When it comes to skincare ingredients, we know it can get confusing, so we're here to break down the best salicylic acid cleansers to help treat active blemishes and decongest any oil build-up. We know that shopping for the best cleanser depends on your skin type and main skin concerns. Finding the right cleanser for you is crucial in any skincare routine. Before applying your chosen serum, eye cream and moisturiser, using the perfect cleanser will ensure your skin is free from make-up and impurities.
The best salicylic acid cleanser can work wonders for those who struggle with oily, congested or blemish-prone skin. This must-have ingredient can be found in a range of skincare products like intensive spot treatments, serums and moisturisers.
Typically those who suffer with a dry or sensitive skin type might benefit from shopping for the best hydrating cleansers to keep the skin moisturised and comfortable. Finding the right cleanser for your skin will instantly help to leave your skin looking and feeling fresh and clear.
Closer's best salicylic acid cleansers at a glance:
Best salicylic acid cleanser for blemishes: Oskia Violet Water Clearing Cleanser - View offer on Cult Beauty
Best clearing salicylic acid cleanser: Paula's Choice Clear Cleanser - View offer on Cult Beauty
Best gentle salicylic acid cleanser: CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser - View offer on LookFantastic
Typically, you might find that the best cleanser for sensitive skin is suitable for those who are looking to combat both dry and oily skin who struggle with any sensitivity. Treating your skin with salicylic acid will help treat blemishes and control excess oil. Looking to shop the best salicylic acid cleansers? You've come to the right place. Keep scrolling to check out our guide to the best salicylic acid cleansers available for you to shop.
SHOP: The best salicylic acid cleansers
Best salicylic acid cleanser for blemishes
Oskiawww.cultbeauty.co.uk
Wondering how you can calmly treat any unwanted blemishes but leave your skin squeaky clean? The Oskia Violet Water Clearing Cleanser is one to have on your radar. This cleanser uses a combination of ingredients such as salicylic acid, pro-vitamin B5, lactic acid and colloidal silver to deeply cleanse and treat active blemishes and congestion.
Customer review: "As someone who struggles with blemishes I tend to find targeted cleansers quite drying but this is the totally opposite. It makes my skin feel clean yet calm and I find it helps to stop any spots in its tracks (thanks to the salicylic acid). I currently use it a few times a week as a second cleanse. Come summer when my skin gets oiler this will be in regular rotation to help control oil."
Pros
- Treats active blemishes
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Not ideal for removing make-up
Best clearing salicylic acid cleanser
Paula's Choicewww.cultbeauty.co.uk
You can rely on Paula's Choice to help solve any congested skin types. This lightweight, gel cleanser works wonders as a second cleanser to treat and exfoliate clean skin to remove any dead skin cells and sebum build up. This formula works to dissolve make-up and excess oil to leave your skin feeling super clean and ready for the rest of your skincare routine.
Customer review: "I’ve been buying this cleanser repeatedly for years now. I’ve noticed a massive decline in clogged pores. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- Prevents future breakouts
- Leaves skin hydrated
Cons
- Suitable as a second cleanser rather than make-up remover
Best gentle salicylic acid cleanser
CeraVewww.lookfantastic.com
CeraVe know how to care for sensitive skin at the Blemish Control Cleanser is ideal for those who are also looking to banish any pesky blemishes. Not only is this lightweight gel made with 2% salicylic acid to reduce the appearance of oiliness and spots, it's made with a combination of ceramides and niacinamide to control oil, calm and soothe the skin. Your skin will be left looking and feeling clear but instantly nourished with this must-have cleanser.
Customer review: "A great face cleanser, not just for blemished skin , Also recommended for oily skin without blemishes or for any skin type, because this cleanser contains very effective ingredients for skin health such as Niacinamide and 2% Salicylic, soothes and brightens, I have skin without blemishes, tends to be oily, I am very satisfied with this CeraVe cleanser."
Pros
- Treats blemishes and hydrates
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Bulky packaging not ideal for travel
Best salicylic acid cleanser to exfoliate
Pixi www.lookfantastic.com
Pixi's Clarity Cleanser treats the skin with it's trio of key exfoliating ingredients like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid to treat the skin but leave a super radiant finish. Not only does this exfoliating cleanser help to remove any unwanted make-up build up, but it also gently exfoliates any dry skin and deeply cleanses the pores to reveal smoother skin.
Customer review: "Really lovely cleanser, leaves my skin feeling clean, doesn’t feel stripping at all! Skin feels soft and refreshed after using. I use this as my second cleanser in my PM routine."
Pros
- Made with aloe vera to soothe and cool
- Gentle formula suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Bulky packaging for travel
Best salicylic acid for all skin types
Caudaliewww.lookfantastic.com
Caudalie's Purifying Gel Cleanser is an ideal daily cleanser designed to keep any unwanted blemishes and oiliness at bay. This gel cleanser is made with essential oils and grape water to maintain hydration and make the skin plump and nourished.
Customer review: "I use this as part of my double cleanse routine in an evening and it’s such a lovely cleanser. Not stripping and drying and has a lovely smell. I have tried a few in the past, but find this one to be one of the best I’ve tried."
Pros
- Nourishing formula with added essential oils
- Leaves the complexion looking brighter
Cons
- Slightly scented
Best salicylic acid for textured skin
NIP+FABwww.lookfantastic.com
This daily cleanser treats active blemishes to reduce the appearance of breakouts yet keeps the skin clean and free of impurities. This cleanser is a great option for those looking to clear and treat any blocked pores and help diminish the appearance of texture.
Customer review: "I’m a long term user of this and I love it. It’s not to be used daily so I alternate with the teen skin cleanser. I use this mainly at night before my retinol and it really does leave the skin feeling very cleansed. I use this 3/4 times a week."
Pros
- Gentle exfoliation
- Helps to reduce the appearance of texture
Cons
- Not suitable for make-up removal
What is salicylic acid?
This hero ingredient is derived from willow bark extract and you often see it labelled as a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) as it is a mild exfoliant that focuses on unclogging pores and treating active blemishes. This must-have ingredient is an oil-soluble to help clear any congested pores to gently deeply cleanse and treat blemish prone skin. Salicylic acid also works wonders on any excess oil to naturally balance the skin.
What should you look for in a salicylic cleanser?
Shopping for the perfect cleanser can depend on the right texture for your skin type. Usually, the best foaming cleanser is an ideal texture for an oilier skin type to help control oil, but luckily there's a variety of hydrating and oil cleansers available for all skin types if you prefer a moisturised finish. If you're looking for a daily salicylic acid cleanser, a foam or gel will be ideal, while an oil or cream will help to deeply remove make-up.
Georgia Scott is a beauty and fashion product writer writing for heat specialising in all things lifestyle and trending. Before starting at Bauer, Georgia completed her degree in Journalism at University and worked as a retail beauty advisor and make-up artist.