How often should I use salicylic acid products?

If your skin can tolerate it, salicylic acid cleansers are safe for use once or twice daily . “Salicylic acid on acne skin should show improvement in the severity of lesions and by a decrease in the number of lesions by five days,” says James Beckman, M.D ., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Adjunct, Associate Clinical Professor-Dermatology Department at UAMS (Arkansas Medical School). “Skin will become smoother as well due to exfoliation. When these changes are seen, it is a sign that the medication is of good quality and that it is working successfully.” But be patient because it can take a few weeks to show up on the skin.

What are some of the risks of using salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is an acid, so it can cause redness, peeling, and dryness and those with dry or sensitive skin types are especially prone to these side effects. Salicylic acid use can make skin more photosensitive , so wearing SPF daily is a must. “Due to sun sensitivity, sun protection is recommended when using salicylic acid on sun-exposed skin,” says Dr. Beckman.

The 10 Best Salicylic Acid Face Washes of 2023

When it comes to having a clear complexion, salicylic acid is a must-have. "Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy that is oil-soluble, so it penetrates deep into the pores to eliminate excess oil and unclog the pores," says Marisa K. Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "It also acts as an exfoliant and helps to get rid of dead skin cells to help improve the tone and texture of the skin. Additionally, it can also help reduce inflammation, so it can be helpful for all types of breakouts."

When looking for a salicylic acid face wash, consider one between 0.5 and 2% salicylic acid, whether the formula is hydrating, and is effective for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin types. We researched dozens of salicylic acid face washes and evaluated them for active ingredients, price, and whether they had a fragrance. We also spoke with experts, including Dr. Garshick.

Here are the best salicylic acid face washes on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne 3in1 Foam Wash at Amazon

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser at Amazon

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Best Cleansing Pads:

Oxy Daily Defense Cleansing Pads at Amazon

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Best Scrub:

Alba Botanica Acnedote at Amazon

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Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Cleansing Gel at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

skyn ICELAND Glacial Face Wash at Amazon

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Best for Aging Skin:

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel at Dermstore

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Best for Combination Skin:

Glytone Acne Clearing Cleanser at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Acne and Redness Facial Cleanser at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

4.8

La Roche

Pros

Gel turns to rich lather
AHAs and glycolic acid balance moisture

Cons

Bottle is prone to leaking
The face wash tends to come out too quickly

We chose this face wash from La Roche-Possay as our top pick because it's fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved. The oil-free gel cleanser transforms into a lightweight foam that gently cleanses and exfoliates without drying out the skin. Enriched with 2% salicylic acid concentration, alpha hydroxy acids, and glycolic acid, this product moisturizes and battles active breakouts. The cleanser is safe and effective for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Users love how it tackles acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and large pores all in one formula.

Price at time of publication: $16

Active Ingredients: AHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne | Fragrance: None

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

High 2% concentration of salicylic acid
Convenient foam formula
Budget-friendly

Cons

Contains fragrance, which may be irritating
Foam formula may be drying

If you’re battling oily and acne-prone skin regularly but don’t want to spend a fortune on skincare, this formula from Clean & Clear will likely fit the bill. The one-step face wash effectively cleanses the skin, treats existing acne, and prevents future breakouts. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and powered by a 2% salicylic acid concentration that is safe to use daily. Users with particularly oily skin report that despite its potency, the cleanser is non-drying and non-irritating.

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne | Fragrance: Yes

What the Experts Say

"Like with any routine, I always recommend a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic meaning it doesn’t block pores and in the winter a daytime moisturizer with some SPF works well. If acne is more severe, prescription products like oral antibiotics or Retin-A are recommended because otherwise, you are just drying the skin without getting at the core of the acne below the skin."—Dr. Orit Markowtiz, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of OptiSkin in New York City

Amazon

Pros

Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Panthenol calms skin
Leaves skin feeling fresh

Cons

Low concentration of salicylic acid
Can have a drying effect

People with sensitive skin usually don’t tolerate high concentrations of salicylic acid very well, but they still want to keep their complexions clear and breakouts to a minimum. Enter this gentle-yet-effective cleanser from Paula’s Choice. It contains 0.5% of salicylic acid, which is just enough to provide the cleansing and exfoliating benefits you want without the dryness and agitation you don’t.

The fragrance-free gel is also infused with panthenol to moisturize, calm, and refresh the skin. Reviewers love the lather it creates, as well as the soft, fresh-faced feeling it leaves behind.

