There are so many ways to tackle acne with your skincare routine. Consulting with your dermatologist is always the best move, but if you're going the over-the-counter route, there are spot treatments, non-comedogenic moisturizers, anti-inflammatory benzoyl peroxide products, and, of course, the holy grail: best salicylic acid cleansers. These face washes are essential to any acne routine. They don’t just dry out existing pimples by breaking down oil; the best salicylic acid cleansers also clear your pores, making future breakouts less likely.
“Think of salicylic acid like a pipe cleaner for your skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Anna Karp, D.O. “Salicylic acid is both highly keratolytic and comedolytic, which means it not only dissolves dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, but it’s also able to get down into the pore, dissolve the oil, and break apart the debris inside that commonly leads to acne.”
Sounds pretty good, right? If you’re unsure which cleanser to add to your routine, we’ve got you covered. We’ve tried and tested dozens of salicylic acid cleansers and consulted with two board-certified dermatologists—Dr. Karp and Azadeh Shirazi, M.D.—to uncover the best of the best.
From powerful drugstore picks to luxe options you’ll want to show off on your vanity, here’s a definitive list of the 15 pore-cleaning, pimple-busting salicylic acid cleansers that’ll have you on your way to clearer skin.
The Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers
- Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser Overall: Is Clinical Cleansing Complex
- Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Oil Control: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
- Best Natural Salicylic Acid Cleanser: Saint Jane Beauty Pore Clarity Hyaluronic + Flower Acid Cleanser
- Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Loretta Micro-Exfoliating Cleanser
- Best Brightening Salicylic Acid Cleanser: Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash
This is a do-it-all cleanser if we’ve ever met one. Sure, it's most loved for treating acne, but its other benefits are just as noteworthy. It hydrates, soothes, protects, exfoliates, and even packs some anti-aging power. It uses natural salicylic acid from willow bark extract to target breakouts, skin-protecting antioxidants, AHAs from sugar cane extract to exfoliate and brighten, calming botanicals, and even a form of retinol to boost cell turnover and make your skin churn out fresh, smooth new cells.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid from willow bark extract, alpha-hyroxy acid from sugar cane extract (exfoliating) and retinyl palmitate (exfoliating), chamomile and green tea extract (antioxidant and soothing)
Concentration: Unspecified
Who It’s For: Oily and acne-prone skin
What We Love: Removes makeup; doubles as a shaving cream
What We Don’t: Contains Dmdm Hydantoin, a controversial preservative
Review for MC: “I’ve got a little travel-size version of this cleanser that’s my go-to for every trip. While I’d happily use it year-round, I’m saving what’s left for travel because it’s just that good. It’s the ultimate multitasker—removing makeup, keeping those inevitable travel breakouts at bay, protecting my skin against free radicals (a must when I’m always heading to cities), and soothing my skin after a day in the sun (with sunscreen, of course)." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa loves her travel-sized iS Clinical Cleansing Complex because it's a multipurpose formula that removes makeup, protects from free radicals, and prevents breakouts.
While it’s not always the case, a lot of times, people dealing with acne also have pretty oily skin. Enter this Tata Harper cleanser, which was formulated to soak up extra oil and bring your complexion far, far away from greasy territory. In addition to acne-fighting alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic acid, the foaming formula also includes a trio of botanicals (aka plant-sourced ingredients) that balance oil production over time.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating)
Concentration: 0.5 percent
Who It’s For: Normal, combination, and oily skin
What We Love: Balances oil; helps with redness; mattifies skin
What We Don’t: Most expensive option on our list (but worth it!)
Review for MC: "I'm a sensitive skin girl, so a powerful cleanser isn't my go-to on the daily. That said, I try to incorporate this Tata Harper cleanser into my skincare routine at least once per week. It helps mattify my complexion and keep my pores looking thoroughly cleaned out. I love how this foams up super quickly and leaves my face feeling clean—not stripped." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
For sensitive skin, this cleanser is a non-irritating option.
If luxury is your thing, you need to check out this gorgeously packaged cleanser from Saint Jane Beauty. Not only will it look stunning on your vanity, but it’ll also work wonders on your skin. It uses salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate both the surface and deeper layers of your skin, while flower extracts leave your complexion feeling anything but stripped—think soft, fresh, and perfectly balanced. This is a particularly great cleanser for combination skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and glycolic acid (exfoliating), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), flower extracts (soothing and softening)
Concentration: Unspecified
Who It’s For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin
What We Love: Clean at Sephora-approved; recyclable glass packaging
What We Don’t: Essential oils may be irritating to some
Review for MC: “One thing about me: I’ll always consider a well-formulated drugstore product superior, but a high-end product that works and looks good? That’s always on my wish list. Before testing this stunner, I wasn’t sure if its looks would outshine its results, but wow, was I wrong. I reserve this special cleanser for my Everything Shower nights, when I want to really treat myself and feel pampered. Everything about this cleanser—from its luxurious texture to its soothing scent and the soft, nourished feeling it leaves behind—is like a trip to the spa, without the gas mileage." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa loves how the Saint Jane Pore Clarity Hyaluronic + Flower Acid Cleanser looks on her vanity and how it leaves her skin looking and feeling amazing.
