Whether you're dealing with stubborn acne, excess oil, or clogged pores, salicylic acid is your go-to ingredient for effective skincare. Known for its gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing properties that fight acne-causing bacteria, it’s no wonder that salicylic acid is a well-loved ingredient among skincare enthusiasts.
In this guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about integrating salicylic acid cleansers into your daily routine. From understanding how it works to recommendations for different skin types, we've got you covered. What’s more, we've included insights from Dr. Angelie Chua, a board-certified dermatologist, to ensure you're making the best decision. Plus, with the convenience of online platforms like Lazada and Shopee, discovering the perfect salicylic acid cleanser for achieving clearer, more radiant skin has never been easier.
Quick List - Top Salicylic Acid Cleansers
COSRX
A Balanced Salicylic Acid Cleanser That Clears Acne and Soothes Skin
Dr. Angelie Chua is a dedicated Thomasian physician specializing in dermatology, with board certification from the Philippine Dermatological Society. She completed her residency at UST Hospital and is currently pursuing a fellowship in Trichology (hair disorders). Passionate about beauty, health, history, music, and travel, she fosters continuous learning and expertise in diverse fields. Dr. Chua is committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements for the benefit of her patients.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Unlike other exfoliants, salicylic acid can effectively dissolve pore-clogging oils deep within the skin, making it effective for fighting mild to painful, cystic acne!
Salicylic acid cleansers stand out as a reliable solution for tackling various types of acne due to their gentle exfoliation and pore-clearing properties. If you struggle with mild acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads, salicylic acid works wonders by diving deep into pores to clear out the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil.
Salicylic acid's anti-inflammatory properties come to the rescue for those dealing with more painful forms of acne, like papules and pustules. It soothes active breakouts by minimizing redness and swelling without over-drying or irritating your skin. Whether used as part of your morning or nightly skincare routine, using one tailored to your skin's needs can make a noticeable difference in managing acne effectively.
Salicylic acid is a great choice for many, but for severe cases of acne, consult your dermatologist for a more personalized skincare routine to target your specific needs.
As salicylic acid cleansers gain popularity, it's important to carefully consider your choices to find the best fit for your skin. Dr. Angelie Chua and the mybest team delve into the essential factors to consider when choosing a salicylic acid cleanser that best suits your needs. For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below and learn more about their insights!
Don’t be fooled by high numbersーfor daily use, 2% concentration is enough to see results! Anything higher could disrupt the skin barrier and lead to more breakouts.
Not all salicylic acid cleansers are created equal. When choosing a cleanser, opt for a formula with a maximum concentration of 2% salicylic acid. This level is strong enough to effectively exfoliate the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and excess oil that clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
The gentle exfoliation provided by 2% salicylic acid promotes smoother skin texture and reduces the appearance of acne scars over time. Additionally, this concentration is suitable for daily use without causing excessive dryness or irritation, making it ideal for maintaining a consistent skincare routine.
Oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers work wonders for oily skin because they help maintain essential moisture without clogging pores or exacerbating acne.
Prioritize products labeled as non-comedogenic, as these formulations are designed not to clog pores or irritate acne-prone skin. Comedogenic ingredients, such as heavy oils like coconut oil or mineral oil, and certain types of alcohol, can block pores and worsen comedones like blackheads and whiteheads. To avoid these issues, opt for cleansers specifically labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to ensure they won't contribute to new breakouts.
Beyond preventing pore blockages, a well-formulated salicylic acid cleanser enhances the skin’s appearance by accelerating cell turnover. This means that with regular use, it can effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a smoother and more even complexion over time.
Dryness can lead to increased sebum production and worsening acne. Maintaining skin hydration helps balance oil levels, helping your skin treat and heal acne more effectively.
Salicylic acid is a great choice for fighting acne, but sometimes it can leave your skin feeling a bit dry. It's important to consider how these ingredients affect your skin’s moisture levels. To combat this, look for formulations with hydrating and soothing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide.
