Best Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansers of 2026

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

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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 Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser Cover #TOP 1
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides Cover #TOP 2
CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides
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 Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser

AmazonUs/RSLS7
WHITE BLUE
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser Cover
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Formulated With Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, & Ceramides, Gentle BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Smooths & Softens Skin, Non Comedogenic & Fragrance Free, 16 Ounce

The CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a gentle exfoliating face wash that helps remove dead skin cells with salicylic acid, giving your skin a brighter and smoother look without harsh scrubbing. It foams up nicely, turning from gel to a rich lather that cleans deeply while keeping your skin hydrated thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin D. This cleanser is also great if you have dry or rough skin, or conditions like psoriasis, as it soothes while renewing your skin. Plus, it contains three essential ceramides that help protect your skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture, making it a well-rounded choice for daily skincare.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Hydrating formula
Soothes dry, rough skin
Contains essential ceramides
Foaming gel texture

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
Gentle yet effective cleansing
Hydrates and soothes skin
Non-comedogenic formula
Fragrance-free
Value size lasts a long time
#TOP 3

Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Amazon Basics
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser Cover
Amazon Basics Cleanser Face Wash - Renewing Salicylic Acid with Ceramides & Vitamin D, 8 fl oz, 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

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

SA066600
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser Cover
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid Treatment Formulated With Niacinamide + Ceramides + Oil Absorbing Clay, Gentle Face Wash Helps Clear & Prevent Acne, Fragrance Free, 16 Ounce

CeraVe Acne Cleanser is designed to help you achieve clearer skin. The salicylic acid gently exfoliates, reducing blackheads and minimizing the appearance of pores, making it an effective choice for acne prevention. As a foaming face wash, it transforms from gel to lather, deeply cleansing without stripping moisture. The oil-absorbing technology, combined with purifying clay and niacinamide, helps combat new breakouts. Additionally, this cleanser contains essential ceramides that support your skin's natural barrier, ensuring hydration while being free of fragrance and parabens.

What We Like
Effective acne prevention
Deep cleansing without dryness
Minimizes pores and blackheads
Supports skin barrier health

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 Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Wash, Vitamin C & Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Daily Acne Treatment For Face, Blemish & Blackhead Clearing Facial Cleanser, 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 6

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash

070501217245
ORANGE
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash Cover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser with Salicylic Acid Medicine, Acne Treatment for Face, Non-Comedogenic, Residue-Free, 9.1 fl oz Pump Bottles, 3 Pack

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash is a dermatologist recommended facial cleanser that helps fight and prevent acne breakouts while gently cleansing skin. Its unique formula contains 2% salicylic acid acne treatment that penetrates deep down into pores and prevents future breakouts. Its clinically proven MicroClear technology helps boost the delivery of salicylic acid, an acne medication. This oil-free, non-comedogenic, and unscented formula is suitable for daily use as part of a regular acne skin care routine.

What We Like
Helps fight and prevent acne breakouts
Clinically proven MicroClear technology boosts delivery of salicylic acid
Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and unscented formula
#TOP 7

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser

01712
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash, Breakout Prone Skin Facial Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment for Face, 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
#TOP 8

COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser

8809598450547
COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser Cover
COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser, 150ml / 5.07 fl.oz | Salicylic Acid Acne Cleanser | Animal Testing Free, Paraben Free, Korean Skin Care

The COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser is designed to help you manage acne-prone skin gently and effectively. It contains salicylic acid, which works daily to clear out blackheads and whiteheads while revitalizing your skin. This cleanser also helps control excess oil, reducing the chances of future breakouts. With 5000ppm of salicylic acid, it soothes redness and inflammation, making your skin feel calmer. Additionally, Centella Asiatica supports faster healing, helping your skin recover quicker. The foam is rich and smooth, providing a gentle cleanse that leaves your skin feeling fresh without dryness or tightness.

What We Like
Salicylic acid acne treatment
Oil control and dirt removal
Reduces redness and inflammation
Supports faster skin healing
Gentle, smooth foam texture

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser

Orange
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash, Fragrance Free, Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment for Face, 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
#TOP 10

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
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 939,009 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 $14.85.

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, COSRX. 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.