Hormonal acne? Oily? Blackheads? Whiteheads? Sounds like your face needs a deep, nourishing cleanse. So why not level up your AM and PM wash by opting for a cleanser that’s been enriched with arguably the most effective breakout-banishing ingredient? Yep, we’re talking about the best salicylic acid cleansers.
However, as we’ve learnt (some of us the hard way, with flaky dry patches taking over) not all salicylic acid products are built the same. With each formulation offering different percentages and accompanying ingredients, it’s easy to pick one that’s not quite right for your complexion.
So, to ensure you’re getting a deep clean and clog clear out, here are the most suitable and best salicylic acid cleansers for your skin type and concerns.
What are the benefits of a salicylic acid cleanser?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) which has earned itself the reputation as being one of the most effective acne-fighting skin care ingredients in existence. On top of managing acne-prone skin and helping to eliminate existing breakout zones, salicylic acid also works towards maintaining the overall clarity of our complexion by dissolving dirt and dead skin as well as reducing the production of excess sebum.
Is it ok to use a salicylic acid cleanser every day?
Unless specified in the product guidelines, yes, it is safe to use a salicylic acid cleanser every day.
Best salicylic acid cleanser for acne
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
$48 at Murad
We say: Though it dispenses as a gel, this cleanser quickly transforms into a rich acne-busting lather. Formulated with two different types of salicylic acid, this cleanser works to eliminate existing breakouts and prevent future acne flare-ups.
Best salicylic acid cleanser for sensitive skin
Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$22 at Paula’s Choice
We say: This soothing gel cleanser is as gentle as salicylic acid-enriched formulations get. Built to refresh and calm irritable skin thanks to its hydrating blend of panthenol and glycerin, this cleanser includes 0.5 per cent salicylic acid to help dissolve dirt from your pores and slow down the production of excess sebum.
You say: “My skin is looking brighter, my pores are less apparent and my blemishes are reduced. I feel confident when I use this cleanser as it leaves me with clean and clearer skin. The cleanser is a gel and it foams up fine. You only need to use a small amount.” – Beautybabe140194
Want to know more? Read Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser reviews here…
Best natural salicylic acid cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
$39 at Sephora
We say: On top of using 100 per cent natural salicylic acid, this nourishing gel cleanser has been enriched with grape seed polyphenols and rose water to soothe redness and eliminate blemishes without causing any dryness.
Best salicylic acid cleanser for oily skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
$19.39 at Chemist Warehouse
We say: You’ll be hard-pressed finding a dermatologist who won’t point you in the direction of La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel. Ideal for oily skin types or those who are prone to acne breakouts, this non-stripping formulation will eliminate impurities and keep complexions calm and clear.
You say: “Got rid of my pimples, my blemishes, and my skin doesn’t get oily so fast. It still does get oily but only at the end of the day. SO impressed with its effect on my blemishes, which I thought would be there for ever. They’ve gone.” – Winchester
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel reviews here…
Best drugstore salicylic acid cleanser
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
$16 at Big W
We say: It’s a bad day to be a blackhead, whitehead or clogged pore when this cleanser is around. Penetrating deep within the pores, this Neutrogena cleanser quickly dissolves any buildup of dirt that leads to the formation of breakouts.
You say: “I find that this cleanser leaves my face feeling clean but without the astringent tightness that many other cleansers leave behind.” – Vthj
Want to know more? Read Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser reviews here…
Best salicylic acid for ageing skin
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel
$67 at Adore Beauty
We say: Designed for ageing skin that’s prone to a breakout, the SkinCeuticals formula uses a cell-by-cell exfoliating technique to unclog pores as it resurfaces fine lines and wrinkles.
Want to know more? Read SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel reviews here…
Main image credit: @hoooooyeony
Have you ever used a salicylic acid cleanser? If so, which one did you use?
These sound like great cleansers for problematic skin, a good selection to choose from.
I want to try that La roche posay one. I've tried their spf 50 sunscreen and it was awesome. I've been having the worst adult acne lately so I need these
I've found salicylic acid to be much more effective in a toner (left on the skin) than in a cleanser that's washed off.
That’s great to know!
That makes sense, Bun.
I loved Neutrogena Deep Clean products in my 20s when I had problems with combination skin and acne. The range has been around for ages and I would recommend to young people with skin issues. Now I don't need salicylic acid as my skin is totally different. Now I stick with Vitamin C, hylaronic acid and niaciamide.
Doc. Dray swears by it too.
This S. Acid is such a great thing for those wanting relief from congested skin.
I’ve never had these problems, so therefore don’t really need these kind of cleansers. But I will say that Olay cleansers are great value for money, and there’s plenty of different varieties to choose from. They are can often be found on sale in various places too.
I have used both the Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Foaming Cleanser and Swisse Olive Leaf Gel Cleanser and really liked them both.
I think I've got the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel to use in my stash.
I’d love to try that!
I’ve used the Ultraceuticals foaming cleanser and the Dermalogica special cleansing gel love them both.
Good to know.
The Swisse Olive Leaf cleanser looks interesting.
So many different options with different budget ranges for salicylic acid
Spam below, BH please remove.
I was expecting to see Kora organic since Miranda Kerr’s photo was used
Didn't know that salicylic acid cleanser was an important ingredient for acne removal, I do get the occasional spots even at my age.
Olay have some lovelt cleansers. Im using one in my shower at the moment.
I keep Neutrogena Deep Clean in my cupboard but I don't use it regularly. I only use it when my skin feels dirty. It does a fab job.
La roche Posay products are good.
I didn't realise the Olay cream cleanser contained Salycylic acid. I have one in stock which I may give to my son to use as he is getting pimples on his nose.
I'm currently using the Swisse olive leaf gel cleanser. It actually contains more glycolic acid that salicylic acid (as in glycolic acid is listed before salicylic acid). It's quite gentle as well and doesn't sting the eyes.
The Neutrogena oil free acne wash was my favourite
Need it
Want to try Swisse one.
I love dermalogica
Acne isn't an issue for me
Some good products here to consider trying
Good suggestions for those who need this type of cleanser but I don't need any of those.
Thanks Jupiter, this is good to know.
I've marked laimcooper4, many posts below as spam.
Thanks, jupiter! I think Swisse are Aussie-made, so I might give this one a go!
There's quite a few products here that I would love to try. Must use up my current products first before I buy anything new though…
I use a lactic acid one from Skinstitut.
I have used the Ultraceuticals Foaming cleanser and love it.
These look effective, was expecting to see one of Mirandas products here
I haven't tried salycilic acid.
The olive leaf cleanser sounds tempting and Swisse skincare is good value for money
Even in my fourties I get the dreaded zits – but only in certain areas. I like to target treatment to affected areas.
Haven't tried a salicylic acid cleanser but would love to especially if it helps get rid of clogged pores
I've reported the spam on this page.
So many products to choose from for cleansing, all with different benefits.
Ignore those spammers recommendations and links though. Seems BH still can't keep them out.
I've reported the spam by jasonwong1, Lucy Morgan and laimcooper4.
I have been a fan of Neutrogena for years and have used the deep clean products such as the cleanser
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Some great products featured thanks BH!
Will need to save this article as I am currently in the middle of an acne breakout.
Haven’t tried any of these ones. Heard great things about LRP cleansers though so will need to get one.
The Nutrogena is one I’d like to try.
Love a salicylic acid cleanser! Works so well when I have breakouts
I need to buy one of these cleansers for my youngest son, he is currently dealing with breakouts
I had no idea salicylic acid was in Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser – there you go!