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?
My sister has used the Murad for many years and likes it.
it’s so good definitely my fav too
Hard to know what to spend your money on, I have bought heaps for my son and then he doesn’t use it, either he does not like the smell, then feel, or just forgets, argh!
So difficult, sorry that your son doesn’t use the products you have bought him. Maybe a good idea to take him with you when you buy?
Have never used a salicylic acid Cleanser before but I wouldn’t mind trying the Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser or the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser.
i’ve heard it’s good
When I had the acne, I used the Avene Clearance Cleanser gel. It was rather mild.
oh okay thanks i might try then when i have flare ups
Never used one before.
you need to try the Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser it’s so good
Great range to chose from! X
yes nice to see so many choices and price ranges
Lots of good options at different price points mentioned here. I wish there was some kind of flow chart that said if you are using these products don’t use them with these. I get worried when using different acids or actives on my face and how they will all react.
just make sure you space it out
I’m not sure if my Purastat one has it but I think it does as it tends to work like one with SA in it.
I’d love to try the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel now my skin has gotten more advanced
oh okay i’ll try that next time
No, never paid attention to acids in cleansers as I wash them off straight away.
So many I have yet to try!
Totally agree, there’s just too many options out there
righht!!
Thankfully I left acne behind years ago
I love trying different cleansers
same here
Skinceuticals makes very concentrated serums, so would love to try this
Haven’t tried any of those.
Thanks for the info
I’m using the Paula’s Choice one on my son as he has the worst acne. It’s a constant battle!
oh hope it clears up
Anything with salicylic acid is good for zits. That Neutrogena one is pretty good.
I like the Neutrogena one as well.
Not sure why a cleanser with acid is necessary when it’s a wash off product.
It seems to help with oily skin prone to break outs
Good article and good options an prices
They are great for acne.
I have never heard of Murad. But great suggestions here.
I fancy the Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser. Looks good and well priced
I have the Murad one and the SkinC one and love them both. Would love to try some of the others. 😀
I use the neutrogena one that’s orange but really need another one that’s more suited for drier skin. salicylic acid works great on me, it’s perfect to clear up zits overnight
I have used Neutrogena since I was a teenager
I’ve used the Neutrogena one before and liked it.
Thanks, a great and very helpful read. Amazing products to try and the benefits sound wonderful.
This is not much of a problem for me now, but it certainly was as a teen.
I haven’t tried any Murad products. Must do so.
the inkey list have an anazing one
I really like the CeraVe one – super effective and much more affordable!
So many choices. Thanks for the information on these products.
Saving this link because salycilic acid cleansers work so well with my skin.
same here
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser is a must it works so well
I’ve used the la rosche posay one and I really liked it.
I have never used a salicylic acid cleanser before – but would happily try it out.
I haven’t used this type of product before, I don’t think that it would suit my dry and sensitive skin.
I havent tried a salicylic acid cleanser before, but im keen to give it a go soon