10 Face Washes with Salicylic Acids
for May 2023

MOOZ's editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

Acne can become a real nightmare for those of us with problem-prone skin. It can leave us feeling insecure and self-conscious about our appearance. Thankfully, salicylic acid face washes can help combat acne and keep breakouts at bay. With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the ideal product for your needs. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 face washes containing salicylic acid guaranteed to show impressive results. Salicylic acid can be game-changing for acne-prone skin, as it deeply penetrates pores and helps to fight off bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores. It's also known to exfoliate dead skin cells, which can cause rough patches on the skin, leaving it looking and feeling smoother. In addition, all of the products on our list are made to work well with sensitive skin, so you won't have to worry about irritation or redness. From Neutrogena's oil-free cleanser to Glytone's salicylic acid facial cleanser, there are so many great options to choose from to cater to your individual skin concerns. We're confident that you'll find something on our list that works for you and helps you achieve the clear, glowing skin you've always been after. So, keep reading to find out more about our 10 favorite salicylic acid face washes that'll transform your skin from problematic to polished.

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Cetaphil Acne Face Wash, Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid, Deep Cleans & Treats Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care for Sensitive Skin, 4.2oz

Cetaphil Acne Face Wash

by AmazonUs/GACE7
What We like

DEFENDS AGAINST FIVE SIGNS OF SKIN SENSITIVITY: Defends against five signs of skin sensitivity including a weakened skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness, and dryness

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Product Features

  • HYDRATES & SOOTHES SKIN: Balanced formulas are specially formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients to nourish skin.
  • CLEARS & PREVENTS BREAKOUTS IN SENSITIVE SKIN: NEW clinically proven regimen designed to clear and prevent breakouts in acne-prone, sensitive skin
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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash, Daily Cleanser with Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, 9.1 Fl Oz (Pack of 3)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Fighting Wash

by Johnson & Johnson
What We like

Use this acne face wash as part of a daily skincare routine. Consider this product if you've liked cleansers from Proactiv, Clearasil, Biore, Mountain Falls, CeraVe, Differin and AcneFree

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Product Features

  • Residue- and oil-free formula is non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores. This daily acne face wash also rinses clean without over drying or irritating the skin to help unclog pores and treat acne even before it emerges
  • 9.1-fluid ounce pump bottle of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash with 2% salicylic acid acne treatment to help fight and prevent acne breakouts while cleansing skin
  • This unique formula gently cleanses deep down into pores with conditioners while salicylic acid acne treatment helps prevent future breakouts in one simple step
  • Oil-free cleanser features a clinically proven MicroClear technology to help boost delivery of salicylic acid, an acne medication to help clear up acne, pimples and blackheads
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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Face Wash with 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Medication, Soothing Daily Acne Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin Care, 6 fl. oz

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Face with Wash 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Medication

by Johnson & Johnson
What We like

For best use, wet face & apply cream wash by massaging face, gentle enough for daily use. Formulated by a Dermatologist Recommended Brand and designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin

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Product Features

  • 4.2-fluid ounce tube of Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Face Wash with salicylic acid acne medicine, for healthier looking skin
  • Creamy face wash formula with skin-soothers, including cucumber and green tea, to help soothe redness and irritation caused by acne, leaving skin soft and smooth
  • Daily oil-free face wash gently cleanses and fights breakouts. Salicylic acid acne medicine helps to unclog congested pores and help get rid of pimples, even before breakouts emerge
  • Facial cleanser formulated with salicylic acid acne medicine, a proven acne-fighting ingredient to help clear acne and MicroClear Technology, a technology shown to boost delivery of acne treatment to the source of breakouts
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Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Acne Face Wash Acne Cleanser with 2% BHA Salicylic Acid and Menthol, Face and Back Acne Treatment for Oily Skin

Obagi Medical Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Acne Face Acne Wash Cleanser with 2% BHA Salicylic Acid and Menthol

by Obagi Medical
What We like

Medical Skincare Brand: Obagi Medical is a global medical skincare brand that's focused on creating facial skincare products that help unleash the full potential of the skin. Our skincare products are formulated to deal with a wide range of skin care issues including acne, aging, hyperpigmentation and much more.

