15 best cleansers with salicylic acid to incorporate into your skincare routine

As well as being great for spot treatments and acne cleansers, Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe consultant dermatologist, points out that it ‘reduces the skin's oil production,’ making it a solid choice for oily or combination skin types. Interestingly, the ingredient “can be made synthetically, but originally was derived from willow bark and is actually a precursor to aspirin,” adds Dr Cristina Psomadakis, dermatologist and Klira ambassador.

Who should use salicylic acid?

Essentially, as touched on above, if you experience excess oil, blackheads, whiteheads or congestion, salicylic acid could be worth trying. The experts point out that salicylic can also be used on the body, for those who experience issues such as keratosis pilaris or ingrown hairs. For these reasons, it’s pretty versatile and can be used by many.

How often should I use a cleanser with salicylic acid?

This can depend on your skin type and how it reacts. As with most active ingredients, it’s recommended you introduce salicylic acid slowly, and perhaps even patch test before applying it to your face.

Jennifer says that generally, salicylic acid is most effective in small doses and used 2-3 times per week, while Dr Cristina argues that a product with salicylic acid is usually used once per day, but it really depends on how your skin responds. She does however add that if it is making your skin too dry, you can reduce to a couple of times per week.

Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, doctor and skincare expert, explains you can use the cleanser at night or in the morning for different benefits. “Using it in the morning can help to remove excess oil and impurities accumulated overnight, while using it before bed can help to cleanse the skin and remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants from the day.”

What are the benefits of using a cleanser with salicylic acid over another skincare product?

So, why should you use a cleanser with salicylic acid over something else like a serum? As Dr Alexis points out, the ingredient “should be used as preventative as well as targeted,” meaning a regular cleanse with salicylic can be just the ticket.

“Salicylic acid is best used in a wash-off product such as a cleanser as time spent in contact with skin is shorter and easily controlled by the user, reducing the risk of irritation,” adds Jennifer.

Are there any potential side effects that could come from using salicylic cleanser?

The main one? Dryness. “Salicylic acid can be drying, so if you have naturally drier or more mature skin, this is not the best acid ingredient for you. If your skin is very sensitive or inflamed, salicylic acid can aggravate the situation, so it should be avoided in people with eczema or rosacea,” says Dr Cristina.

If you find your skin drying out or you are more on the sensitive side and still want to give the ingredient a try, Dr Kemi recommends opting for formulas that have been prepared with 0.5-1% salicylic acid (less sensitive skin or dry skin can usually tolerate closer to 2%) to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Ahead, your definitive guide to the best cleansers with salicylic acid…