Best Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansing Gels of 2026

The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid gently dissolves impurities, makeup, and dead cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Its non-drying formula hydrates and refines the appearance of enlarged pores. This fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, mineral oil-free, and dye-free formula is perfect for daily use. Dermatologist-validated, it preps your skin for serum application and is perfect for resurfacing your skin.

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser is designed to gently remove impurities with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid, which means you can clean your skin without worrying about harsh scrubbing that could cause irritation. This face wash is recommended by dermatologists to help clear up acne, blemishes, and pimples, making it easier for you to maintain clearer skin. It also effectively reduces excess oil on your skin by nearly half, helping you stay less shiny throughout the day. Plus, it's tested on sensitive skin and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores or cause allergic reactions, making it a safe daily choice for oily and acne-prone skin.

Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser by La Roche-Posay is a clinically tested facial cleanser that helps clear acne breakouts, blemishes, and pimples. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid, it removes impurities without harsh scrub particles that may irritate skin. The salicylic acid is known for its effective exfoliating properties that help clear and refine the appearance of pores, while the lipo-hydroxy acid has exfoliating and skin renewing properties. This acne face wash is allergy tested, dermatologist tested, and non-comedogenic. It can reduce excess surface oil by up to 47%, leaving your skin less oily throughout the day. With Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, your skin is deeply cleansed and breakouts are diminished, leaving your skin looking even and smooth.

The Murad Acne Control Cleanser is designed to help you manage oily and combination skin by removing excess oil and deep cleaning your pores. Its salicylic acid content works to clear blemishes and prevent new breakouts, supporting your skin's natural healing process. The time-released formula means the treatment continues after you rinse, providing ongoing care throughout the day. Plus, with green tea extract, this cleanser soothes irritated skin, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Using this daily can help you achieve a clearer, healthier complexion with balanced skin.

The Caudalie Vinopure Cleanser is a naturally formulated gel-to-foam cleanser designed to purify your skin. With 99% natural ingredients, it features Natural Salicylic Acid that gently exfoliates and refines your skin's texture, helping to minimize blackheads and breakouts. Antioxidant-rich Grape Water hydrates and soothes, while the Essential Oil Complex works to limit excess oil and keep your complexion clear. This non-drying cleanser is free of soap and sulfates, making it suitable for daily use, morning and evening, to achieve visibly tighter pores and a healthier-looking skin.

Glo Purifying Gel Cleanser is a powerful skin balancing and exfoliating salicylic acid and niacinamide cleansing gel. It targets clogged pores, excess oil, breakouts, and uneven texture, making it suitable for all skin types except sensitive. The pro-level exfoliation via salicylic acid visibly improves texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. This gel formulation offers effective cleansing without any irritating sulfates. It clarifies and refines without stripping away crucial moisture, restoring skin's balance and strengthening the moisture barrier. With Glo Purifying Gel Cleanser, your skin feels cleaner, clearer, and radiantly refreshed.

The Sinoz Sebum Balancing Gel is designed to help you manage oily and combination skin effectively. It works by regulating excess oil, so your skin feels balanced without becoming dry or tight. Thanks to salicylic acid, it deeply cleans your pores and helps prevent blackheads, which keeps your skin clearer. The gel also contains niacinamide, a powerful ingredient that reduces shine and smooths your skin’s texture for a more even appearance. This gentle formula is suitable for daily use and won’t irritate sensitive areas, making it a convenient and reliable choice for your skincare routine.

The Cicamed Acne Cleansing Gel is perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It gently cleans your face without harming your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it feeling fresh and balanced. The cleanser contains glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and salicylic acid to clear out clogged pores, helping to reduce breakouts. Soothing ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera calm any irritation, while vitamin B helps fade discoloration. This gel is easy to use twice daily, making it a convenient step in your skincare routine to keep your skin clear and healthy.

The Paula's Choice Cleanser is designed to combat acne without causing dryness. With salicylic acid, it effectively clears out impurities from your pores, helping to prevent breakouts, blackheads, and redness. Its soothing gel formula refreshes and calms your skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. By incorporating this gentle cleanser into your daily skincare routine, you can remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil twice a day, paving the way for healthier, clearer skin.

The Clinique Acne Clearing Gel is designed to quickly shrink acne spots, with noticeable improvement in just one hour. If redness and irritation bother you, this gel can reduce those signs in a little over two hours, helping your skin look calmer and less inflamed. It works as effectively as some prescription acne treatments, making it a convenient option for managing breakouts at home. The formula includes witch hazel to refine your skin’s texture, and special ingredients that help break down excess oil and soothe redness. This makes the Clinique Acne Clearing Gel a great choice for anyone wanting fast and gentle acne relief.