‘I Had Seriously Bad Acne, And This Face Wash Saved My Skin’

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Washing your face is an essential part of your daily skin care routine. But, not all cleansers fit every skin type, and it's critical to choose one based on your current skin concerns. If you're currently dealing with acne, clogged pores, or oily skin, you've come to the right place, because salicylic acid cleansers are *exactly* what you need to treat your stubborn skin.

If you're wondering what salicylic acid is in the first place, "it's a chemical exfoliant—specifically a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)—that cuts through oil and reaches deep down into the pores, resulting in clearer skin," says dermatologist Bradley Glodny, MD. You can find this powerhouse acid in many different products, "but using them in a cleanser really helps clean the skin by removing the outer layer of the epidermis," Dr. Glodny continues.

Is it ok to use a salicylic acid cleanser everyday?

"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 Courtney Rubin, MD. But, can you use them every day?Dermatologist Marsha Garshik, MD, says you can. "Depending on the formulation, salicylic acid cleansers may be considered okay for daily use." Since it's an exfoliant, sensitive skin types should use salicylic acid just a few times per week. However, someone with oily skin can most likely tolerate it on the daily, she says.

Is a salicylic acid cleanser good for acne-prone skin?

Dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, says that a two percent concentration of salicylic acid in your face wash is the recommended amount needed to clear acne. "The effective concentration of salicylic acid is two percent, so make sure you don't choose a product with a lower concentration," she says. If you go any lower than the recommended concentration, your cleanser may not be super effective at combatting blemishes.

To go even harder on acne treatment, Dr. Garshik 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."

What is the best salicylic acid face cleanser?

Dr. Marcus and Dr. Garshik recommend a slew of salicylic acid cleansers (see below, wink wink), but they all have one common thread: a mix of skin-loving ingredients. "Reading labels will certainly steer you in the right direction for hunting down the best salicylic acid face wash," says Dr. Marcus. "For example, if you have dry skin, look for a formula with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid." Dr. Garshik also recommends looking for ingredients like glycerin and ceramides if you have dry or sensitive skin. "If you're on the extra sensitive side, you can also try going a little lower than the normal two percent concentration of salicylic acid," she adds.

So, what are you waiting for? See below for the 13 best salicylic acid cleansers for your skin type, whether you struggle with hormonal acne or you're looking to reduce oil buildup.

Cleansing Complex

After a day of wearing makeup, sometimes all you want is a one-stop-shop to get it all off in a flash. This cleanser does that and more by deeply cleaning the skin with salicylic acid and centella asiatica. "Centella asiatica is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries," says dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD. "When applied topically, it can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reduce redness and inflammation, and promote skin healing."

Effaclar Acne Cleanser

Made specifically for acne, this cleanser contains a combination of two percent salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA). "This is a great option if you're looking to reduce blackheads," Dr. Garshik says, adding that it's gentle enough to be used daily to help reduce breakouts and clogged skin. "It's also a good option for those who want to avoid a scrub."

Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser

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). 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.

Clarifying Cleanser

Send oily skin packing with Tata Harper's cult-classic cleanser. "This cleanser contains a blend of natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid and citrus enzymes, as well as salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts," says Dr. Shokeen. No wonder it's an editor favorite!

AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Cleanser

If you have inflamed acne anywhere on your body, Dr. Marcus suggests looking for a wash that has both clearing and soothing ingredients. "I like to use Beauty Pie's AcidEnzyme Cleanser, which combines two percent salicylic acid for acne clearing with papaya enzyme for smoothing and brightening without irritation. It also has oat extract to soothe inflamed skin."

Oil-Free Facial Cleanser

This cult-classic cleanser has been around for years, and there's no question why people still love it. "This acne wash uses Microclear technology to improve delivery of the active ingredients (hi, salicylic acid) and to help reduce blackheads and breakouts," Dr. Garshik explains. It also won’t clog the pores and can be used once or twice daily on the face and body, she says.

Brightening Facial Wash

When I had seriously bad acne, this became my go-to face wash. I found that it soothed my red, irritated blemishes, but it also removed the day's impurities and left my skin feeling exfoliated and bright. 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).

Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser

This cleanser features what I like to call the acid trifecta: salicylic, lactic, and glycolic. "When these acids are combined into one, several different skin types and concerns can be addressed, making it a very versatile product," says Dr. Glodney. "I like to use combination products on my patients with hormonal acne who tend to have a combination of acne and melasma (hormonal hyperpigmentation)."

EradiKate Clarifying Acne Gel Cleanser

In need of some solid sloughing without the irritation? This cleanser leaves my skin feeling nice and exfoliated without exacerbating existing blemishes. It's perfect for when I'm struggling with red, irritated skin, but still want that shiny, just-left-the-salon glow after washing my face.

Acne Control Face Cleanser

If we know anything about this face wash, it's that it comes highly recommended by dermatologists and editors alike, and Dr. Garshik is no exception. "This acne wash helps reduce breakouts and gently exfoliates the skin with oil-absorbing hectorite clay," she says. "Along with salicylic acid, it's also formulated with niacinamide and ceramides to ensure the skin isn't left feeling dry or irritated."

Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Sometimes, you need a face wash that fits every need, and this one does just that. It works across all skin types, it gets down and dirty on acne and blemishes, it hydrates the barrier, and it supports the growth of healthy skin tissue. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, it's also super affordable, so you don't have to feel bad about running out (I promise, you'll want to re-purchase).

Clear The Way Clarifying Face Wash

From actress Millie Bobby Brown's brand florence by mills, this face wash helps to soothe stressed skin and visibly minimize pores. With help from the acid trifecta (lactic, glycolic, salicylic) and lavender oil, your skin will not only be less irritated, but super glowy and bright, too.

Clarifying Gel Cleanser

Dr. Rubin is co-founder and chief medical officer of skin care brand Fig.1, and this is one of her favorite products in the line. "This cleanser contains a combination of both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, so you get a really well-rounded but also gentle exfoliation," she explains. It's also refillable, so it's great for your skin and the earth.

What are the side effects of using salicylic acid cleanser?

Dr. Garshik says it's important to note that salicylic acid can be drying and irritating on the skin, so it's best to avoid using it too much or too frequently. More specifically, if you have dry or sensitive skin, stick to using your salicylic acid cleanser two to three times a week, and supplementing with a hydrating or gentle cleanser throughout the rest of the week.

To avoid dryness, "salicylic acid cleansers may be paired with soothing ingredients like niacinamide and aloe vera, which help support the skin barrier, and humectants like hyaluronic acid to help draw in moisture," says Dr. Garshik. If your skin errs on the dry side, look for these added ingredients in your salicylic acid cleanser.

How Our Team Chose The Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers

For the past few weeks, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Lily Wohlner, have been researching the most popular, and top-rated high-impact salicylic acid cleansers. Our team consulted dermatologists Marsha Garshik, MD, Rebecca Marcus, MD, Bradley Glodny, MD, Courtney Rubin, MD, and Divya Shokeen, MD for the story.

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