If the term “skin exfoliant” sounds familiar to you, chances are you have come across terms like “AHA” and “BHA”. They are two of the most recommended exfoliating acids for your skincare journey.
Salicylic acid, being a common instance of BHA, is considered as one of the most widely discussed ingredients in skincare. It is used in various types of skin care products such as facial cleansers, toners, facial masks and spot treatments.
How often should one use salicylic acid on the face comes down to the skin types and the formulation of the salicylic acid products. While the acid is friendly to most skin, it tends to be drying and excessive use of it can irritate the skin.
For salicylic acid skin care products, the concentration of such acid normally goes from 0.5% to 2%. Generally speaking, people with oily skin can tolerate a higher concentration of the acid as compared to people with dry and sensitive skin. The latter are usually advised to use 0.5% - 1% of the acid in moderation.
In this article, we have listed down some of the top face washes with salicylic acid to guide you in choosing the most suitable one for your needs.
Table of Contents
![Hada Labo AHA+BHA Face Wash [Oil Control]](http://cdn1.productnation.co/stg/sites/1/6024c57d353ec.jpeg "Hada Labo AHA+BHA Face Wash [Oil Control].jpg")
This foaming face wash from Hada Labo doubles its exfoliating power by combining both salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA) in its formulation. To neutralise the harshness from the skin exfoliants, it is developed with a good amount of glycerin that traps moisture in the face and protects the skin barrier.
Besides, its Bentonite Clay takes away excess sebum on the face whereas its plant extracts further enhance its performance in blemish control. As claimed, this face wash works the best on oily and acne-prone skin.
Promising Review:
“As someone with oily skin, this face wash has for certain made my skin softer. My condition with breakouts has also been improved. I’d recommend this to people with combination/oily skin and it can be used daily.” - adilahjohan97
The Salicylic Acid Cleanser from The Inkey List has earned much approbation from people that it is constantly sold out. That’s because it is often described as an all-rounder, and here’s why.
To start, it comprises 2% of Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA and 0.5% of Allantoin. Zinc PCA works just as amazingly as Salicylic Acid in attacking acne and regulating the sebum production.
Whereas for Allantoin, it brings relief to the skin, giving the skin a soothing caress. This can reduce the chances of the skin getting irritated after battling through the exfoliation. To sum up, this face wash establishes a very well-balanced formulation, making sure that it cleanses the skin without over stripping it.
Promising Review:
“This cleanser has helped me in getting rid of those tiny bumps on my face! It also doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry.” -nurul hazwani
The exfoliating face wash from Kiehl’s is specially curated for men. That’s because it provides a cleanse that’s powerful enough to rip any impurities off men’s thicker and tougher skin. Argan Shells and Apricot Seeds in the face wash physically exfoliates the skin while its salicylic acid carries out chemical exfoliation to gently lift off stubborn dead skin.
This face wash targets to shrink pores and keep skin greasiness at bay throughout the day. We find it explicitly ideal for oily skin.
Promising Review:
“This face wash is amazing in oil-control! I have witnessed a drastic change on my husband’s face and he has been enjoying this product a lot too!” -LGarrett
The Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash from La Roche-Posay involves 2% of salicylic acid (BHA) and a gentler derivative of salicylic acid namely LHA in its formula. Both acids band together to shed the unwanted dead skin cells off the skin, effectively yet gently.
Its Zinc Gluconate content targets to remove excess sebum from the face, putting oil-control into action. Similar to salicylic acid, zinc gluconate also calm down inflamed skin and kill acne-triggering bacteria.
One of the reasons why people are in love with this face wash is its clean ingredient list. The product is free from alcohol, paraben, artificial fragrance and oils. It is also dermatologically tested to be safe on sensitive skin. What’s more, this face wash has won itself “the Best Acne Face Wash” in 2019 and “the Best Acne Cleanser” in 2017.
Promising Review:
“I have mild breakouts on my face and this cleanser has been performing amazingly on my skin. It is quite effective and I’d consider repurchasing. For now, it is my skincare staple!” -jamiemh
Some by Mi goes big with its 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam Cleanser. The team behind the brand has added three different exfoliating acids, namely AHA, BHA and PHA into this face wash to step up its exfoliating game.
In case this is your first time coming across PHA; it is a skin exfoliant that gets into the skin gentler as well as exfoliates the skin milder compared to the other two acids. It is said to be kind enough on dry and sensitive skin too.
The concentration of salicylic acid in this foaming cleanser is 0.5% which is just right for daily usage to treat sensitive and troubled skin. Not only that, but it is packed with several soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Madecassoside and Asiaticoside.
These ingredients help in calming down stressed skin and stimulating the wound healing process. They have also been proven as wonderful sources of antioxidants.
Promising Review:
“Though it might sound scary for having so many exfoliating acids, it is truly not over stripping on the skin! After using it for 5-10 days, the redness of my pimples is calmed down. Also, I have been suffering from fewer blackheads ever since.” -PragNEATism
This cleanser from Murad is both a physical exfoliator and a chemical exfoliator. It contains biodegradable Jojoba beads that nourishes the skin while sloughing the dead skin cells off the skin surface.
For chemical exfoliation, it comes with glycolic acid, lauric acid and salicylic acid. These three exfoliating acids work together to tackle enlarged pores and dull-looking skin. They help in boosting skin cell regeneration and improving skin elasticity. Sodium PCA is also added into the cleanser to act as the 'hydrator' for the skin.
This cleanser is suggested to be used 2-3 times a week and suits all skin types. It is also mentioned that a slight tingling sensation is normal when using the product.
Promising Review:
“It is okay-hydrating and effective in keeping my skin clear. In fact, it is so effective that it really needs to be used in moderation. I have used it on my neck and shoulder too and the results are even better.” -Emma
The Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser from Paula’s Choice never fails to win people’s heart, especially for the ones with dry skin.
