Salicylic acid cleansers have been all the rage lately. Due to the pandemic, more people got acne (namely maskne) and had to deal with unwanted blemishes or even cysts. Consequently, we started to look for all-in-one answers, as no one wants to have to use a lot of products to deal with just one issue. Hence come salicylic acid cleansers, our skin saviors during the pandemic. Even though cleansers aren’t usually where we go for treatment, these ones actually deliver. Due to the limited amount of time they have with the skin, cleansers are usually just a way to cleanse the skin. However, research has proved that salicylic acid cleansers actually do make a difference regarding blemishes. So, if you were trying to find if salicylic acid cleansers actually work, the answer is a resounding YES.
Now that we’re all happy that a cleanser can actually help with acne, let’s get into the details. One of the most common questions is if you can use a salicylic acid cleanser daily and, if so, when. As with everything else, there hardly is a rule. However, we advise you to start slowly and then increase the frequency: start with twice a week and work until you are using it daily in the evening. Please note that some degree of purging may happen. This is due to the fact that salicylic acid can penetrate the pores and exfoliate them from the inside. This means that, firstly, some cells will be detached from inside the pore are may cause a small blemish. These should disappear within two weeks and have no redness or discomfort associated with them.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Bumpy Skin
Best for teen acne
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Bumpy Skin
If you’ve been lucky enough to grab one of these, go you! The demand is so high right now that it’s hard to keep any bottle on the shelves nowadays. But if you come across it, just grab one (or three) because this formula is just great. The formula blends both salicylic acid and ceramides. Hence, it ensures that the skin texture is improved, blemishes are reduced, but the skin barrier function isn’t compromised. It’s not a mere coincidence that this product is a TikTok viral product, it actually works.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel
Skin texture improvement
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel
If you’re looking to even the skin texture, this micro peeling gel might be what you need. Combining both zinc and salicylic acid, it has a gentle effect in improving the skin texture. In fact, if you’ve been suffering from maskne, this product is great for exactly that situation – it was even launched during the pandemic. And one of the best things – it has 400ml and it lasts forever.
Sesderma Salises Foamy Soap-Free Cream Acne-Prone Skin
Salicilyc acid cleanser for back acne
Sesderma Salises Foamy Soap-Free Cream Acne-Prone Skin
This one has the confidence of a best seller that has been doing the rounds for years and years. Long before this company even existed, Salises was already a best seller. All in all, it continues to impress, but if there’s one situation it shines and that’s back and chest acne. While it’s easy to find an enormous amount of products for the face, when it comes to acne on the body things change. However, this gel is here to prove that you don’t have to consider it a lost cause. And even more perfect, it can be used for both the face and body, so it’s a 2-in-1.
SkinCeuticals Cleanse Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel
Best for mature skin
SkinCeuticals Cleanse Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel
If you’re over 30 and have acne, you’re probably no longer looking for just a way to fight off blemishes. You actually want it to have more – to help with aging signs as well as with acne. The Blemish + Age range is exactly for those situations, in which fighting off blemishes no longer makes you feel like you’re fulfilling all your skin needs. Thus, it combines glycolic and salicylic acids in order to help on both fronts.
COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser
For sensitive skin
COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser
Having both sensitive skin AND acne is no easy feat. Usually, to deal with acne your routine requires some harsh formulas that do not go well with skin sensitivity. However, worry not, as there’s always someone who has thought about it already. COSRX is all over social media because they are actually quite good at this skin barrier part. Formulating products that are effective while keeping the skin balanced is no longer impossible.
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Daily Wash
Salicylic acid cleanser for blackheads
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Daily Wash
A simple formula for simple issues. Sometimes there is no need to look for the best, or the most expensive formula. Sometimes, all your skin needs is the right ingredient in a minimalist formula that does what it says. Neutrogena is widely known for its affordable and effective products and this one is no exception. If you’re just dealing with some blackheads that won’t go away, then this might be the exact fit for you.
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Vegan salicylic acid cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
If a vegan formula is an absolute must for you, here’s one that is a delight to use. This cleanser belongs to the oily skin range from Caudalie and tickles all the senses while keeping a cruelty-free approach. The essential oils in the formula provide an aromatherapy-like experience while cleansing the skin, for a refreshing boost of energy.
If you wish, you can find all our cleansers with salicylic acid (and we’ve already applied the ingredient filter for you).
