Sometimes the best way to treat your acne is also the easiest: a medicated cleanser and a simple noncomedogenic skincare routine.
While benzoyl peroxide cleansers are the top choice for inflammatory pimples, if your acne presents as clogged pores, blackheads, and oily skin, a better option might be salicylic acid, an exfoliant known for its ability to cut through oil to clear pores. We’ve rounded up 8 of the best salicylic acid cleansers to help you find the right one.
Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers
There is a salicylic acid cleanser out there for every budget and preference. While wash-off treatments are generally a good option for sensitive skin, salicylic acid can still be strong if you aren’t used to it, so it’s best to ease in by using your salicylic acid cleanser a couple of times a week to start before building up to every day if your skin can tolerate it.
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser Acne Face Wash with 0.5% Salicylic Acid
This gentle salicylic acid cleanser from Paula's Choice helps dissolve pore-clogging oil and debris without irritating sensitive skin. A low strength of 0.5% salicylic acid in a gel texture will refresh your skin and clear your pores, while glycerin, arginine, and panthenol help soothe and hydrate. With this formula you can enjoy the benefits of salicylic acid without flaking or dryness.
- Lower strength 0.5% salicylic acid
- Good choice for sensitive skin
- May not be strong enough for some skin types
Clinique Acne Solutions Daily Foam Cleanser With 1.5% Salicylic Acid
Clinique's Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam is a self-foaming cleanser that gently removes dirt and excess oil from your skin. In addition to 1.5% salicylic acid, it also contains acetyl glucosamine to help clear dead skin cells that can block pores, and Laminaria saccharina extract, which can prevent the buildup of oil. As an added benefit, caffeine and sea whip extract reduce inflammation and redness.
- Self foaming pump
- Balanced 1.5% salicylic acid
- Can reduce inflammation and redness
- Expensive
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and LHA
La Roche-Posay's gel cleanser is our top choice for oily skin types because it thoroughly cleanses and dissolves oil with 2% salicylic acid. It was even tested to reduce excess surface oil by up to 47%, so it can help keep skin less oily during the day. It also contains lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), which has exfoliating and skin renewing properties, and glycerin to help the skin retain moisture.
- Full strength 2% salicylic acid
- Added LHA to help exfoliate
- May be strong for sensitive skin
TULA Skin Care Keep It Clear Foam Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Probiotics
Tula's Keep it Clear foam cleanser helps you treat your current acne while also tackling hyperpigmentation left behind from previous breakouts. It uses 2% salicylic acid to clear pores and prevent acne, and adds brightening azelaic acid and licorice to fade acne marks. Tea tree oil, ginger, and probiotic extract help to soothe and calm the look of irritation.
- Self foaming pump
- Azelaic acid and licorice fade acne marks
- Probiotic extracts to soothe
- Expensive
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, and Oil Absorbing Clay
The Acne Control Cleanser from CeraVe is a gel-to-foam cleanser formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which can exfoliate dead skin cells and penetrate the oil in pores. It also contains oil-absorbing hectorite clay, which, together with the salicylic acid can clear blackheads, unclog and improve the appearance of pores, and prevent future breakouts. Niacinamide, ceramides, and glycerin help to strengthen and support the skin barrier.
- Great value for larger size
- Clay to absorb excess oil
- Ceramides to support skin barrier
- May be too drying for some skin types
Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser with Natural Salicylic Acid
The Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser from Caudalie combines effective treatment with natural ingredients. It uses a natural salicylic acid that is extracted from the wintergreen plant to help clear pores, and polyphenol-rich grape water for antioxidants. With a light scent from essential oils, it can make acne treatment feel like a visit to a French spa.
- Antioxidant-rich grape water
- 99% natural origin ingredients
- Essential oils may be irritating for some skin types
- Undisclosed percentage of salicylic acid
Avène Cleanance ACNE Clearing Gel Cleanser for Sensitive Skin with 2% Salicylic Acid
The Cleanance Acne Clearing Gel from Avene is formulated for skin that is oily, acne-prone, and sensitive. With full-strength 2% salicylic acid, it can clear excess oil and prevent acne. It also contains the probiotic Lactobacillus ferment lysas and Avene thermal water to balance the microbiome, which is important for supporting the skin barrier of sensitive skin.
- Full strength 2% salicylic acid
- Probiotic and thermal water to balance microbiome
- May be strong for some skin types
Murad Clarifying Cleanser Acne Control with 1.5% Salicylic Acid and Green Tea Extract
Murad's Clarifying Cleanser contains 1.5% salicylic acid, which can be a sweet spot for people whose skin does not tolerate full strength. It also uses not one, but two types of salicylic acid, one works right away, and one is encapsulated and stays on your skin even after rinsing to continue clearing pores and preventing acne. Green tea extract helps soothe any irritation.
- 1.5% encapsulated salicylic acid
- Green tea extract soothes skin
- Contains fragrance