Price at time of publication: $15

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne | Fragrance: None

Although salicylic acid can be helpful for breakouts, it is important to know that it can also be irritating, particularly for those with sensitive skin. As a result, it is important to not overdo it and be sure to find one that is good for your skin type. Those with more oily skin may prefer more of a gel based cleanser or a higher concentration of salicylic acid, while those with more sensitive skin may require a cleanser that is also hydrating and more gentle on the skin. —Marisa K. Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

No water, rinsing required
Convenient single-use pads
Travel-friendly design

Cons

May be irritating and drying

If you’re in the market for a quick and easy cleansing pad that will cater to oily and acne-prone skin, you can’t go wrong with this classic pick from Oxy. The pads have a 2% salicylic acid concentration for effective pore cleansing and exfoliation, and when used regularly, they can help prevent new blemishes from forming. Meanwhile, they are gentle enough to minimize irritation and redness. These dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free pads are also very convenient for folks who are always on-the-go.

Price at time of publication: $9

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne, preventing breakouts | Fragrance: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Contains all botanical ingredients
Can be used on the face and body
Salicylic acid derived from willow bark

Cons

Mechanical exfoliation may be irritating on current acne
Formula can have drying effect on skin

This 100% vegetarian scrub is a botanically-powered way to up the exfoliation ante on your typical salicylic acid face wash. It contains a 2% salicylic acid concentration naturally sourced from willow bark extract, as well as ground walnut shell for both chemical and mechanical exfoliation.

The dermatologist-tested scrub is non-comedogenic, and it doesn’t contain any chemicals like parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. But because it's a scrub, it’s always a good idea to be gentle when you use it, and moisturize your skin thoroughly afterward.

Price at time of publication: $9

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid from willow bark | Uses: Cleansing face and body, treating acne | Fragrance: Yes, natural oils

Target

Pros

Contains both salicylic acid and glycolic acid

Cons

Low .5% concentration of salicylic acid

This exfoliating cleanser is gentle, but it’s also highly effective in purifying the skin and unclogging pores. The 0.5% salicylic acid concentration pairs with glycolic acid to effectively reduce oil buildup and breakouts while zinc and copper work to reduce excess oil production and visibly decrease excess shine. If you struggle with acne, cystic acne, or large pores, this cleansing gel could bring you some much-needed relief.

Price at time of publication: $54

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne | Fragrance: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Cream formula is soothing and gentle for sensitive skin
Contains salicylic acid derived from willow bark
Additional ingredients help detoxify and repair the skin’s barrier function

Cons

High cost

People with dry or sensitive skin will love this gentle cream cleanser. It removes impurities from your skin with oat- and amino acid-based surfactants while salicylic acid derived from white willow bark purifies pores and reduces irritation to prevent breakouts.

The formula also includes Icelandic kelp. While scientists don't know the exact mechanism of action, Icelandic kelp is thought to work by detoxifying the skin and soothing inflammation, while cylindrica seed oil is thought to help repair the lipid barrier to prevent dryness.

Reviewers swear by this face wash, noting that a little bit goes a long way for a luxurious lather.

Price at time of publication: $30

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid from willow bark | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne | Fragrance: Yes

Dermstore

Pros

Smooths skin texture and brightens tone
Also contains ingredients to target wrinkles and signs of aging

Cons

High cost
Packaging falls short of the cleanser quality

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel is a cleanser that combines the powers of salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid LHA, and glycolic acid to not only remove impurities from the skin, but also encourage cell renewal. The result? Skin that is free of breakouts, a more refined skin texture, even skin tone, and a brighter appearance. Ideal for both oily and combination skin, this formula is free of parabens, phthalates, fragrances, soaps, alcohols, and dyes. Users say that this face wash creates a clean feeling like no other, and it doesn’t cause any excess dryness or irritation.

Price at time of publication: $42

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne, exfoliating face | Fragrance: None

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid combination cleans deep in the pores
Dermatologist approved for all ages

Cons

High cost
Can be drying on the skin

This popular cleanser contains a 2% salicylic acid concentration alongside glycolic acid to help reduce breakouts, clean out pores, even skin tone, and reduce blemishes. The formula reaches deep into pores to remove acne-causing bacteria and impurities while providing the proper balance of hydration for the skin to heal and restore. The dermatologist-approved face wash is beloved by users of all ages due to its ability to address a wide variety of issues, including milia, blackheads, whiteheads, and large pores.

Price at time of publication: $34

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne | Fragrance: None

Amazon

Pros

Treats red skin tone as well as acne
Aloe and chamomile extracts help calm irritation

Cons

Contains artificial color
Many ingredients are not natural or plant-derived

If easy access is your primary concern, look no further than the Neutrogena section in your local pharmacy. This pretty green face wash is powered by a 2% salicylic acid concentration, helping you cut through excess oil and clear away dirt without drying out the skin. The oil-free formula is supplemented with soothing aloe and chamomile extracts to help calm any potential irritation and redness. This cleanser was specifically developed for acne-prone skin.

