing redness and inflammation.

The cleanser is specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin types, but its gentle formula makes it suitable for all skin types. It is free from all harmful chemicals.

Features

• Contains a unique blend of two types of salicylic acid- a free form and an encapsulated form
• Green tea extracts that help to soothe and calm the skin
• Helps to de-clog and de-toxify the pores
• Suitable for all skin types

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser Salicylic Acid 2%

This foaming cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid, the highest concentration of salicylic acid you can get in over-the-counter products. That means this is a powerful cleanser for treating oily skin types that are prone to acne and breakouts. The brand claims you can see visible results within a week of use.

The cleanser is effective for both hormonal and cystic acne, that can afflict both teens and adults alike. The cleanser contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, that helps to fight acne-causing bacteria and keep it at bay. This ingredient along with 2% Salicylic Acid works as an efficient acne medication that help to fade appearance of acne scars and breakouts and can prevent it from returning.

The formula also contains menthol, as a skin-calming ingredient that helps to soothe and reduce inflamed and irritated skin. The cleanser can be used twice a day.

Features

• 2% Salicylic Acid, the highest concentration for over-the-counter products
• 5% benzoyl peroxide helps to fight acne causing bacteria
• Menthol helps to soothe and calm inflamed skin
• Results visible in a week of usage

Ratings

4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)

How to choose the right salicylic acid product for your skin

• Is it meant for everyone? – Salicylic Acid is a potent skincare ingredient that is efficient in treating acne but it has its downfalls. Dry skin types and sensitive skin types that are reactive might want to complete it. Salicylic acid can tend to dry out the skin and cause some irritation which can aggravate drier skin types. The best skin types for this medication are oily and acne-prone skin types.
• Concentration– The FDA has approved that .5% and 2% salicylic acid is safe for daily use. Most over the counter products have this concentration, such as face washes, exfoliants, and moisturizers. Chemical peels at the salon have a higher concentration such as 20 to 30%.
• Side effects– Salicylic acid can have a drying effect on the skin- as they promote exfoliation and cell turnover. This can cause excessive drying or oiliness, depending on your skin type. Too much exposure to the sun while using salicylic acid can also cause sunburns and rashes.

FAQs

Summary

Salicylic acid can be your best bet when looking for a treatment for acne breakouts, whiteheads and blackheads and fading their scars. It is one powerhouse ingredient that has many benefits in skincare, haircare and is even found in aspirins. Facial cleansers are the first and fundamental step in one’s skincare routine and adding a salicylic face wash can act your first line of defense against acne and pimples.

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