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Product Features

  • Achieve Clearer, Radiant Skin: Obagis Gentle Face Cleanser works well alone but even better when paired with Obagis CLENZIderm Pore Therapy & CLENZIDerm Lotion. Just apply this Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, follow with the Pore Therapy Treatment, & finish your skin care regimen with the Clenziderm M.D. Lotion for clearer & more radiant skin.
  • How to Apply: Just dispense a nickel-size amount of cleanser in your hand and massage the cleanser all over your entire face. Then once your face is covered, rinse the skin gently with warm water & wait 10-15 minutes to allow your skin to dry completely. Note: This face care product dries & exfoliates your skin so use the cleanser once daily in the start & increase the usage as needed or as directed by your doctor based on your skin.
  • Made With Powerful Ingredients: This daily facial cleanser for women and men contains 2% salicylic acid which is known for effectively reducing sebum levels. unclogging pores, & gently removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Leaving your skin with a smoother more refined texture.
  • Unclog Your Pores : Obagi CLENZIderms Daily Care salicylic acid face Cleanser is a lightweight, foaming cleanser face wash that will help unclog your pores and wash away dead skin and impurities. leaving you with a clearer, more refreshed complexion. Cooling menthol leaves skin feeling refreshed.
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Peter Thomas Roth | Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel | Face Wash with Anti-Wrinkle Technology, Exfoliates with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, 2.0 Fl Oz

Peter Thomas Roth

by Peter Thomas Roth
What We like

Provides pure and natural skin care

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Product Features

  • It helps to replenish, repair and soothe
  • Leaves skin clean, smooth and glowing
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser, Foaming Acne Face Wash with Salicylic Acid, Helps Clear Acne Breakouts and with Oily Skin Control, Oil Free, Fragrance Free

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Medicated Facial Cleanser

by La Roche-Posay
What We like

Skin looks even and smooth

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Product Features

  • Clinically tested to reduce excess surface oil by upto 47 percent, leaving skin less oily throughout the day
  • Tested on sensitive skin; Allergy tested; Dermatologist tested; Non-Comedogenic
  • Skin is deeply cleansed, breakouts are diminished
  • This salicylic acid face wash is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to remove impurities without harsh scrub particles that may irritate skin
  • Helps clear acne breakouts, blemishes, pimples
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Glo Skin Beauty Purifying Gel Cleanser - Salicylic Acid Face Wash Targets Clogged Pores, Excess Oil & Breakouts - Gently Exfoliates and Minimizes the Appearance of Fine Lines

Glo Skin Beauty Purifying Gel Cleanser

by Glo Therapeutics
What We like

GLO SKIN BEAUTY: Delivering on the promise of healthy, beautiful skin is what drives us every day at Glo Skin Beauty. Our innovative skincare and nourishing mineral makeup collections work together seamlessly to reveal your authentic best.

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Product Features

  • SMOOTHING: Pro-level exfoliation via salicylic acid visibly improves texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. Suitable for all skin types, except sensitive.
  • PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER: Power up your skin balancing and exfoliation with this salicylic acid and niacinamide cleansing gel. Targeting clogged pores, excess oil, breakouts, and uneven texture.
  • CLEANSING: Gel formulation offers effective cleansing without any irritating sulfates. Powered by an acne-fighting dream team of salicylic acid and niacinamide.
  • BALANCING: Clarifies and refines without stripping away crucial moisture. Restoring skins balance and strengthening the moisture barrier, skin feels cleaner, clearer, and radiantly refreshed.
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Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - Hydration Exfoliating & Moisturizing Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic Acid Face Wash - Creamy Skin Smoothing Treatment Backed by Science, 6.75 Oz

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

by Murad
What We like

HOW TO USE: Massage a small amount of the hydrating facial cleanser & exfoliator over your dampened face and neck. Rinse the cleansing face wash with warm water and pat dry.

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Product Features

  • ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS: Salicylic, Lactic & Glycolic Acids encourage cell turnover, biodegradable Jojoba Beads exfoliate and Sodium PCA attracts moisture. Formulated without Phthalates or Gluten.
  • TRIPLE ACTION CLEANSER: This AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser delivers the benefits of a hydrating cleanse plus physical and chemical exfoliation in one effective skincare treatment.
  • EXFOLIATING TREATMENT: Giving facial skin a fresher appearance, the exfoliating facial cleanser is suitable for Normal, Oily, Dry, and Combination skin and can be used 2-3 times a week.
  • SMOOTHS & POLISHES: Gently removing dull and dry skin, the skin smoothing polish reveals a more radiant and youthful complexion, and prepares skin for optimal results from serums & treatments.
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Replenix Acne Gly-Sal 5-2 Deep Pore Cleanser – Oil Free Medical Grade Glycolic & Salicylic Acid Pore Cleansing Face Wash – Cream to Foam Breakout and Blackhead Facial Cleanser, 6.7 oz