Price at time of publication: $16

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Uses: Cleansing face, treating acne, calming irritation/redness | Fragrance: Yes

Final Verdict

The best salicylic acid face wash is ultimately the one designed to cleanse your particular skin type and does so effectively without causing excessive dryness, agitation, or other side effects. For oily, acne-prone, and combination skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser (view at Dermstore) is an excellent choice at an affordable price. For more sensitive skin, skyn ICELAND Glacial Face Wash (view at Amazon) will do the trick. Sometimes, finding the right face wash requires a bit of trial and error, but if you start with these products, you probably won’t have to try many more.

What to Look for in a Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Salicylic Acid Percentage

“Salicylic acid works by reducing oil and sebum on the skin. It also helps to exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which also contributes to the clogging of pores and dullness of the skin," says Jordan C. Carqueville, M.D., a leading board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. "One of the key features to look for in the face wash is the strength of the active ingredient — in this case, salicylic acid. The most common strength percentage in face washes will be 2%."

Two percent is a safe and effective concentration for normal, oily, and acne-prone skin types. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a less intense cleanser with 0.5% to 1% salicylic acid.

Moisturizers

Salicylic acid can easily throw off your skin’s hydration balance, resulting in dryness, redness, and irritation, and other uncomfortable side effects. That’s why some face wash formulas include ingredients like soothing botanicals, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide moisturizers. Look for products that include one of these elements when you can.

"Sensitive or dry skin types are often not able to tolerate salicylic acid ingredients due to enhanced irritation or dehydration of the skin," says Dr. Carqueville. "Make sure to apply moisturizer to the skin after using these products so that the skin doesn't become overly dry or irritated."

Clean Ingredients

It’s always a good idea to keep chemicals like parabens and sulfates away from your skin, especially on your face. Keep an eye on those labels and opt for natural, organic, and clean products when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use salicylic acid products?

If your skin can tolerate it, salicylic acid cleansers are safe for use once or twice daily.
“Salicylic acid on acne skin should show improvement in the severity of lesions and by a decrease in the number of lesions by five days,” says James Beckman, M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Adjunct, Associate Clinical Professor-Dermatology Department at UAMS (Arkansas Medical School). “Skin will become smoother as well due to exfoliation. When these changes are seen, it is a sign that the medication is of good quality and that it is working successfully.” But be patient because it can take a few weeks to show up on the skin.
Can you use salicylic acid face wash while pregnant?

Technically salicylic acid is considered unsafe for use in pregnancy. "However, it's important to note that the studies that found salicylic acid unsafe in pregnancy were done using a topical cream with 40% percent salicylic acid, placed all over the body, and left on,” says Orit Markowtiz, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of OptiSkin in New York City. That’s significantly different than the low 2% or less concentration of salicylic acid usually found in the over-the-counter face wash. And, it is being washed off right away. It’s best to consult with your dermatologist and ob/gyn to determine safe acne treatment during pregnancy.
What are some of the risks of using salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is an acid, so it can cause redness, peeling, and dryness and those with dry or sensitive skin types are especially prone to these side effects.
Salicylic acid use can make skin more photosensitive, so wearing SPF daily is a must. “Due to sun sensitivity, sun protection is recommended when using salicylic acid on sun-exposed skin,” says Dr. Beckman.

A Note About Safety

Be careful not to overuse salicylic acid face wash products, as they can excessively dry out and irritate the skin. Most dermatologists recommend applying a quality moisturizer after each wash. Be sure to keep these products away from your eyes, and rinse them immediately should contact occur. Wear plenty of sunscreen when using salicylic face washes because they may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. People who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not use salicylic acid products. Finally, if you’re still concerned about picking the right product for you, discuss your needs and options with a board-certified dermatologist.

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, so it penetrates deep into pores to eliminate excess oil and unclog the pores. It also acts as an exfoliant and helps to get rid of dead skin cells to help improve the tone and texture of the skin. Additionally, it can also help reduce inflammation, so it can be helpful for all types of breakouts. Although cleansers are a great way to incorporate salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acids into your skincare routine, other helpful options include toners, peel pads, and serums. With many anti-acne products and exfoliants, using salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is important to remember sunscreen. — Marisa K. Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a wellness product. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to homeopathic essential oils to ever-trendy CBD topicals, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.

Additional reporting to this story by Jennifer Nied

As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.