13 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers in 2023 for Acne-Prone, Sensitive, and oily Skin, Per Dermatologist
By Nicole Saunders | Beauty & Health Editor at Women’s Health
Salicylic acid face washes have helped transform my skin from pimply to minimal breakouts. That’s because this ingredient is a workhorse that targets stubborn acne, clogged pores, and excess oil. And I know it works because whenever I stop using a salicylic acid cleanser, my skin starts looking dull and my blackheads and acne become more frequent.
So how does salicylic acid even work? "It's a chemical exfoliant—specifically a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)—that cuts through oil to remove dirt and buildup deep down into the pores, resulting in clearer skin," says dermatologist Dr. Bradley Glodny, MD. You can find this powerhouse acid in many beauty products, "but using them in a cleanser really helps clean the skin by removing the outer layer of the epidermis."
I’ve been using salicylic acid face washes for three years. I also chatted with a few dermatologists for their expert guidance into shopping for and using these cleansers.
What To Consider
Before you rush over to Amazon to buy a salicylic acid cleanser, there are few things you'll want to keep in mind:
Key Ingredients
Dermatologists Dr. Rebecca Marcus, MD, and Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, recommend a slew of salicylic acid cleansers (see below, wink wink), but they all have one common thread: a mix of other skin-loving ingredients to elevate your results.
Hyaluronic acid is like a tall glass of water for dry skin. This moisture magnet holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water for intense hydration and skin plumping, making it also helpful for mature skin types.
Ceramides are fats, sometimes called lipids, naturally found in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of skin. Ceramides help with hydration and protect the skin from dryness and inflammation, dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, previously told WH. The popular ingredient is helpful for someone with sensitive skin. Glycerin is a humectant that draws in water into the deeper skin layers for extra hydration.
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that works with a variety of skin types and can be adapted to help your beauty goals. For oily or acne-prone skin, it helps minimize the excess sebum, dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, recently told WH. It also calms and reinforces the skin barrier for dry and sensitive skin types, and acts as a gentle brightener for dull complexions.
Aloe vera is a must-have if you’re dealing with sensitive, red, or irritated skin. This ingredient is practical for soothing, hydrating, and calming inflammation, dermatologist Dr. Ana Chacon, MD, told us in our guide to the best aloe vera gels.
Your Skin Type And The Texture Of Face Washes
A cream or gel isn't just about personal preference—different textures are better for specific skin types. "A cream face wash may be better for someone with more dry or sensitive skin as it tends to be more hydrating, while a foaming or gel wash is better for those with oily skin as it works to remove excess oil," says Dr. Garshick.
Percentage Of Salicylic Acid
Over the counter skincare products have a concentration between 0.5 to 2%, says Dr. Garshick. Anything stronger than that requires a prescription from your local dermatologist. "The higher the concentration the more potent the ingredient, making washes containing 2% especially good for acne. Those with sensitive skin may prefer to opt for a lower percentage or a formula that also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients to minimize irritation," says Dr. Garshick.
But if you're looking to bust serious breakouts and your skin can tolerate it, stick with the max. Dr. Marcus says that a 2% concentration of salicylic acid in your face wash is the recommended amount needed to clear acne. If you go any lower than the recommended concentration, your cleanser may not be super effective at combatting blemishes.
To go even harder on treating acne, Dr. Garshick says you can use products like salicylic acid spot treatments or creams in conjunction with a salicylic acid cleanser. "Alternatively, salicylic acid-containing products can be incorporated at different times of the day, with a cleanser in the morning and a leave-on product in the evening."
How We Selected
I’ve been a beauty journalist for nearly nine years, and salicylic acid is my all-time favorite ingredient. As our beauty editor, I’ve carefully tested almost every major salicylic acid product on the market. To start our hands-on testing process, I rummaged through the expansive Women’s Health beauty closet and my at-home collection to find potential options. I spent hours analyzing the concentration of salicylic acid alongside standout ingredients like ceramides and lactic acid. I considered formulations for various skin types, pricing, product availability, and average star ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.
To further refine our list, I ensured each salicylic acid face wash was aligned with guidance from board-certified dermatologists I consulted with. For an added layer of transparency, I asked each doctor about their no-fail recommendations, and got my hands on those face washes. (Hello, two day Prime shipping!)
Next, I opened up the testing to our team, including beauty director Brian Underwood, associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and contributing beauty writer Celia Shatzman. They answered questions on everything from their skin type and skin concerns like acne and rosacea to how these cleansers performed over the initial three-month testing window. It’s been over a year since we first published this story, and during that timeframe we continued testing these face washes and tried a slew of new ones. We included more in-depth feedback and eliminated cleansers that no longer perform as well as they used to. We also added newer additions that earned high marks during our year-long-plus testing window.
