We Asked Dermatologists and Beauty Editors Which Salicylic Acid Cleansers Are Best for Acne—They Delivered With These 10 Picks
Just suds up and see.
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Oh, hi, hello! I'm assuming you've stumbled upon this page because (a) you'd do anything to cure your acne, and (b) there's an equally good chance you've f*cked with your face (see: red, inflamed skin) while trying to do so in the past. Well, allow me to introduce you to salicylic acid—the powerhouse chemical exfoliant that clears your blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil gently and effectively. The best and easiest way to start incorporating it into your skincare routine? A salicylic acid cleanser.
Listen, as easy as it is to go to the drugstore and pick up a new cleanser, take a beat. Though it's a gentler form of acne treatment, it can still cause dryness and irritation to those with sensitive skin. It also comes in many different concentrations and formulas, so finding the right product for you and your skin type is important. To get you started on your acne-clearing journey, I spent the last year testing the top formulas on the market to see how they reacted on my own skin, and consulted the pros on all the need-to-knows. (Hi, board-certified dermatologists Annie Chiu, MD, Lucy Chen, MD, Cheryl Burgess, MD, and Loren Krueger, MD!)
Pros
- Fragrance-free and lower concentration of salicylic acid is great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not a good option for removing heavier makeup
If you're new to chemical exfoliants or are sensitivity-prone and don't want to irritate your skin, this cleanser with a lower salicylic acid concentration is a good starting point. Board-certified dermatologist Lucy Chen recommends this three-in-one cleanser, saying it improves uneven skin tone, dullness, and helps prevent acne breakouts. "It is formulated with a soothing gel that calms and refreshes your skin, and it effectively cleanses without irritation," she says.
One Cosmo editor says: "This was my go-to cleanser for years (particularly immediately post-college when I was making next to nothing). It really helps calm down and eliminate my acne, but is less than $25."—BG
| Concentration | 0.5% |
| Other key ingredients | Arginine, panthenol |
Pros
- Gel texture foams up and is easy to spread across your skin
- Lactic acid can help smooth out uneven skin texture
- Helps control oil production
Cons
- Gel is quite thin, which can make it a bit messy to squeeze out of the tube
Why we love it: Although this cleanser smells like yummy, fresh pear juice, it's pretty damn tough on breakouts. The gel-to-foam formula is packed with 2 percent salicylic acid and lactic acid (which also happens to be brightening), as well as moisturizing lactobacillus ferment and soothing witch hazel.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've been a Sunday Riley fan since day one, so when I learned they were dropping a brand new acne line, I was so stoked to give it a try. There are four pieces in the collection—a mist, a serum, a retinol, and a cleanser, which I've been using every day for the last month. The jelly texture transforms into a fluffy foam to get rid of oil, makeup, and sunscreen, and the salicylic acid breaks down oil and dead skin cells. It's so good at keeping skin clear without causing irritation or dryness." —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| Concentration | 2% |
| Other key ingredients | Fermented pear juice, lactobacillus ferment, witch hazel |
Pros
- Packed with hydrating ingredients that counteract any potential dryness
- Huge bottle for a pretty reasonable price
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
- Not as potent as others on this list
Why we love it: Winner of a Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award, this salicylic acid cleanser is a fantastic beginner exfoliating cleanser. It's fairly gentle and actually soothes inflamed skin as it sloughs away some dead skin.
One Cosmo editor says: “I thought cleansers could either be moisturizing and soothing or exfoliating and clarifying. Not both. But this fully proved me wrong—it foams up to a lovely lather that doesn’t dry out my skin but definitely helps break down oil.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Concentration | 1% |
| Other key ingredients | Glycerin, zinc PCA |
Pros
- Uses a strong concentration of salicylic acid but still doesn't dry out your skin
- Cosmo Acne Award winner
Cons
- There's nothing we didn't like about this formula
Almost every single dermatologist recommends the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. Dr. Chen explains that this gel cleanser uses salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to remove gunk and dead skin, and it's a great choice for a multitude of skin types, including sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It works to target acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, all while being oil-free. "It has a lightweight formula that does not contain harsh scrub particles that may irritate the skin," says Dr. Chen.
