Best Salicylic Acid Face Moisturizers of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Salicylic acid face moisturizers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to fight acne and improve overall skin texture. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works by penetrating deep into the pores to unclog them and reduce inflammation. This ingredient is also known for its exfoliating properties, which can help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. Salicylic acid moisturizers are a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but can also be beneficial for those with combination or normal skin types. They can be used daily as part of a skincare routine to help prevent breakouts and improve the appearance of the skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer Cover #TOP 1
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer Cover #TOP 2
Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Cover #TOP 3
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Face Moisturizers

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer

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Pink Grape Fruit
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer Cover
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moisturizer, .5% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, Pink Grapefruit Face Lotion for Breakouts, Non-Greasy & Non-Comedogenic, 4 fl. oz

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight, fast-absorbing face lotion that helps to clear breakouts with 0.5% salicylic acid. It is infused with a light pink grapefruit scent and includes naturally derived grapefruit extract. It is suitable for daily use in a regular acne skincare routine and is oil-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Customers have found it to be effective in reducing acne size, redness, and quickening healing, while not drying out the skin.

What We Like
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Infused with a light pink grapefruit scent
Oil-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic
Reduces acne size, redness, and quickens healing
Does not dry out the skin

Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer

381370038115
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Moisturizer Cover
Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion Face Moisturizer, Acne Facial Moisturizer with Soy and Salicylic Acid for Oily Skin, Hypoallergenic Formula, Paraben-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Pump, 4 FL OZ

Aveeno Clear Complexion Acne-Fighting Daily Face Moisturizer is a great choice for those with breakout-prone skin. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear up existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. The Total Soy Complex helps improve the overall look of your complexion by visibly evening skin tone and smoothing texture. It is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Customers love this product for its moisturizing and non-greasy feel, though some have noted that the new formula has a gritty texture and a bad smell.

What We Like
Contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear up existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts
Total Soy Complex helps improve the overall look of your complexion
Oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores
Moisturizing and non-greasy feel

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

0299.411700
white
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Cover
Cetaphil Face Moisturizer, Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Hydrates and Treats Sensitive Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care for Sensitive Skin, 3oz

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is a dermatologist-recommended moisturizer that effectively hydrates and treats sensitive acne-prone skin. Its shine-free hydration with 0.5% salicylic acid clears and prevents breakouts while improving skin texture and tone. Additionally, the botanical and prebiotic complex helps nourish the skin and soothe acne redness. The moisturizer also defends against five signs of skin sensitivity including dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. Its travel size makes it ideal for vacations and trips.

What We Like
Effectively clears and prevents breakouts
Soothes acne redness and nourishes skin
Defends against five signs of skin sensitivity
#TOP 4

Envy Mositurizers

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Envy Mositurizers Cover
Envy Hyaluronic & Salicylic Acid Face Moisturizer Cream - Hydrating, Acne Scar Reduction & Anti-Aging Day Cream - Dermatologist Tested, Clean Beauty for All Skin Types - 1.69 Fl. Oz

Envy Hyaluronic Facial Peel combines hyaluronic and salicylic acid to provide deep hydration and gentle exfoliation. The hyaluronic acid helps to retain moisture, keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Salicylic acid works to unclog pores and prevent acne breakouts, giving you clearer skin. With Envy Hyaluronic Facial Peel, you can enjoy a dual-action formula that hydrates and exfoliates, promoting smooth and radiant skin.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Gentle exfoliation
Unclogs pores
#TOP 5

Good Molecules Yuzu Blemish Gel Cream

1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Yuzu Blemish Gel Cream Cover
Good Molecules Yuzu Blemish Gel Cream - Lightweight Gel Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid, BHA and Natural Extracts to Target Acne, Even Skin Tone, and Texture - Skin Care for Face

The Good Molecules Blemish Gel is designed to calm and soothe skin prone to blemishes, using natural extracts like centella asiatica, licorice, and green tea to reduce redness and promote an even skin tone. With 0.4% salicylic acid, it helps clear breakouts and smooth your skin’s texture without drying it out. The inclusion of yuzu fruit and seed extracts provides antioxidants and amino acids that refresh your skin and boost your natural glow. This lightweight gel absorbs quickly and can easily fit into your morning and nighttime skincare routine for healthier, more radiant skin.

