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The 9 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers for Acne
These are the acne cleansers that experts actually love (and use!)
A cleanser is the foundation of any good acne-fighting routine. It's the first thing that touches your face in the morning and at night, and the correct formulation can exfoliate, control excess oil production, and prevent breakouts. The star ingredient of any great acne cleanser is salicylic acid.
"Salicylic acid is what we call a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and it helps to exfoliate the millions of dead cells our skin sheds each day," explains board-certified 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."
Shop The Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers
Of course, there are different kinds of acne-prone skin—you can be dry and acne-prone, sensitive and acne-prone, or maybe you have adult acne—so we asked our roster of expert dermatologists to break down the best salicylic acid cleaners for every skin type and we ranked them according to reviews. Find your perfect face wash, ahead.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Meets Credo & Sephora Clean standards
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Contains a light natural fragrance derived of essential oils
Following its launch, this Saint Jane cleanser quickly sold out at Sephora, becoming the highest-rated cleanser in the salicylic acid category. It contains salicylic acid, of course, plus hyaluronic acid and gentle flower extracts to keep skin exfoliated and soft.
One reviewer says: "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! I love the scent - it's subtle and natural!" -Michelle
Pros
- Free of ingredients that are known to feed yeast and aggravate malassezia folliculitis (aka fungal acne)
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Higher price point
Dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla recommends this SkinFix cleanser to patients with normal skin who occasionally experience adult acne.
One reviewer says: "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!" -Jacquline
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- The packaging is clinical
Recognizable by its bright-orange bottle, Neutrogena's classic foaming cleanser is made with 2% 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 affordable. (You can get a three-pack on Amazon.)
One reviewer says: "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
Dr. Loretta Micro-Exfoliating Cleanser
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-striping
- Dermatologist-developed formula
- Recyclable
Cons
- Higher price point
This cleanser, created by dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, combines the maximum over-the-counter concentration of salicylic acid (2%) with hydrating ingredients in a sulfate-free formulation.
One reviewer says: "I have really sensitive skin, which makes finding a cleanser difficult. This is both gentle and super effective. My skin has cleared up so much!" -Melissa L.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash
Pros
- Available at mass retailers
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Contains oil-absorbing technology
Cons
- Reviewers don't all love the plastic pump packaging
Another drugstore cleanser highly recommended by dermatologists is this one by CeraVe. It's made with purifying clay to help absorb excess oil in the skin and salicylic acid for exfoliation. But as with all CeraVe skincare, it has ceramides to support the skin barrier, so you're not stripping your skin while you wash.
One reviewer says: "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
Pros
- Dermatologist-developed formula
- Affordable price point
- Formulated for all skin types
Cons
- Some 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, M.D. (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), is great for treating face and body acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.
One reviewer says: "Great product for 'normal' skin with blackheads and light acne." -Zoe S.
Pros
- Award-winning formula
- Refillable
Cons
- Higher price point
- Powder cleanser isn't always a preferred texture
This rice-powder cleanser is packed with salicylic acid, exfoliating enzymes, and soothing colloidal oatmeal. You pour about a half teaspoon into wet hands, add water, and lather until the powder completely dissolves into a foamy paste. It can be used daily or as a spot treatment on acne-prone areas.
One reviewer says: "I love this product! The refill comes in handy. I love how this product bubbles up and how the grain feels on my skin. It's a must in my skincare routine!" -Sarah F.
Peace Out Skincare Pore Perfecting Cleanser
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
Cons
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.
One reviewer says: "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
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
"Gentle" is a good word to look for when shopping for a salicylic acid cleanser. This one is designed for sensitive skin types. It contains salicylic and mandelic acid, which helps treat texture and tone while retaining the skin's moisture levels. At $12.99 for 8 fl. oz., it's a great deal, too.
One reviewer says: "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.
Meet the experts
• Mona 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 does a salicylic acid cleanser do?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used to exfoliate the skin. In a cleanser, it is usually used at a 2% 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.
Is it okay to 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 cleanser?
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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Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Megan Decker is a beauty and lifestyle writer and editor, and the former beauty editor at Refinery29, where she oversaw the site’s beauty trend coverage. In addition to regularly contributing to Harper's Bazaar, she also writes for Refinery29, Byrdie, PS, various newsletters, and other publications. She lives on the Upper East Side and you can often find her reading, picnicking, or strolling in Central Park.
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