A Cosmo expert says: “This cleanser is effective for those who struggle with blackheads and whiteheads, thanks to the 2 percent salicylic acid in the formula, which helps target excess oil and unclogs pores. I use this twice a week and always bring it with me while traveling to help prevent unwanted breakouts. It leaves my skin feeling clean but still hydrated, unlike other salicylic acid products that can be drying and irritating.” —CONNIE YANG, MD, DERMATOLOGIST
| Concentration | 2% |
| Other key ingredients | Glycerin, zinc gluconate |
Pros
- Formulated with hydrating glycerin and antioxidants
Cons
- Very light concentration of salicylic acid, which is great for sensitive skin, but may take longer to see results
Why we love it: If you're committed to clean beauty, try this purifying gel cleanser that's also an incredibly gentle option for those with sensitive skin. According to dermatologist Annie Chiu, the salicylic acid in the cleanser reduces your oil and sebum, while grape polyphenols and essential oils help reduce inflammation. "Grapeseed oil promotes a healthy skin barrier that leaves your skin clean but not over-stripped or tight," she says.
One Cosmo editor says: "A few days a week, I love sudsing up with this in the morning. It makes my skin feel fresh and clean, but not at all stripped (perfect before makeup application)."—BG
| Concentration | 0.2% |
| Other key ingredients | Grape water, aloe vera |
Pros
- Addresses and soothes redness
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
Why we love it: If you struggle with acne and redness, this clarifying cleanser by Tata Harper is a great clean choice. The face wash uses salicylic and lactic acid from willow bark while "balancing with ingredients, like honey and chlorella, to soothe redness for those with acne," says Dr. Chiu. Oh, and if you needed any more convincing—even Taylor Swift is a fan.
One shopper says: "After stopping birth control in my 30s, my skin went from being a little dry but no pimples in 10 years to I-must-be-back-in-high-school-oily. I was breaking out every day and none of my previous makeup or skin care worked for my skin when my hormones changed. I probably tried eight different types over 10 weeks and this was the ONLY cleanser that didn’t make me break out."
| Concentration | <2% |
| Other key ingredients | Prickly pear flower enzyme, chlorella |
Pros
- Extremely gentle formula that's fragrance-free and won't irritate even the most sensitive of skin
Cons
- Not a super intense concentration of salicylic acid, so it'll take time to see results
Another cult-favorite salicylic acid face wash is the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. Dermatologist Loren Krueger recommends this as an option for those looking for something affordable. Another fan, Dr. Chiu explains that this cleanser is among one of the gentlest formulas in the bunch. "This gentle salicylic acid cleanser removes oil and dead skin cells while promoting a healthy skin barrier with ceramides," she says. If you have sensitive skin, consider CeraVe. The product has no physical exfoliants and "utilizes ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to smooth and soften skin."
One Cosmo editor says: "This probably my favorite face wash of all time, which is really saying a lot considering I’ve literally tested hundreds in my 10-year career as a beauty editor. I’m ranking it below the Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser because not everyone needs an exfoliating cleanser in their routine, but damn, it’s a good one. The exfoliation comes from salicylic acid, but it’s honestly really gentle, you don’t need to worry about overdoing it, IMO. I love it for removing makeup, giving my skin a deep clean, and smoothing any bumpy, uneven texture."—LB
| Concentration | >1% |
| Other key ingredients | Ceramides |
Pros
- Uses allantoin to soothe and calm your skin
Cons
- Some testers say it works better on smaller breakouts rather than larger ones
If you haven't heard of INKEY, you're seriously missing out. Not only are the products gaining an increasing amount of popularity, but they're also incredibly inexpensive. The best thing about this salicylic acid cleanser is that it can be used on virtually any type of skin—oily, normal, and combination. It's a light and foamy face wash that unclogs those pores and reduces acne while also soothing your skin with allantoin.
One Cosmo editor says: "I used to rely on a salicylic acid serum to help gently exfoliate and reduce blackheads, but to simplify my routine, I’ve started doubling up with this exfoliating gel cleanser too. I reach for it after working out (because seriously, why is every class heated nowadays?) to wash away the dirt, bacteria, and sweat that accumulate on my skin.In addition to salicylic acid, which helps clear clogged pores, this formula features a zinc compound to tackle oiliness as well as allantoin to soothe my skin—both key for anyone dealing with acne."—IMAN BALAGAM, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
| Concentration | 2% |
| Other key ingredients | Allantoin, zinc |
Pros
- Affordable and widely available at drugstores and online
Cons
- Pretty strong formula, so you'll need to follow up with a good moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out
Search "salicylic acid cleanser" on Google, and more than likely, Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash will be one of the first products to appear, considering it's "the quintessential classic salicylic acid cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin," Dr. Chiu says. The affordable price point makes it a great option for those looking for a tried-and-true product without spending a ton of $$. According to Dr. Chiu, the cleanser dries out pimples while soothing the skin with aloe and chamomile.