So, what are you waiting for? See below for the seven best salicylic acid cleansers for your skin type, whether you struggle with hormonal acne or you're looking to reduce oil buildup.
CeraVe Acne Control Face Cleanser
With an affordable price tag, stellar brand reputation, and a gentle-yet-effective formula that works with all skin types, CeraVe Acne Control was our clear winner. It comes highly recommended by dermatologists like Dr. Garshick . "This acne wash helps reduce breakouts and gently exfoliates the skin with oil-absorbing hectorite clay," she says. Notably, hectorite clay also helps remove excess shine, making it essential for combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.
But don’t worry, it provides the right balance of hydration and minimal shine, without overstripping your gentle skin. Along with salicylic acid, it's formulated with niacinamide and ceramides to ensure the skin isn't dry or irritated, making CeraVe the Goldilocks of salicylic acid face washes. "The combination of salicylic acid with niacinamide and ceramides makes this easy to tolerate without sensitivity or irritation," Dr. Garshick says. "Niacinamide can help to calm inflammation while ceramides help to support the skin barrier."
Shatzman has sensitive skin and found that this face wash’s creamy consistency turns into a light foam and removes grime from her face without leaving it thirsty for extra hydration."It left my skin feeling refreshed—translation: no more excess oil—but still very hydrated,” says Shatzman.
Underwood is also a huge fan of this drugstore wash. "This is a no-frills, fragrance-free option that gets the job done," he says. "My skin is on the oily-to-combination side and it makes it feel clean and refreshed without being overstripped. For such a powerful formula, it's almost as if you don't need to use a moisturizer after—there's not even a hint of tightness."
If your skin is too sensitive for salicylic acid, this gentle cleanser–which uses a willow bark substitute–is the solution.. Willow bark is a natural alternative because it contains salicin, which is where salicylic is derived from, Dr. Garshick says.
The cleanser also contains the hydrating plant extract centella asiatica, which “is good for sensitive skin as it can help to reduce inflammation,” Dr. Garshick says. Dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, adds that the powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and when applied topically, it can also promote skin healing.
Shatzman has sensitive skin and was immediately impressed by how calming the formula is. "A lightweight gel, it's super gentle on skin and has a delicate feel to it," she says. "It left my skin clean and very soft. I noticed it felt less oily throughout the day after using it in the morning."
This face wash has light astringent properties to temporarily minimize the appearance of pore size, which is a definite win for anyone with blackheads. Though it’s important to remember, nothing can actually shrink your pore size, just the look of them. Regardless, this lightweight gel cleanser is worth adding to your routine as long as you’re willing to splurge around $50 on a face wash, and don’t mind the watery texture. Given the consistency, it’s easy for things to get a tad messy when using, but truthfully our acne-free results speak for themselves.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Cleanser
This salicylic acid cleanser also contains lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), a great ingredient to reduce blackheads, Dr. Garshick says. “LHA helps get rid of dead skin cells, making it especially good to address stubbornly clogged pores.”
She also suggests this face wash because it is gentle enough to be used daily without irritation. Plus, it’s a helpful option for anyone who wants to avoid using a harsh scrub that can cause microtears in the skin.
As someone with oily but sensitive skin, Shatzman is a big fan of this cleanser. “Between the crisp, clean scent and the gel consistency, this feels very refreshing,” she says. “When lathered onto skin with water, it transforms into a mild, gentle foam. As someone with very oily skin, I appreciate that this washed away excess sebum without leaving my skin feeling taut or too dry."
Given the mattifying effect and oil control benefits for combination and oily skin types, those who have dryer skin should skip this face wash. It could be helpful as a weekly treatment , but there are better daily cleansers for dry skin, such as the CeraVe and Cetaphil Gentle Clear.
Cetaphil Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser
Cetaphil proves that you don’t need to splurge to enjoy a high-quality face wash with salicylic acid. It’s jam-packed with the maximum 2% BHA concentration, which is typically found in more expensive picks. On sale for just $7 a bottle, you can order six of these cleansers for the same price as the $48 SkinMedica cleanser. Like other pricier options, Cetaphil has a creamy formula that’s gentle and hydrating to dry and sensitive skin types without disrupting your lipid barrier. It’s also enriched with soothing aloe vera and antioxidant-rich white tea, making it a must-have for your sensitive, red, or stressed skin.
