Best Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansers of 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
Top 10 Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansers
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
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.
CeraVe SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides
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.
Amazon Basics Salicylic Acid Cleanser
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.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
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.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Pink Grapefruit Pore Cleansing Acne Wash
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.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash
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.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser
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.
COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser
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.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
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.
CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash
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.
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.
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.