Best Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Facial cleansers with salicylic acid are a popular choice for individuals looking to combat acne and achieve clearer skin. Salicylic acid is known for its exfoliating properties, helping to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. These cleansers work by penetrating deep into the pores, dissolving excess oil and reducing the appearance of blemishes. With regular use, they can help prevent future breakouts and promote a smoother, more radiant complexion. Whether you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, facial cleansers infused with salicylic acid can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides Cover #TOP 1
CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash Cover #TOP 2
CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser Cover #TOP 3
Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansers

CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides

B61500
White
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides Cover
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Formulated With Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, & Ceramides, Gentle BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Smooths & Softens Skin, Non Comedogenic & Fragrance Free, 8 Ounce

The CeraVe SA Cleanser is an exfoliating face wash that promotes radiance by removing dead skin cells with salicylic acid. This foaming cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin D to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate skin without leaving a stripped feeling. It's suitable for acne-prone, oily skin and those with psoriasis. Additionally, this facial cleanser is formulated with three essential ceramides to maintain the skin's natural barrier. The CeraVe SA Cleanser is developed with dermatologists and is #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand.

What We Like
Exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes radiance
Cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates skin without leaving a stripped feeling
Suitable for acne-prone, oily skin and those with psoriasis

CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash

S4614100
white
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash Cover
CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash | Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Purifying Clay, Niacinamide, and Ceramides | Pore Control and Blackhead Remover | 8 Ounce

CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash is a foaming facial cleanser with 2% salicylic acid and purifying clay to help absorb excess oil and niacinamide to calm your skin. It gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, reduces blackheads, the appearance of pores and treats acne. The face wash is formulated with 3 essential ceramides to help maintain the natural barrier of your skin. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic.

What We Like
Gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells
Reduces blackheads and the appearance of pores
Helps prevent new breakouts from forming
Formulated with 3 essential ceramides to help maintain the natural barrier of your skin
Developed with dermatologists and suitable for various skin types
#TOP 3

Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Amazon Basics
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser Cover
Amazon Basics Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser, 8 Fluid Ounces, 1-Pack

The Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a gentle foaming formula designed to exfoliate and smooth rough skin. With the power of Salicylic Acid, this cleanser effectively removes dirt and oil while softening and smoothing the skin. It also contains essential ceramides and Vitamin D, which provide antioxidant benefits to the skin. Formulated without fragrance and mechanical exfoliants, this cleanser is great for normal skin. If you're a fan of the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, you'll love the Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser. And with Alexa voice shopping enabled, you can easily reorder this cleanser by simply saying, "Alexa, reorder Amazon Basics Cleanser." Plus, with the satisfaction guarantee, you can try it risk-free as you're eligible for a refund within a year of purchase if you're not satisfied.

What We Like
Exfoliates and smooths rough skin
Removes dirt and oil
Softens and smooths the skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin, 9.1 fl. oz

Neutrogena Acne Face Wash is a powerful facial cleanser that helps fight acne and keep your skin clean and clear. With its unique formula, it deeply cleanses your pores while the salicylic acid acne medicine prevents future breakouts. The clinically proven Microclear technology ensures that the acne medicine is delivered effectively to clear up acne and blackheads. The oil-free and non-comedogenic formula rinses clean without leaving any residue, making it perfect for unclogging pores and treating acne. Recommended by dermatologists, this acne-fighting cleanser combines the benefits of an acne treatment and cleanser in one, making it ideal for daily use on acne-prone skin.

What We Like
Deeply cleanses pores
Prevents future breakouts
Clears up acne and blackheads

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

MNSAC
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash Cover
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily, Acne Prone Skin | Anti Acne Face Wash With LHA & Zinc | Sulphate free Gentle BHA Liquid Exfoliant | For Women & Men | 3.4 Fl Oz / 100 ml

The Minimalist Salicylic Acid Wash is designed for oily and acne-prone skin, providing deep cleansing with its unique combination of Capryloyl Salicylic Acid and traditional Salicylic Acid. This formula gently exfoliates the skin’s surface while penetrating deep into pores, helping to reduce excess oil and prevent breakouts. It is sulphate-free, ensuring a non-drying experience that leaves your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Enriched with anti-bacterial Zinc, this face wash effectively controls oil production and helps combat acne for clearer skin. Its clean formulation is free from harmful additives, making it suitable for both men and women.

