The 15 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers to Shop in 2026
“Salicylic acid is what we call a beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA), and it helps to exfoliate the millions of dead cells our skin sheds each day,” explains dermatologist Mona Gohara. “Salicylic acid is lipophilic, which means that it can cut through the sebum and the oils on our skin, making it one of the more effective exfoliants for acne-prone skin.” As with any skincare product, consistent usage is a must for removing dirt and oil from pores and bacteria at bay.
Of course, there are different kinds of acne-prone skin: you can also be dry, sensitive, or deal excessive oil and still deal with ongoing breakouts. Finding the right cleanser for your specific skin needs to prevent overdrying, irritation, or even additional breakouts. To make it simple to cleanse your skin more effectively, we asked expert dermatologists for their thoughts on the best salicylic acid cleaners that are truly worth the buy. Read on for your next skin-perfecting face wash, ahead.
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Design by Sarah Olivieri
Credit: Kiehl’s Since 1851Pros
Highly versatileCons
May not be ideal for those who prefer foaming cleansers
Bazaar beauty market and commerce editor Katie Intner is a fan of this versatile salicylic staple from Kiehl’s, which can be used as a cleanser, spot treatment, and more. “After busy days, from running around the city to long days at the office, I love using this clay formula from Kiehl’s, which can be used as a cleanser or mask, to wash off dirt, grime, pollution, makeup, and more from the day,” explains Intner. “It has salicylic acid to lightly exfoliate, while clay and charcoal give pores a detox, and cica helps soothe, so my skin isn’t left dry or stripped.”
Customer review: “I’ve been fighting acne for 20 years, but my skin is super sensitive, and most products do so much damage in the process that I can’t use them. This gently pulled out the bacteria under my skin (it took eight weeks to be fully blemish-free) without irritation.” —Jen45
ProsUnder $15Doubles as a treatment for keratosis pilarisConsSome reviewers say formula can be drying
The Inkey List is known for its powerful and budget-friendly formulas like this salicylic acid cleanser, which has two percent of the ingredient to keep skin clear, zinc compound that keeps excess oil in check, and skin-soothing allantoin, often found in K-Beauty products, to minimize irritation from the more potent actives.
Customer review: “I’ve been using the Salicylic Acid Cleanser for a while now, and it really helps with my oily, acne-prone skin. It cleans well, controls excess oil, and keeps my breakouts in check without drying my face out too much.” —miaii2
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ProsFragrance-freeFree of ingredients that are known to feed yeast and aggravate malassezia folliculitis (aka fungal acne)ConsSome reviewers say formula can be dryi
Dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla recommends this SkinFix cleanser to her patients with normal skin who occasionally experience adult acne. The salicylic acid purges clogged pores, niacinamide reduces excess sebum, and azelaic acid kills bacteria to prevent future breakouts.
Customer review: “My daughter and I both use this exclusively! It keeps her young skin clear and keeps my aging skin clear without being harsh on my wrinkles! Win-win!” —Jacqueline
La Roche-Posay’s highly popular Effaclar cleanser not only keeps breakouts at bay, but also helps reduce whiteheads and blemishes while reducing excess oil.
Customer review: “My skin is currently oily/acne prone/textured/sensitive/and I also have rosacea. I was recommended this face wash by my dermatologist. I purged/broke out for about a week and a half, but then my skin cleared up. It never irritated my skin.”
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If you’re a frequent spa goer, allow us to introduce you to this expert-level cleanser from Caudalíe. Its gel-to-foam Vinopure cleanser won’t dry out your skin after it’s rinsed away. Its lightweight formula features natural salicylic acid to refine skin’s texture, and is safe to use morning and evening on damp skin.
Customer review: “my new favorite face wash! Cleansing but not stripping. I discovered this in Europe and have been using it ever since. Almost no fragrance which is important to me.” —Lisa S.
ProsNon-comedogenicUnder $15ConsBest for oily and combination skin types
Recognizable by its bright orange bottle, Neutrogena’s classic foaming cleanser is formulated with two percent salicylic acid to help treat acne and prevent new breakouts from forming. In polling our trusted dermatologists, nearly every doctor agreed that it’s a great formula, suitable for all skin types, and budget-friendly.
Customer review: “I’ve been using this product for more years than I choose to admit. I’ve used Proactiv, [but] this is by far more gentle on sensitive skin. I won’t use anything else to wash my face.” —Serena
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ProsBudget-friendlyViral on TikTokConsMay be too intensive for sensitive skin
It’s no secret that Bazaar editors are major K-Beauty fans, especially when it comes to Medicube’s viral best-sellers. This foaming salicylic acid cleanser from the brand is not only dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, but also ideal for your next double cleanse. Plus, along with refreshing skin, its formula helps gently exfoliate and smooth its texture.
Customer review: “I absolutely love this cleanser. It removes everything! It has a thick consistency and my favorite thing about it is how little product you need to get a handful of foam! Not only is it budget friendly but because you have to use so little, one bottle will last a long time.” —Courtney B.
ProsGreat for makeup removalHelps minimize enlarged poresConsNearly $50
Here’s a beloved cleanser that not only helps improve the skin’s barrier, but also the appearance of its texture overtime. Along with salicylic acid, it uses a blend of antioxidants, in addition to botanicals like aloe and chamomile to keep skin soft and supple.
Customer review: “I used to hate washing my face. Now I look forward to it. This stuff smells so good and makes your skin feel smooth and light. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my complexion.” —Ashley A.
