These Are The Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers

by
These Are The Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers

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?

Keep reading

What Our Community Really Thinks Of The Biggest Cult Beauty Products

What Our Community Really Thinks Of The Biggest Cult Beauty Products

Makeup — October 5, 2021

Share your thoughts

Comments 109

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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