Unlike other salicylic acid cleansers that usually include only glycerin in their formulations, this cleanser is curated with extra soothing and moisturizing ingredients like Panthenol and Arginine. Panthenol is an incredible Vitamin B5 that prevents water loss from the skin which in turn, keeps skin plumped and hydrated post-cleansing.
Arginine, on the other hand, aids in the formation of collagen and helps in relieving skin sensitivity. The fact that this cleanser comes with 0.5% of salicylic acid makes it even more dry-skin friendly. In short, this cleanser offloads clogged pores and troubled skin without deteriorating the skin hydration level.
Promising Review:
“Great and gentle enough for daily use. It leaves my skin fresh and comfortable.” -SD
The Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser from Aveeno promises to cleanse the skin without letting it lost its balance.
It carries 0.5% of salicylic acid to fight against any breakouts and enlarged pores. A powerful humectant namely glycerin is also included in its formulation to keep the skin hydrated after cleansing. Additionally, it is developed with the brand’s Soy Complex to improve skin texture and skin complexion. The Soy Complex helps to brighten up skin tone and wipe out tired-looking skin.
This product is claimed to be suitable for not only sensitive skin but also dry and troubled skin. Nevertheless, do note that it is advised to not use any other acne medications when using this product.
Promising Review:
“This product leaves my skin feeling soft. Ever since I started using this, I haven’t experienced any new breakouts! I think it works the best on dry skin like mine when followed with a rich moisturizer!” -nicole17
The Anti Acne Cleansing Foam from Kama Ayurveda contains 2% of Wintergreen-derived salicylic acid to rescue acne-prone skin. What’s so unique about this foaming cleanser is that it is packed with several natural plant extracts like Tea Tree oil, Neem oil and Tulsi oil.
Neem oil is a component that lightens acne scars and diminishes the signs of wrinkles. As for Tulsi oil, it provides the skin with a thorough yet not harsh detoxification, leaving the skin fresh and comfortable.
Not only that, but natural ingredients like Aloe Vera extracts and Calendula extracts can also be found in the product. Along with Allantoin, these three ingredients work amazingly to take the edge off any skin redness and skin sensitivity.
To summarise, it is the solution for enlarged pores, breakouts, acne scars and oily skin.
Promising Review:
“This product is amazing! It gets my acne under control and it is true to its claim.” -Dr Komal
This face scrub from Neutrogena aims to put breakouts to an end and make the skin soft to touch. It is formulated with glycolic acid and 2% of salicylic acid for in-depth skin exfoliation. The formula doesn't contain any plastic microbeads as its scrubs which, as we are aware, can be painful for the skin.
As a bonus, it contains glycerin to look after the skin’s moisture barrier.
Despite its claim as a daily scrub, we suggest for anyone to use the product only in moderation. This is because when a face scrub is used excessively, it can upset the skin barrier, leading to any possible skin sensitivity.
Promising Review:
“I would only reach for this when my skin is having some breakouts and it always keeps my skin feeling clean. My acne will usually be gone within days whenever I use it.” -joyjoyful
The Glacial Face Wash from Skyn Iceland is glamorous enough for having its salicylic acid derived from the natural White Willow Bark extracts. Such a derivative of salicylic acid is antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It aids in healing acne and killing any bacteria that might result in future breakouts.
Oat Kernel extracts and Cranberry oil are also included in the product to alleviate skin itchiness and treat skin rashes whenever needed. For extra nourishment, the face wash is further developed with Jojoba Seed Oil and Shea Butter. It establishes a creamy texture that lathers easily with water. Upon application, it will leave a cooling sensation on the face.
Promising Review:
“A little goes a long way for this face wash. I have used it to remove my makeup as well and it has worked amazingly on my face, my face feels ever refreshed! Though, it is a bit pricey.” -mothers1
This Renewing SA Cleanser from Cerave pulls off so well that people couldn’t stop raving about it. Aside from having salicylic acid to clear the pores and smoothen skin texture, it is jam-packed with humectants namely niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Ceramides, as famous as it already is, is a superstar ingredient to keep the skin supple and hydrated always. Whereas with the help of niacinamide, the skin barrier can be further safeguarded from any harsh exfoliation.
This cleanser also has glycerin and cholesterol to deliver the skin extra moisturizing benefits.
To enhance its performance as a skin exfoliator, it comes with Gluconolactone which is an AHA to slough off all the unwanted impurities and dead skin cells from the skin surface more effectively.
Promising Review:
“After having tried out so many acne face wash, this is the only one that has actually helped me in getting my breakouts under control! I have noticed a difference on my face where my skin looks healthy and glows!” -ashleyr03d1
So… what exactly does salicylic acid do for the skin?
The most classic use of salicylic acid is to remove the dead skin cells atop the skin epidermis, so as to reveal the healthier and younger skin underneath. Such exfoliating benefit can treat hyperpigmentation and improve the overall skin complexion in the long run. It also allows the skin to absorb other skincare products more readily.
Yet, exfoliating the skin is not merely what salicylic acid does. As salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it penetrates deep through the skin and straight to the pores. There, it demolishes the built-up oils, debris and dirt, kicking away pore congestion.
This explains why salicylic acid and acne often go hand in hand except that they result in an "acne shed". People, especially those with acne-prone skin and oily skin, swear by this acid in handling their breakouts and regulating the sebum secretion of their skin.
Apart from that, salicylic acid has also been proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It can ease skin redness and relieve skin itchiness. In addition, it speeds up the wound healing process too! This wonderful acid doesn’t only treat breakouts but also prevents future breakouts.