6 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers to Add to Your Skin Care Routine

Cleansers containing salicylic acid can have a transformative effect on your skin. Of course, it’s easy to overcomplicate your skincare routine when it comes to acids, but you don’t have to add another serum or step to your morning and night routine just swap out your facial cleanser or makeup remover, buy A product with acid properties will do. With these properties of salicylic acid, you’re good to go.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Known for its exfoliating properties (more on that later), salicylic acid is the gold star ingredient for acne-prone, oily, or combination skin.

It has many incredible benefits and is often touted by dermatologists and skin care practitioners as an excellent acid to incorporate into your daily regimen. If you want fair skin, keep reading.

However, probably the most important thing to remember when using salicylic acid (or other acids or retinols) is that it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This means you should apply SPF sunscreen every day (after toner, serum, and moisturizer). ), rain or shine, indoors or outdoors.

In addition to the best cleansers with salicylic acid, we spoke with skincare experts to learn more about the ingredient and to demystify and simplify this popular BHA for good. Read on to find the answers to all your questions.

What is salicylic acid? What are its benefits? Let’s start with the basics. Jennifer Rock, CEO and founder of Skingredients and The Skin Nerd, explains: “Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy (BHA) exfoliating acid commonly used in in acne products.” .

“As a BHA, it penetrates deep into pores and dissolves sebum and dead skin cells that combine to form acne.” PhD. Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at CeraVe, notes that in addition to being a great spot treatment and acne cleanser, it can also “reduce the skin’s oil production, making it a good choice for oily or combination skin types. Interestingly, this ingredient “can be produced synthetically, but was originally extracted from willow bark and is actually a precursor to aspirin,” adds Dr. adds Cristina Psomadakis, dermatologist and Klira ambassador.

Who should use salicylic acid? Essentially, as mentioned above, salicylic acid is worth a try if you’re experiencing excess oil, blackheads, blackheads, or congested skin. Experts point out that salicylic acid can also be used on the body, such as to treat problems like keratosis pilaris or ingrown hairs.

For these reasons, it is very versatile and can be used by many people. How often should I use a cleanser containing salicylic acid? This may depend on your skin type and how it reacts. As with most active ingredients, it’s recommended that you introduce salicylic acid slowly and even do a patch test before applying it to your face.

Jennifer says salicylic acid is usually most effective in small doses, used two to three times a week, while Dr. Christina says products containing salicylic acid are usually used once a day, but it really depends on how your skin reacts.

However, she adds that if it makes your skin too dry, you can use it less often than a few times a week. PhD. Doctor and skin care expert Kemi Fabusiwa explains that you can use your cleanser at night or in the morning to reap different benefits.

“Using in the morning can help remove excess oil and impurities that have built up overnight, while using before bed can help cleanse skin and remove the day’s makeup, dirt and pollutants.” What are the benefits of using a cleanser containing salicylic acid compared to other skin care products?

So why use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid instead of other products like a serum? As Dr. Alexis stresses, this ingredient should be used “preventatively and exclusively,” which means regular salicylic acid cleansing might just be the way to go.

“Salicylic acid is best used in washable products, such as cleansers, because contact time with the skin is shorter and it is easily controlled by the user, reducing the risk of irritation,” adds Jennifer.

Are there possible side effects from using salicylic acid cleansers? the most important is? dry. “Salicylic acid can be drying. So if you have naturally dry or more mature skin, this is not the best acidic ingredient for you.

If you have very sensitive or inflamed skin, salicylic acid can make it worse, so People with eczema or rosacea should avoid salicylic acid,” says Christina.

If you have dry skin or you’re sensitive but still want to try this ingredient, Dr. recommends a dose of less than 2% is typically tolerated to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

CeraVe SA Salicylic Acid Smoothing Cleanser. Why We Love It: CeraVe’s facial cleanser is everything you could want from a salicylic acid cleanser and more. First, the formula contains powerful exfoliants, but it also contains hyaluronic acid and CeraVe’s signature ceramides to balance those exfoliating effects leaving skin feeling hydrated and protected. Its convenient pump also makes it perfect for busy mornings, and its affordable price and wide availability make it our top pick. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Face and Body Cleansing Gel

Why We Love It: Not only can facial skin benefit from a good salicylic acid cleanse; Our bodies love this stuff, too. La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Face and Body Cleansing Gel is a worthwhile buy for anyone who suffers from acne on areas like the butt, back, or chest.

It’s from the brand’s popular and best-selling Effaclar range, which uses salicylic acid, zinc and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water to effectively clear clogged pores. Salicylic Acid Cleanser from INKEY List Why we love it:

For The Inkey List, going viral is part of everyday life; it seems like the brand can’t release a product without garnering a ton of attention on platforms like TikTok. The most popular on social media is the brand’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser, which for us is a close second to CeraVe.

Not only does this clean pores and clogged pores, it also helps to make your skin smoother and your complexion healthier. eleven. Breakthrough Anti-Blemish and Acne Cleanser Why we like it:

The main issues with cleansers for blemish-prone skin are usually that they can be harsh, drying, and stripping; not this one, which is gentle enough for daily use but still results-driven. The trio of salicylic acid, zinc, and tranexamic acid quickly fight unwanted blemishes and prevent future breakouts while helping to soothe post-acne skin.

The definition of triple threat. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser Why We Love It: If you’re as big a fan of Korean beauty products as we are, then you undoubtedly know about COSRX. The brand, known for its snail slime products, also has a great salicylic acid cleanser that’s very gentle and effective for oily or acne-prone skin.

The practical tube also fits easily into your gym bag for cleaning after training and removing excess sweat. Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Repair Gel Cleanser Why we love it: You probably know Nip + Fab best for its celebrity endorsements (Kylie Jenner is a big fan) and its exfoliating pads, the brand’s ultimate best-seller .

However, there are some other great products out there, including this face wash that harnesses the power of salicylic acid but still retains the hydrating benefits, leaving skin feeling incredibly refreshed. Definitely one worth keeping on hand during the warmer months.