What We Like
Deep cleansing action
Non-drying formula
Controls oil production
Suitable for sensitive skin
Free from harmful additives

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Pink Grapefruit Pore Cleansing Acne Wash

15369
PINK
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Pink Grapefruit Pore Cleansing Acne Wash Cover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Pink Grapefruit Pore Cleansing Acne Wash and Facial Cleanser with Vitamin C, 9.1 fl. oz

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Pink Grapefruit Pore Cleansing Acne Wash is a 9.1-fluid ounce pump bottle of liquid oil-free acne facial cleanser that treats acne and prevents future breakouts, revealing clearer skin in just one week. It contains an uplifting pink grapefruit scent and naturally derived grapefruit extracts plus Vitamin C. The face wash is formulated with Micro-Clear technology and maximum strength salicylic acid acne medicine to powerfully fight breakouts, blackheads, and even acne marks. It targets acne-fighting power deep down into pores to remove oil, leaving skin feeling fresh. This face wash and cleanser from the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Acne Brand is specially formulated for acne-prone skin and will rinse clean without over-drying skin.

What We Like
Clears acne and prevents future breakouts, revealing clearer skin in just one week
Contains naturally derived grapefruit extracts plus Vitamin C for an uplifting and refreshing scent
Formulated with Micro-Clear technology and maximum strength salicylic acid acne medicine to powerfully fight breakouts, blackheads, and even acne marks
#TOP 7

Cetaphil Acne Face Wash

0299.411900
white
Cetaphil Acne Face Wash Cover
Cetaphil Acne Face Wash, Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid, Deep Cleans & Treats Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care for Sensitive Skin, 4.2oz

Cetaphil Acne Wash is a clinically proven regimen designed to clear and prevent breakouts in acne-prone, sensitive skin. With a balanced formula, it hydrates and soothes your skin while defending against five signs of skin sensitivity, including a weakened skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness, and dryness. This acne face wash is perfect for those who want to keep their skin healthy and free from blemishes. With its 2% salicylic acid content, it clears and prevents breakouts in a gentle way. The hydrating and soothing ingredients nourish your skin, leaving it soft and supple after each use.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Hydrates and soothes skin
Clears and prevents breakouts
#TOP 8

The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

BEE0016
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser Cover
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Face Wash for Blemishes, Blackheads, Oily Skin and Breakouts, Non-Drying Facial Cleanser Safe for All Skin Types, 5.0 fl oz

The INKEY List Cleanser is a powerful facial cleanser that targets blemishes, blackheads, and oily skin. It removes makeup and dirt while deeply cleansing pores to reduce breakouts. With 2% Salicylic Acid, it unclogs pores and exfoliates, while the Zinc Compound controls excess oil. Additionally, the 0.5% Allantoin ingredient helps soothe irritation, making it suitable for all skin types. Using this cleanser AM and PM can lead to clearer, smoother skin.

What We Like
Targets blemishes and blackheads
Reduces excess oil
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 9

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser

Orange
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Fragrance-Free Facial Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, Daily Oil-Free Acne Face Wash for Acne-Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid, 9.1 fl. oz

Neutrogena Acne Face Wash is designed to help you combat and prevent acne breakouts while effectively cleansing your skin. With 2% salicylic acid, this dermatologist-recommended cleanser targets pimples, blackheads, and post-acne marks. Its unique BarrierCare technology soothes your skin while removing dirt and oil without leaving any residue. Plus, the oil-free and fragrance-free formula ensures it won’t clog your pores or dry out your skin. Incorporate this gentle yet powerful face wash into your daily skincare routine for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

What We Like
Effective acne prevention
Gentle on skin
Non-comedogenic formula
Residue-free cleansing

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Facial Cleanser

381370036913
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Facial Cleanser Cover
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Oil-Free Facial Cleanser with Soy Extract & 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Acne Treatment Face Wash for Acne-Prone Skin, Sulfate-Free & Hypoallergenic, 6 fl. oz

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser is a moisture-rich facial wash that helps prevent breakouts and fight acne. With its Total Soy Complex, this 6-fluid ounce bottle of foaming cleanser helps even out skin tone and texture. The salicylic acid ingredient treats and fights acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. This oil-free and non-comedogenic cleanser is gentle enough for daily use and does not leave any residue. Achieve clear and healthy-looking skin with Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser.

What We Like
Prevents breakouts
Fights acne
Moisturizes with Total Soy Complex
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid facial cleanser research, we found 48 salicylic acid facial cleanser products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 524,768 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salicylic acid facial cleansers list. We found that most customers choose salicylic acid facial cleansers with an average price of $12.39.

The salicylic acid facial cleansers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of salicylic acid facial cleansers, including CeraVe, Neutrogena, Minimalist, Cetaphil, The INKEY List. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.