Ceramides strengthen your skin's natural moisture barrier, while glycerin attracts and retains moisture to keep your skin hydrated, and niacinamide soothes irritation and reduces redness, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. These ingredients not only counteract the drying effects of salicylic acid but also ensure your skin feels comfortable throughout the day.
If your skin still feels excessively dry or tight after cleansing, follow up with an additional thick moisturizer to add back moisture and seal in all your skincare.
Lightweight formulas are ideal for easily reactive skin as thicker cleansers can feel heavy and contribute to greasiness, which may lead to acne flare-ups.
Salicylic acid cleansers in gel or water-based formulations are highly recommended for their effective oil-control properties and lightweight consistency. In warm climates like the Philippines, where higher temperatures and humidity can boost oil production, these cleansers are ideal for removing excess oil and impurities without drying out the skin or leaving behind a heavy residue.
Moreover, these cleansers are great at eliminating sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells that can build up and lead to clogged pores and dull skin, all while delivering a refreshing, cooling sensation to help maintain a radiant complexion.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for a milder, lightweight option like a micellar cleanser. It can just as effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup without risk of irritation.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | Non-comedogenic | Best For | Moisturizing Ingredients | Consistency | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Klued 2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Exfoliation for Clearer, Smoother Skin | 2% | Oily Skin、Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin | Ceramides, Allantoin | Gel | 120 mL | ||
2 | Face Republic Calming Acne Salicylic Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Acne Care With Calming Natural Extracts | 0.5% | Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-prone Skin | Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | Gel | 100 mL | ||
3 | OXECURE Acne Clear Facial Cleanser | ![]() | A pH-Balanced Cleanser That Clears Acne and Hydrates Skin | 1.50% | Acne-prone Skin、Oily Skin | Oat Amino Micellar Complex, Kakadu Plum Extract, Calendula Extract, Squalane | Gel | 120 mL | ||
4 | COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser | ![]() | A Balanced Salicylic Acid Cleanser That Clears Acne and Soothes Skin | 0.5% | Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin、Combination Skin | Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Willow Bark Water, Saccharomyces Ferment | Gel | 150 mL | ||
5 | Soul Apothecary Gentle Salicylic Acid Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Daily Exfoliation for Clearer, Smoother Skin | 2% | Oily Skin、Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Foam | 100 mL | ||
6 | Neutrogena Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser | ![]() | Deep Pore Cleansing With Gentle Acne Care | 0.5% | Acne-prone Skin、Oily Skin | Glycerin, Amino Micellar Complex | Foam | 100 mL | ||
7 | Céleteque Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel | ![]() | Clear Skin Starts With Gentle, Effective Cleansing | 0.5% | Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin、Oily Skin | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Botanical Extracts (Mushroom, Willow Bark) | Gel | 50 mL | ||
8 | Garnier Bright Complete Anti-Acne 3-in-1 Cleanser | ![]() | Clear Acne and Brighten Skin in One Step | 2% | Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-prone Skin | Vitamin C, Glycerin | Gel | 100 mL | ||
9 | CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Exfoliation That Softens and Smooths Skin | 0.5% | Normal Skin、Acne-prone Skin | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide | Gel | 237 mL | ||
10 | Camou All-in-One Anti-Acne Facial Wash | ![]() | Deep-Cleansing Wash That Controls Acne and Soothes Skin | 0.5% | Oily Skin、Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract | Gel | 100 mL |
Users appreciate its gentle exfoliating effect and suitability for acne-prone skin, noting visible improvement with regular use. Some find it drying initially and recommend starting with limited use to avoid irritation. The cleanser is praised for calming sensitive skin and improving texture over time, though a few users experienced breakouts, possibly due to the adjustment period or sensitivity to salicylic acid.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 2% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Oily Skin、Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Ceramides, Allantoin |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 120 mL |
Reviews mention:
Users find this cleanser effective for calming acne-prone and oily skin, appreciating its gentle yet thorough cleansing without dryness. Some note it helps reduce redness and breakouts over time, though a few recommend patch testing due to sensitivity concerns. The fresh, non-irritating formula is favored by those with sensitive skin looking for daily acne care.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-prone Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 1.50% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Acne-prone Skin、Oily Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Oat Amino Micellar Complex, Kakadu Plum Extract, Calendula Extract, Squalane |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 120 mL |