One shopper says: "Nothing works like this specific Neutrogena facial cleanser for my acne-prone skin! I keep coming back to this over the years. It's a strong formula, so definitely needs to be followed with a moisturizer. But it works great on my acne and a significant improvement is visible within a couple of uses."
| Concentration | 2% |
| Other key ingredients | Aloe, chamomile |
Pros
- Treats acne on contact, and continues to do so after it's washed off
Cons
- Will need to follow up with a good moisturizer
This cleanser is ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin due to using time-released salicylic acids. Dr. Chiu says that a time-released salicylic acid is a free form of the ingredient that works to clear pores on contact and an encapsulated form that continues to treat the skin even after you rinse.
One shopper says: "I've been getting more and more breakouts recently, more than just the occasional breakout on the chin or forehead but everywhere. It was like I was in my teens again. Bought this and after a few days of using it at night, and it has really cleared everything up without drying out my skin. It lathers really well so you only need like a pea-sized amount."
| Concentration | 1.5% |
| Other key ingredients | Green tea extract |
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that comes from bark willow, a natural substance, making it a natural ingredient, explains dermatologist Cheryl Burgess, MD. It's most commonly known for "helping clear pores of dirt, reducing acne-causing sebum production at the follicular level, and dissolving dead skin cells," says dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, penetrates deep into the pores, and acts as a chemical exfoliant, it can greatly help reduce mild acne while working to prevent future breakouts, Chiu explains to Cosmo.
In dermatology or skincare, the ingredient salicylic acid is most commonly used in a topical form. It is approved anywhere up to 2 percent by the FDA for over-the-counter sales and the mass market, making it readily available for purchase in many different forms. If you need a higher dosage for specific concerns, it can be prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist under their supervision and care.
What else can salicylic acid treat other than acne?
Salicylic acid can also be used to treat other skin issues and concerns due to its exfoliating properties. They include, but are not limited, to:
- Wart and callus removal
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Scars
- Dandruff
- Skin disorders (such as psoriasis and ichthyosis)
How to choose the best salicylic acid cleansers:
Consider your skin type
According to Dr. Chiu, the cleanser you choose should depend on your skin type, age, and primary skin concern. A salicylic acid cleanser comes in two forms: 1) a soapy and lathery consistency, which is best for oily skin, and 2) a soapless preparation, which is best for dryer skin, explains Dr. Burgess. Then, depending on your skin type, she adds, you can choose between 0.5, 1, or a 2 percent salicylic acid concentration. It is important to note that the higher the concentration of salicylic acid in the cleanser, the more drying it can be.
Know how to get the full benefits
Although a lot of us may be used to throwing on, lathering up, and immediately rinsing a cleanser off, Dr. Burgess has a recommendation to get the full effect of the salicylic acid cleanser: You want to suds it up, put it on your skin, and let it sit on there for maybe a minute or two. By doing this extra step, the top layer of the skin is softened, and the active ingredient can penetrate just a little bit more. You'll subsequently see more response versus just washing your face and then abruptly rinsing, she says.
Incorporate it into your skincare routine slowly
When using a salicylic acid cleanser, it is important to let your skin be the guide, explains dermatologist Loren Krueger, MD. "I would recommend starting the use of a salicylic acid cleanser either every other morning or each morning," Dr. Krueger says, adding that using the cleanser too frequently at the beginning of your treatment can potentially lead to irritation. "If you are tolerating well at once daily yet have room for improvement in your skin, you can bounce it up to twice daily," she says.
"Everyone's skin can react differently," says dermatologist Lucy Chen, MD. "Common side effects include burning, peeling, dry, flaky skin, and inflammation, especially at the start of treatment," she says, adding that if any of these effects worsen or continue, make sure to consult your doctor because sometimes, all you may need to change is the amount of the drug or how frequently you're using it. If you are experiencing dryness, apply a gentle, fragrance-free face moisturizer after cleansing.
Meet the experts:
- Annie Chiu, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Manhattan Beach, CA.
- Lucy Chen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, FL.
- Cheryl Burgess, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Seattle, WA.
- Loren Krueger, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best blackhead removal tools and the best clear sunscreens. She feels especially knowledgeable about salicylic acid cleansers, thanks to being a beauty editor and therefore trying a million different formulas. She regularly tests and analyzes salicylic acid cleansers on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories.
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