The 9 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers For Clearing Every Type Of Acne (2024)

Following its launch, this Saint Jane cleanser quickly sold out at Sephora, becoming the highest-rated cleanser in the salicylic acid category. It contains salicylic acid, of course, plus hyaluronic acid and gentle flower extracts to keep skin exfoliated and soft.

One reviewer says: "The formula of the Saint Jane Pore Clarity Cleanser is luxurious and feels so gentle on my skin yet effective, effortlessly removing impurities without that dreaded tight feeling afterward. My skin feels refreshed and balanced after! I love the scent - it's subtle and natural!" -Michelle

Dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla recommends this SkinFix cleanser to patients with normal skin who occasionally experience adult acne.

One reviewer says: "My daughter and I both use this exclusively! It keeps her young skin clear and keeps my aging skin clear without being harsh on my wrinkles! Win-win!" -Jacquline

Recognizable by its bright-orange bottle, Neutrogena's classic foaming cleanser is made with 2% salicylic acid to help treat acne and prevent new breakouts from forming. In polling our trusted dermatologists, nearly every doctor agreed that it's a great formula, suitable for all skin types, and affordable. (You can get a three-pack on Amazon.)

One reviewer says: "I've been using this product for more years than I choose to admit. I've used Proactiv, [but] this is by far more gentle on sensitive skin. I won't use anything else to wash my face." -Serena

This cleanser, created by dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, combines the maximum over-the-counter concentration of salicylic acid (2%) with hydrating ingredients in a sulfate-free formulation.

One reviewer says: "I have really sensitive skin, which makes finding a cleanser difficult. This is both gentle and super effective. My skin has cleared up so much!" -Melissa L.

Another drugstore cleanser highly recommended by dermatologists is this one by CeraVe. It's made with purifying clay to help absorb excess oil in the skin and salicylic acid for exfoliation. But as with all CeraVe skincare, it has ceramides to support the skin barrier, so you're not stripping your skin while you wash.

One reviewer says: "I have a lot of CeraVe products and this one might just be my favorite ever! it’s helped clear up a bunch of my acne at a very affordable price. I’ve tried other products and none of them have been as helpful as this one." -Tiffany

Even if you don't have active acne, sometimes it's nice to keep an acne wash on hand. This SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser, created by internet-famous dermatologist Sandra Lee, M.D. (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), is great for treating face and body acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.

One reviewer says: "Great product for 'normal' skin with blackheads and light acne." -Zoe S.

This rice-powder cleanser is packed with salicylic acid, exfoliating enzymes, and soothing colloidal oatmeal. You pour about a half teaspoon into wet hands, add water, and lather until the powder completely dissolves into a foamy paste. It can be used daily or as a spot treatment on acne-prone areas.

One reviewer says: "I love this product! The refill comes in handy. I love how this product bubbles up and how the grain feels on my skin. It's a must in my skincare routine!" -Sarah F.

Peace Out's cleanser is a gentle cream formula, which those with sensitive or dry skin may prefer over a gel. It contains salicylic acid and a bio-cellulose physical exfoliant derived from wood pulp to give both chemical and physical exfoliation. It also contains hyaluronic acid and amino acids to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

One reviewer says: "This is a very nice exfoliator! I really love that it’s a two-in-one - physical and chemical - and that there are other skincare additives in it as well. I leave this on for a few minutes to give the actives time to do their thing. Afterwards, my skin feels fresh and reset" -Chandrika

"Gentle" is a good word to look for when shopping for a salicylic acid cleanser. This one is designed for sensitive skin types. It contains salicylic and mandelic acid, which helps treat texture and tone while retaining the skin's moisture levels. At $12.99 for 8 fl. oz., it's a great deal, too.

One reviewer says: "The Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Facial Cleanser is possibly my favorite SA cleaner I’ve ever used. Where others have been too strong and left my face feeling tight and itchy after use, this cleaner is as advertised: gentle. It makes a nice lather that washes away oil and impurities while leaving my skin barrier intact." -Stephanie G.

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• Mona Gohara, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut.

• Loretta Ciraldo M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare.

• Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist at Mariwalla Dermatology.

• Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and chief medical officer of Fig.1 Beauty.

Unless you have very sensitive skin, it's likely fine to use a low-concentration salicylic acid cleanser daily. However, you do want to be aware of the concentration. "The higher the concentration of salicylic acid, the more actively exfoliating and potentially irritating the cleanser may be," explains Rubin. "Those with sensitive skin should look for cleansers with a lower concentration of salicylic acid."

If you're acne-prone, it's okay to use a salicylic cleanser daily, says Ciraldo, "as long as you do not experience redness, dryness, peeling, or any discomfort from it."