What We Like
Soothes blemish-prone skin
Contains 0.4% salicylic acid
Brightens with yuzu extract
Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel

Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer

Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer Cover
Peach Slices Oil-Free Moisturizer with 2% Salicylic Acid & Hyaluronic Acid - 2.82 oz with Niacinamide, Cica - Vegan, Cruelty Free Korean Skincare

Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer is a lightweight facial moisturizer that provides deep hydration for visibly clear, smooth, and calm skin. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear and prevent breakouts, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize without feeling heavy. Suitable for all skin types, this vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified moisturizer is a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

What We Like
Lightweight and non-greasy
Contains 0.5% salicylic acid to help clear and prevent breakouts
Hyaluronic acid to moisturize without feeling heavy
Suitable for all skin types, vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified
#TOP 7

Starface Star Cream Salicylic Moisturizer

Starface Star Cream Salicylic Moisturizer Cover
Starface Star Cream + Salicylic Acid Hydrating Moisturizer, Made for Breakout-Prone and Sensitive Skin, Repair Dryness and Unclog Pores, (1.7 fl oz)

The Starface Salicylic Moisturizer is designed to help you fight breakouts while keeping your skin hydrated. It contains salicylic acid, which works to deeply clean your pores by removing oil and dead skin, helping to reduce pimples. The moisturizer also includes hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that draws moisture into your skin, giving it a fresh and hydrated feel. Additionally, niacinamide soothes and calms your skin, reducing irritation. This moisturizer feels lightweight and smooth, absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it comfortable for daily use.

What We Like
Pore-clearing salicylic acid
Hydrating hyaluronic acid
Soothing niacinamide
Lightweight, non-greasy texture
Reduces excess oil
#TOP 8

Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Acne Control Moisturizer

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Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Acne Control Moisturizer Cover
VICHY Normaderm Acne Control Daily Moisturizer, Oil Free Acne Moisturizer For Face, Max Strength 2% Salicylic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C, Targets Blackheads, Blemishes & Enlarged Pores

Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Acne Control Moisturizer is a clinically tested formula that specifically targets acne blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores while visibly improving uneven skin tone and rough skin texture. It contains 2% salicylic acid, pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and Vichy 15 mineral-rich volcanic water. The refreshing lightweight texture easily glides on skin and is absorbed quickly, leaving skin feeling soothed and hydrated. Suitable for adult acne, this moisturizer can be used under makeup.

What We Like
Clinically tested formula that specifically targets acne blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores
Visibly improves uneven skin tone and rough skin texture
Refreshing lightweight texture easily glides on skin and is absorbed quickly
#TOP 9

Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide

2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Cover
Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer with 1.2% Salicylic Acid & 2% Niacinamide, Hydrating Acne Treatment, Fades Post-acne Marks, Corrects Uneven Texture & Tone, Prevents Future Breakouts - 2 fl oz

The Kiehl's Expertly Clear Moisturizer is designed to help you manage acne effectively while keeping your skin hydrated. It contains 1.2% Salicylic Acid, which works quickly to reduce pimples by shrinking their size and fading redness. With 2% Niacinamide, it helps improve the overall look of your skin by evening out texture and tone, giving you a smoother complexion. This moisturizer also fades post-acne marks, helping your skin look clearer over time. Plus, it prevents future breakouts without drying out your skin, making it a great daily treatment for those with acne-prone skin.

What We Like
Salicylic Acid acne treatment
Fades post-acne marks
Improves skin texture
Prevents future breakouts
Hydrating formula

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA Miracle Cream

SBM4224
green
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA Miracle Cream Cover
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream - 2.02oz, 60ml - Mild Exfoliating Salicylic Acid & Centella Face Moisturizer for All Skin Types - Daily Soothing & Clarifying Face Cream - Korean Skin Care

The SOME BY MI Miracle Cream is designed to provide gentle exfoliation and hydration, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. It features AHA, which helps to improve skin texture by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. BHA works within the pores to eliminate impurities and excess oil, while PHA offers a mild exfoliation that hydrates and brightens the complexion. This cream is enriched with tea tree leaf water and calming agents, ensuring it soothes irritation and strengthens your skin's barrier, leaving you with a refreshed and healthy appearance.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Hydrates and brightens
Soothes sensitive skin
Pore-clearing benefits
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid face moisturizer research, we found 48 salicylic acid face moisturizer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 173,204 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salicylic acid face moisturizers list. We found that most customers choose salicylic acid face moisturizers with an average price of $13.78.

The salicylic acid face moisturizers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of salicylic acid face moisturizers, including Neutrogena, Aveeno, Cetaphil, Envy, Good Molecules. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.