"I'm not usually one to like a cream cleanser, but this one has won me over time and time again (seriously, I think I've bought it 10 times)," says Wohlner. "Although it's super thick and creamy when it comes out of the bottle, it transforms into a luscious foam when applied to the skin. Once you wash it off, you see and feel the effects of the deep-cleansing salicylic acid—your face will have that fresh-looking shine, but it won't feel dry or stripped."
While Wohlner adores Cetaphil's thick and creamy consistency, someone with super oily skin might find it almost too nourishing. Reach for something more mattifying, like the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Cleanser.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Cleanser
This top-rated cleanser has a proprietary Microclear technology that gets deep into the pores to deliver salicylic acid deep into your pores. Its unique delivery method removes stubborn blackheads and reduces breakouts over time, says Dr. Garshick. And because it’s non-comedogenic and works on all skin types, the New York-based dermatologist suggests using it on your body. That's because some body skin can be more delicate and sensitive with fewer sebaceous glands than the face. You can store a bottle in your gym locker to target pesky chest and back acne, while using your favorite body wash elsewhere. It lightly foams up and cleanses away dirt without overstripping your skin.
The cult classic cleanser has been around for years, and there's no question why our team of discerning editors and thousands of Amazon reviewers still love it. “But the formula has evolved since my days as a teen with acne—in the best way,” Shatzman says. “The sharp scent is gone, and so is that tight feeling. The gel is satisfyingly thick, works into a nice lather, and your face feels crisp and clean when you rinse it off. My skin felt less oily immediately after.”
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
I’ve been using this cleanser for nearly a year after my dermatologist steered me away from a lifelong allegiance to physical exfoliants. SkinMedica’s cleanser combines salicylic acid with four types of chemical exfoliants (AHAs)—lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid—that leaves my face brighter over time. It also contains round, soft jojoba spheres for a gentle polish that allows me to still enjoy the sensation of a physical exfoliant without the harshness of other scrubs.
With each cleanse, my skin is noticeably soft, supple, and smooth. When my hormonal acne gets brutal, I’ll always reach for this face wash. After three days of twice daily use, I notice those zits are always completely flat. SkinMedica also contains citrus oils to help refresh my skin and minimize the appearance of my large pores, while lavender extract gently tones and soothes inflammation without the need for another pricey face toner. No wonder it earned major snaps in our 2023 Women’s Health Skincare Awards.
At $46, SkinMedica is one of the priciest face washes on this list, but each bottle lasts me several months. If I use the cleanser twice daily then it lasts me three months, which is around $15 a month. If I use this wash once daily then it lasts me around four months, which is the equivalent of $11.50 each month. And if you have acne-prone dry or sensitive skin then this cleanser could easily last you five or six months before you need a restock, dipping the monthly cost per use to a low $7.60.
Truthfully, this is my gold star salicylic acid face wash. The only downside I can think of is that you should skip this cleanser if you just strictly want chemical exfoliation. Some people might find the texture off-putting, but I find it provides an effective and spa-like sensory experience. That said, if you want an effective product that will last for months and don’t mind the combination of physical and chemical exfoliation then SkinMedica will definitely become your go-to cleanser.
Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash
When Wohlner’s acne became too much to bear, she turned to Revision’s brightening face wash. Within weeks it cleared her “seriously bad acne” and quickly earned the top face wash spot in her routine. "I found that it soothed my red, irritated blemishes, but it also removed the day's impurities and left my skin feeling exfoliated and looking much brighter and more radiant almost immediately after cleansing,” she says. “Whenever I have a little breakout or my skin is having a rough week, I reach for this staple (she has a forever home under my sink in case of emergency)."
Bright skin is smooth skin, and this formula taps both AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) to chemically exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that can leave your complexion looking dull. It's also spiked with vitamin C, licorice and lily extract to brighten even more.
Is it OK to use a salicylic acid cleanser daily?
"The oil solubility of salicylic acid helps it penetrate and unclog pores, which makes this ingredient great for those with congested skin, oily skin, or clogged pores," says dermatologist Dr. Courtney Rubin, MD. But, can you use them every day? Dr. Garshick says it depends on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, then you can cleanse with a salicylic acid face wash up to a few times weekly, while someone with oily skin can likely tolerate it daily, she says.
Meet The Experts
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and New Jersey at MDCS Dermatology.
Dr. Rebecca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at North Dallas Dermatology.
Dr. Bradley Glodny, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City at Park Avenue Dermatology.
Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and owner of Ocean Skin and Vein.
Dr. Courtney Rubin, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California and the founder of Fig.1 skincare.
Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
Dr. Ana Chacon, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Florida.