Replenix Acne Gly-Sal 5-2 Deep Pore Cleanser – Oil Free Medical Grade Glycolic & Acid Salicylic Pore Cleansing Face Wash – Cream to Foam Breakout and Blackhead Facial Cleanser

by Replenix
What We like

Soothing green tea extract protects against free radicals while calming irritation

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Product Features

  • Cleanse, treat and clear acne-prone skin with replenix acne solutions gly/sal 5-2 cleanser
  • This exfoliating cleanser with 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid gently cleanses the skin and removes buildup, keeping your complexion free of breakouts, blemishes and other unsightly signs of acne
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Peter Thomas Roth | Acne Clearing Wash | Maximum-Strength Salicylic Acid Face Wash, Clears Up and Helps Prevent Breakouts, 8.5 Fl Oz

Peter Thomas Roth

by Peter Thomas Roth
What We like

Beauty and personal care product

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Product Features

  • Packaging may slightly vary
  • This item is not a tester

As a history graduate, you might be surprised to know that I also have a keen interest in skincare. One of my favorite ingredients in skincare products is salicylic acid, and I've been curious about its use in face washes for quite some time.

Salicylic acid, also known as beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is a common ingredient found in many acne treatments and face washes. It is a derivative of salicin, which is found in willow bark and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

The use of salicylic acid in skincare dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used willow bark to treat inflammation and pain. In the 19th century, chemists began to isolate salicylic acid from willow bark and used it as a pain reliever and antipyretic.

But it wasn't until the mid-20th century when salicylic acid was first introduced as a skincare ingredient. Its ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores made it a popular ingredient in acne treatments.

Today, salicylic acid is a staple in many face washes aimed at those with acne-prone skin. It works by penetrating into the pores and dissolving the build-up of oil and dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts.

But salicylic acid isn't just for acne-prone skin. It is also an effective ingredient for those with sensitive skin, as it is gentle and non-irritating. It can be found in many gentle, hydrating face wash formulas that cater to a variety of skin types.

In bold html tags, it is worth highlighting that salicylic acid has a long and rich history in both medicine and skincare, and its wide range of benefits makes it an essential ingredient in many face washes on the market today.

The key choices in how the product has been designed include using balanced formulas with hydrating and soothing ingredients to nourish the skin, and creating a clinically proven regimen to clear and prevent breakouts in acne-prone, sensitive skin. These choices have a significant effect on the users beyond what the manufacturer says.

Firstly, the balanced formulas with hydrating and soothing ingredients provide a more gentle approach to skin care, allowing users with sensitive skin to use the product without experiencing further irritation or dryness. This choice specifically caters to the needs of those with sensitive skin, who may struggle with finding products that work for them.

Secondly, the creation of a clinically proven regimen designed to clear and prevent breakouts in acne-prone, sensitive skin provides users with the assurance that the product will be effective in addressing their skin concerns. This choice helps to build trust with the users, as they are more likely to continue using a product that has been proven to work.

Overall, these key design choices not only address the specific needs of the target market but also provide a sense of efficacy and trustworthiness to users.

FAQ About face washes with salicylic acid

Q: What are the best salicylic acid face washes?

A: Some of the best salicylic acid face washes include CeraVe SALICYLIC ACID Cleanser, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, La Roche-Posay EFFACLAR Medicated Acne Face Wash, and Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Q: Can I use 10 percent salicylic acid on my face?

A: It is not recommended to use 10 percent salicylic acid on your face without consulting a dermatologist or healthcare professional. High concentrations of salicylic acid can cause skin irritation and damage if not used properly.

Q: Is it safe to use 10% salicylic acid?

A: It is safe to use 10% salicylic acid on your skin, but only under the guidance of a dermatologist or healthcare professional. High concentrations of salicylic acid can lead to skin irritation, redness, peeling and dryness.

Q: Is 10% salicylic acid good for acne?

A: 10% salicylic acid can be effective in treating acne, but it should only be used under the guidance of a dermatologist or healthcare professional due to its high concentration. It works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation and preventing new breakouts. Lower concentrations of salicylic acid (2-5%) are typically recommended for regular use.

And more, if you are looking for a gentle but effective way to treat acne-prone, sensitive skin, look no further than the power of salicylic acid cleansers. We've rounded up the 15 best options, according to experts, in our article linked below (The 15 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers, According to Experts). Not only do these products clear and prevent breakouts, but they also hydrate and soothe the skin with nourishing ingredients. If you're curious about the top 10 salicylic acid face washes of 2023, check out our second article linked below (The 10 Best Salicylic Acid Face Washes of 2023). With these trusted recommendations, you'll be on your way to clearer, healthier, and more radiant-looking skin in no time.

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