Salicylic Acid Cleansers Live Up to the Hype—Provided You Choose the Right Ones.

      While salicylic acid can be found in various products such as moisturizers and serums, cleansers containing salicylic acid provide particularly remarkable benefits. Cleansing is a vital aspect of your daily skincare regimen, and salicylic acid is recognized as one of the most effective ingredients for thorough cleansing and exfoliating of the skin. This active ingredient is advantageous for addressing issues like congested, acne-prone skin, blackheads, active breakouts, enlarged pores, and excess oiliness. "Salicylic acid helps keep pores clear, which aids in eliminating whiteheads and blackheads and prevents the formation of pustules and papules," explains dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "It also exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother and appearing brighter." In summary, it's ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin. If you wish to reap the benefits of salicylic acid, a face wash is one of the simplest ways to incorporate it into your routine. Below, I've compiled a list of my tested and preferred cleansers that contain salicylic acid.

      What is salicylic acid? "Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant categorized as a beta hydroxy acid or BHA," says Khorana. "It functions by softening and dissolving keratin, a protein naturally present in the skin that can block pores by causing skin cells to adhere to one another. It also helps to loosen desmosomes, allowing the cell to release any excess sebum that oily skin tends to retain."

      What should I look for in a salicylic acid cleanser? Khorana advises selecting gel and foaming formulations for optimal effectiveness. "All skin types can benefit from salicylic acid, but it is especially suitable for oily, combination, congested, or acne-prone skin," she notes. "If the skin is sensitive yet oily, look for formulas that also include alternative acids like lactic acid or mandelic acid."

      The Best Cleansers With Salicylic Acid

      Best Overall: Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash (£65)

      Best Affordable Cleanser: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£12)

      Best Luxury Cleanser: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser (£79)

      Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Wash (£25)

      Best for Combination Skin: Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel (£45)

      1. **Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash**

       Best overall

       Concentration of salicylic acid: 0.5%

       This gently foaming gel cleanser has a lower concentration of salicylic acid compared to many other options on this list, making it suitable for daily use. It is an excellent choice for acne-prone, persistently oily, or deeply congested skin that benefits from consistent mild exfoliation.

       Pros: Gentle enough for daily use

       Cons: Expensive price point

      2. **The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser**

       Best affordable cleanser

       Concentration of salicylic acid: 2%

       This powerful option is best used once or twice a week. If I feel particularly congested, I sometimes leave it on my skin for a few minutes as a mask for added effectiveness. It is free from fragrance, alcohol, and harsh sulfates, and contains a zinc compound to help regulate sebum production.

       Pros: Affordable price point

       Cons: May be drying or irritating for sensitive or dry skin types

      3. **Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser**

       Concentration of salicylic acid: Unspecified

       This luxurious cleanser features salicylic acid sourced from willow bark and wintergreen extract. It is gentle yet effective enough for mild breakouts and congestion but contains botanicals and essential oils which may irritate sensitive skin.

       Cons: Expensive price point

      4. **La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Wash**

       Concentration of salicylic acid: 2%

       This cleanser includes salicylic acid along with the gentle exfoliating benefits of lipohydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid that is less likely to cause irritation. The formula is fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.

       Pros: Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, great for sensitive skin

       Cons: Large bottle may not be travel-friendly

      5. **Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel**

       Concentration of salicylic acid: Unspecified

       If you have combination skin with both dry and oily areas, consider a cleanser that contains both salicylic acid and AHAs like glycolic or lactic acids. AHAs exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, making them effective for addressing concerns related