Salicylic acid might not sound like the most inviting option if you have sensitive skin, but don’t worry—you can count on board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta’s Micro-Exfoliating Cleanser. It’s milky, non-comedogenic, and has a low pH of 4.5, which fits perfectly within Dr. Shirazi's recommendation of a “slightly acidic pH to keep the salicylic acid active.” As mentioned earlier, she also advises choosing a formula with “hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera to counteract dryness,” and this one has both.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), aloe vera (soothing), glycerin (hydrating)
Concentration: 2%
Who It’s For: Acne-prone combination, oily, and dry skin
What We Love: Great for dry skin—you can leave it on for one to three minutes before rinsing it off
What We Don’t: Only comes in one size (6.7 ounces)
Review for MC: "My skin is sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, but as of this month, I've added hormonal breakouts to my list of skin concerns. It's a trifecta—truly. Finding a cleanser that actually works to address my multitude of concerns was a journey. That's when I found this Dr. Loretta option. It's genuinely gentle enough for my highly irritable complexion, and has dramatically decreased the whiteheads around my mouth and chin." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Aloe vera and glycerin counteract the drying effects of salicylic acid.
If you’re new to Revision Skincare, it’s time to get familiar—starting with its brightening salicylic acid cleanser. The brand is a staple in dermatologists' offices, sitting alongside science-backed favorites like EltaMD and SkinCeuticals. This cleanser is a perfect introduction to the brand, especially if you’re after something that clears your skin while bidding adueiu to dullness. It’s got everything you’d want in a brightening formula: a form of vitamin C, brightening botanicals, and glycolic acid, which works hand-in-hand with salicylic acid to exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, and, with consistent use, reveal your glow.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic and glycolic acid (exfoliating), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (a form of brightening vitamin C), arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf and licorice root extract (brightening)
Concentration: Unspecified
Who It’s For: Normal, oily, combination and mature skin types
What We Love: Shoppers (and one of our contributing writers) noticed a visible improvement
What We Don’t: Contains added fragrance
Review for MC: “Despite how passionately I’m writing this article, breakouts aren’t my biggest concern. Sure, I get them and treat them like everyone else, but my real struggle is with dullness and my skin just looking blah. That’s exactly why I adore this cleanser, especially during the winter months when my skin craves extra TLC. It’s got the acne-fighting salicylic acid, of course, but it also features my personal favorite—glycolic acid—plus a form of vitamin C to brighten and prevent breakouts. Genius." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa loves how Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash does double duty, brightening her skin while treating and preventing breakouts.
Other Salicylic Acid Cleanser We Love
Fine, this might not be the most aesthetically pleasing salicylic acid cleanser on the market (read: unsexy skincare), but it’s hands-down the most effective—and has been for years. With the maximum over-the-counter strength of salicylic acid (two percent), it fights breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes. Plus, it features lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid that delivers multi-level exfoliation and visibly reduces oil. As Dr. Shirazi told Marie Claire, it also contains glycerin, which is key for "counteracting dryness" and keeping your skin balanced.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and lipo-hydorxy acid (exfoliating) and glycerin (hydrating)
Concentration: 2 percent
Who It’s For: Acne-prone and oily skin types
What We Love: Contains the maximum over-the-counter strength of salicylic acid
What We Don’t: Some shoppers had issues with the bottle leaking
Love the nourishing, gentle feel of a cream cleanser? Look no further than this highly-rated drugstore favorite. It’s packed with the maximum amount of salicylic acid for an effective attack on acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, but also uses soothing aloe and white tea extract. In other words, it’s powerful on breakouts yet still suitable (and enjoyable!) for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), aloe vera and green tea extract (soothing)
Concentration: 2 percent
Who It’s For: Acne-prone and sensitive skin types
What We Love: Part of a larger collection designed to complement this product for a full acne-fighting skin-care regimen
What We Don’t: Some shoppers mentioned that the squeeze tube can be a bit difficult to dispense product from; it contains isopropyl alcohol, which may be drying
The INKEY List has earned high praise from beauty editors and aficionados alike for its minimalist yet effective (and totally transparent) formulations. This standout cleanser features exfoliating salicylic acid at the max OTC percentage, along with Zinc PCA—a must-try for anyone with acne-prone, oily skin. (The ingredient not only soaks up excess oil but also reduces the spread of acne-causing bacteria that can clog pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts.) Teamed with soothing allantoin, this breakout-busting, gently foaming cleanser has your skin covered.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), zinc compound (anti-acne), allantoin (soothing)
Concentration: 2 percent
Who It’s For: Normal, combination, and oily skin types
What We Love: Can be used on other acne-prone areas, such as the back and chest; recyclable packaging
What We Don’t: Some say it has a "chemical smell"
Ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types, this derm-loved cleanser is the real deal. In addition to salicylic acid, it contains a slew of exfoliating, deep-cleansing ingredients like the brand’s proprietary lipo-hydroxy acid and glycolic acid. That powerhouse will not only keep your pores clean and, fingers crossed, acne at bay but will also brighten your skin thanks to a freshly exfoliated complexion.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid (exfoliating), glycerin (hydrating)
Concentration: Unspecified
Who It’s For: Acne-prone, oily, and combination skin types
What We Love: Contains three types of exfoliants that work together to tackle acne and refine your skin texture
What We Don’t: Contains menthol, which may be irritating to some
If you have combination skin, you’re probably dealing with both oily and dry patches. But the good news is that this gel cleanser has a solution for both. It uses both hydrating and exfoliating ingredients to nourish and treat your skin simultaneously. Essential oil fans take note that this formula has a slew of oils that offer antioxidant benefits and may help control acne and oil production—just a heads up, though: they’re not always the best match for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), glycerin (hydrating), grape juice, rosemary leaf oil, and lemon balm oil (antoxidants)
Concentration: Unspecified
Who It’s For: Oily, combo, and normal skin types
What We Love: Pretty packaging; loaded with antioxidants to protect your skin against environmental damage
What We Don’t: Not the best choice for sensitive skin, as it contains multiple essential oils that may cause irritation.
I’m a big fan of Skinfix’s entire Acne+ line, as well as their non-comedogenic moisturizers, so it’s no surprise that this face wash landed on the list. While it checks off all the usual boxes thanks to the two percent salicylic acid inclusion, I want to call out how it goes above and beyond on the redness front. Because some acne can bring along angry, red inflammation, the brand added green tea, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and zinc to the formula to create a more even tone.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming), glycerin (hydrating), green tea extract (soothing)
Concentration: 2 percent
Who It’s For: Normal, combination, and oily skin types
What We Love: Reduces redness and inflammation; addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
What We Don’t: Can aggravate fungal acne, specifically malassezia folliculitis
When a bunch of gunk makes it's home sweet home in your pores, notice blackheads, whiteheads, and other breakouts creep up, and your pores look way larger than they need to. This lightweight gel cleanser is designed to go straight for the problem and dissolve all the unwanted ick that’s taken up residence. While it is effective, rest assured it’s not too harsh. The formula is balanced with calming agents such as soothing panthenol and hydrating glycerin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), glycerin (hydrating), panthenol (soothing)
Concentration: 0.5 percent
Who It’s For: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, and oily skin types
What We Love: Gel texture is gentle and refreshing on acne; 0.5 percent concentration is ideal for skin that's easily irritated
What We Don’t: Some users noted that the packaging is prone to damage
Acne famously doesn’t discriminate—it can pop up anywhere, which is why we had to include a solution that works for both your face and body. Enter this French pharmacy favorite. It’s loaded with the maximum amount of salicylic acid allowed over the counter, plus an ingredient that deserves more hype: zinc gluconate. This powerhouse ingredient works triple-duty as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and oil-regulator. Translation: it fights active breakouts and prevents new ones, all without needing two separate products cluttering up your bathroom.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), thermal spring water (soothing, softening, and calming), zinc gluconate (anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, and oil-reducing)
Concentration: 2 percent
Who It’s For: Oily, acne, and sensitive skin types
What We Love: Can be used on both the face and body; comes in a larger size (14oz) and travel-friendly size (3.3oz)
What We Don’t: Not easily to find IRL in the States
"Keep the Peace" couldn't be a more fitting name for this cream cleanser because that's exactly what it does. Like all of our top picks, it targets acne with an effective—but not too harsh—1.5 percent concentration of salicylic acid. While that active ingredient tackles breakouts, soothing ingredients like rose water extract, blue tansy oil, and cooling agents step in to calm and comfort your skin, keeping everything in balance.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), blue tansy (anti-inflammatory), apple fruit extract (exfoliating and hydrating), rose water (soothing), glycerin (hydrating)
Concentration: 1.5 percent
Who It’s For: Acne-prone and oily skin
What We Love: May be less irritating than 2% formulations; contains anti-inflammatory ingredients and skin-soothers
What We Don’t: Not widely available
One of the best things about CeraVe’s beloved product range is the brand’s commitment to nourishing your skin barrier. Translation: Every one of its products is loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid and texture-improving niacinamide to give your skin exactly what it needs to stay healthy and balanced. Even when the goal is tackling acne, like with this best-selling drugstore cleanser, the brand still prioritizes hydration and skin health. It uses salicylic acid to banish whiteheads and blackheads and the aforementioned skin-care superheroes to keep your skin looking plump and bouncy.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating), niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming), glycerin and ceramides (hydrating)
Concentration: Unspecified
Who It’s For: Normal and acne-prone skin
What We Love: Available at drugstores nationwide; fragrance and essential oil-free
What We Don’t: Doesn’t remove makeup; exact concentration of salicylic acid isn't specified
What Is Salicylic Acid?
"Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that promotes exfoliation of dead skin cells, unclogs pores, making them look less noticeable, and regulates oil production, making it a great treatment for acne and skin congestion," says Dr. Shirazi. "It also helps reduce inflammation and smooths the skin surface, improving overall texture."
What to Look For in a Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- Percentage of the Active Ingredient
Salicylic acid is great, but you'll only reap the pore-declogging benefits when it's used at a high enough concentration. Make sure you read the label to see where your product falls on the spectrum. Two percent is the highest possible over-the-counter dosage and likely what you'll find in most of your cleansers. If you have very dry, sensitive skin, consider looking for a one percent formula. See a lower percentage? Chances are the formula is bolstered with a natural, salicylic acid alternative like willow bark.
- Alternative Acids
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, but a decent number of acne-fighting cleansers also contain alpha-hydroxy acids, like glycolic or lactic acid. While not necessary, the combination of both can help get rid of current blackheads and prevent other pimples by speeding up cell turnover.
What are the Benefits of a Salicylic Acid Cleanser?
As highlighted in this comprehensive piece, salicylic acid cleansers offer benefits far beyond treating and preventing breakouts. According to Dr. Shirazi, the main perks are as follows: "It helps clear clogged pores, reducing breakouts like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads and exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, which, in turn, can improve skin texture and smoothness.
Salicylic acid also helps control excess oil, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin," she continues. "It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and swelling associated with acne."
How Does Salicylic Acid Cleanser Work?
Salicylic acid cleanser works "by getting deep into the pores to clear out oil and debris. It exfoliates the skin, preventing clogged pores, regulating oil production, and breakouts while calming redness and inflammation," says Dr. Shirazi.
Who Should Avoid Salicylic Acid Cleanser?
Sorry, but salicylic acid isn’t a one-size-fits-all ingredient. "People with very dry, sensitive skin, or conditions like eczema or rosacea should avoid salicylic acid cleansers," says Dr. Shirazi. As for pregnant or breastfeeding women, they should "consult a doctor before use."
Will Salicylic Acid Cleanser Be Irritating?
Perhaps the biggest downside of salicylic acid is that it can be drying and cause irritation—especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. That’s why it’s important not to overdo it. “It is a mild exfoliant, so I wouldn’t combine a salicylic acid cleanser with too many other exfoliating products,” says Dr. Karp. “I would avoid using it with retinoids or other acids unless it’s already in the product as a combination.”
It’s also important to reinforce hydration with an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Meet the Dermatologists
Anna Karp, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York (SINY®). Dr. Karp specializes in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, and she treats adults and children at SINY’s® three offices in New York City’s West Village and Bay Ridge and Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York.
Dr. Karp is a native New Yorker, growing up on the South Shore of Long Island. After graduating magna cum laude with her bachelor of arts degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, she went on to earn her medical degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. She then completed dual residencies in Family Medicine and Dermatology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York.
During her residency, Dr. Karp presented at a number of local and national conferences, and she published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. She also served as Chief Resident during the final year.
Dr. Karp is an active fellow and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, and the American Medical Association. As a highly skilled dermatologist, she focuses on providing the highest level of individualized and compassionate care to all her patients.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and founder of AziMD Skincare. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University Of Kentucky College of Medicine. She then went on to do a Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine. She embodies a strong passion for dermatology and truly enjoys the art of aesthetics every day, and she can arguably be called the most skilled dermatologist La Jolla has to offer.
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