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ProsHelps reduce rednessClears acne quicklyConsSome users say it doesn’t rinse off easily
Thayers has a full collection dedicated to fighting blemishes, but this non-drying cleanser is the starting point for clear skin. Alongside salicylic acid in the gel meets cream hybrid is witch hazel, which tightens pores and controls oil, moisturizing hyaluronic acid to keep skin from drying out, and soothing aloe. “I have classic combination skin, and this cleanser brings down excess oil exactly where it needs to, without drying out the parts of my face that lose moisture quickly,” says Bazaar contributor, Nykia Spradley.
Customer review: “It’s gentle on my skin but still does a great job removing dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving any residue or dryness. My skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed after every wash. The formula lathers nicely and rinses off easily, which makes the whole cleansing routine feel like a treat.” — Solange
ProsNon-dryingHelps protect the skin barrierConsMay not be ideal for sensitive skin
Cleansers with potent ingredients like salicylic acid can break down the skin barrier as it exfoliates, causing one issue while it solves another. Breakout Breakup from Sunday Riley does the opposite, though. In addition to the salicylic acid that unclogs pore congestion, fermented pear juice gently sloughs away dead skin that can further clog pores, but without compromising the skin’s moisture barrier. There’s also a touch of witch hazel to manage excess oil.
Customer review: “I am dry-ish and acne-prone around my period. I got this 2 weeks ago, and I have not had any hormonal breakouts!!! It’s also brightened my skin and softened a lot of my acne scars! I really like Salicylic and Lactic Acid together. Consistency is a little weird, so I just shake it.” —LilCStayPaid
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CeraVe’s drugstore cleanser is highly recommended by dermatologists and is formulated with purifying clay to help absorb excess oil from the skin, as well as salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation. As with all CeraVe skincare, this one has ceramides to support the skin barrier, so you’re not stripping your skin while you wash.
Customer review: “I have a lot of CeraVe products, and this one might just be my favorite ever! It’s helped clear up a bunch of my acne at a very affordable price. I’ve tried other products, and none of them have been as helpful as this one.” —Tiffany
ProsAlcohol-freeSuitable for all skin typesConsContains a light natural fragrance derived of essential oils
This gentle cleanser uses a combination of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and flower extracts to keep skin exfoliated and soft.
Customer review: “The formula of the Saint Jane Pore Clarity Cleanser is luxurious and feels so gentle on my skin yet effective, effortlessly removing impurities without that dreaded tight feeling afterward. My skin feels refreshed and balanced after!” —Michelle
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Peace Out’s cleanser is a gentle cream formula, which those with sensitive or dry skin may prefer over a gel. It contains salicylic acid and a bio-cellulose physical exfoliant derived from wood pulp to give both chemical and physical exfoliation. It also contains hyaluronic acid and amino acids to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.
Customer review: “This is a very nice exfoliator! I really love that it’s a two-in-one – physical and chemical – and that there are other skincare additives in it as well. I leave this on for a few minutes to give the actives time to do their thing. Afterwards, my skin feels fresh and reset.” —Chandrika
“Gentle” is a good word to look for when shopping for a salicylic acid cleanser, especially if you have sensitive or sensitized skin. This one from Cetaphil contains salicylic and mandelic acid, which helps treat texture and tone while retaining the skin’s moisture levels.
Customer review: “The Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Facial Cleanser is possibly my favorite SA cleaner I’ve ever used. Where others have been too strong and left my face feeling tight and itchy after use, this cleaner is as advertised: gentle. It makes a nice lather that washes away oil and impurities while leaving my skin barrier intact.” —Stephanie G.
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ProsDermatologist-developedFormulated for all skin typesConsSome reviewers wish the tube was larger
Even if you don’t have active acne, sometimes it’s nice to keep an acne wash on hand. This SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser, created by internet-famous dermatologist Sandra Lee (also known as Dr. Pimple Popper), is great for treating face and body acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.
Customer review: “Great product for ‘normal’ skin with blackheads and light acne.” —Zoe S.
FAQs
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Meet the ExpertsMona Gohara, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. Loretta Ciraldo M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare.Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist at Mariwalla Dermatology.Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and chief medical officer of Fig.1 Beauty.What Makes Salicylic Acid Cleansers Different Than Regular Ones?
Salicylic or beta hydroxy acid is often used to exfoliate the skin. In cleansers, it is usually featured at a two percent concentration. “That is enough to loosen the ‘glue’ between skin cells and cause exfoliation without over-drying,” explains Mariwalla. Salicylic acid cleansers are recommended primarily for people with acne and oily skin. Those who don’t have acne or are not acne-prone likely don’t need to use salicylic acid in their skincare routine.
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Should You Use a Salicylic Acid Cleanser Every Day?
Unless you have very sensitive skin, it’s likely fine to use a low-concentration salicylic acid cleanser daily. However, you do want to be aware of the concentration. “The higher the concentration of salicylic acid, the more actively exfoliating and potentially irritating the cleanser may be,” explains Rubin. “Those with sensitive skin should look for cleansers with a lower concentration of salicylic acid. “If you’re acne-prone, it’s okay to use a salicylic cleanser daily, says Ciraldo, “as long as you do not experience redness, dryness, peeling, or any discomfort from it.”
Who Should Not Use Salicylic Acid Cleansers?
If you have severe skin sensitivity or a condition like rosacea, Gohara advises being extra cautious when using salicylic acid cleansers. “This doesn’t necessarily mean they should be completely avoided,” Gohara says. “Consulting a dermatologist before use is essential, as salicylic acid can irritate the skin, especially for those with eczema, psoriasis, or severely inflamed skin. It may not need to be avoided permanently in the case of rosacea, but professional guidance is crucial to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your skin.”
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