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin、Combination Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Willow Bark Water, Saccharomyces Ferment |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 150 mL |
Users appreciate its effective pore-clearing and acne-reducing properties while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Many highlight the smooth, non-drying finish and visible improvement in skin texture after consistent use. Some suggest it may take a few weeks to see full results and recommend patch testing for very sensitive skin.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 2% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Oily Skin、Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid |
Consistency | Foam |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Users find this cleanser effective in controlling breakouts and reducing excess oil while keeping skin hydrated. Many appreciate its gentle foam that doesn’t cause dryness or irritation. Some suggest it works best with consistent use and recommend avoiding eye contact.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Acne-prone Skin、Oily Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Glycerin, Amino Micellar Complex |
Consistency | Foam |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Users find this cleanser effective in controlling acne and excess oil while calming irritated skin. Many appreciate its gentle formulation that doesn’t dry out or aggravate sensitive skin. Some note it helps improve skin texture and reduces breakouts with consistent use, though a few recommend patch testing for very reactive skin.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin、Oily Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Botanical Extracts (Mushroom, Willow Bark) |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate how this cleanser effectively reduces pimples and controls oil while brightening their complexion. Many highlight its gentle formula that does not irritate sensitive skin. Some suggest consistent use is needed to see visible improvements in dark spots and overall skin clarity.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 2% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Oily Skin、Sensitive Skin、Acne-prone Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Vitamin C, Glycerin |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Users appreciate how this cleanser exfoliates without irritation, leaving skin smoother and less congested. Many highlight its hydrating effect that prevents dryness, common with acne cleansers. Some note a visible improvement in skin texture and reduced breakouts with consistent use.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Normal Skin、Acne-prone Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 237 mL |
Users praise its effective oil control and pore-minimizing effects, which are gentle on the skin. Many note a clearer complexion and reduced acne with regular use, appreciating the soothing ingredients that prevent irritation. Some suggest it works best paired with complementary serums for enhanced results.
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
---|---|
Non-comedogenic | |
Best For | Oily Skin、Acne-prone Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract |
Consistency | Gel |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Now that you already know the basics about salicylic acid cleansers, let's move on to answering the most asked questions about this skincare product. Time to clarify not just your skin, but your doubts as well!
Since salicylic acid can cause irritation especially if used in high concentrations, it’s recommended to introduce it to your routine slowly. For instance, most people can use it twice daily for face cleansing, morning and night. But for someone with sensitive skin, it may feel too harsh so in this case, use it once a day and then adjust to how your skin feels. Follow cleansing with a hydrating toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
It’s generally well-tolerated by most skin types but it’s recommended to patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Apply a small amount of the cleanser to a discreet area of your skin (like behind your ear or on your forearm) and wait at least 24 hours to see if any irritation or allergic reaction occurs before applying it to your entire face.
Due to its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid cleansers can help with fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation. However, if your main concern is fading dark marks, it shouldn’t be used as a standalone product. It's best to combine them with lightening ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and arbutin for more effective results.
A salicylic acid cleanser with a low percentage (0.5% to 2%) typically won't dry out the skin, but its suitability for daily use depends on your skin type and other skincare products you use. If unsure about your skin's tolerance, start low and slow and gradually increase frequency and concentration as your skin adjusts.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Klued|2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser
No. 2: Face Republic|Calming Acne Salicylic Cleanser
No. 3: OXECURE |Acne Clear Facial Cleanser
No. 4: COSRX|Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
No. 5: Soul Apothecary|Gentle Salicylic Acid Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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