Hello darlings! Today I’m sharing with you my top ranking of the best facial cleansers with salicylic acid of 2023.
Creams and cleansers with this ingredient have become super popular. To me the salicylic acid thing sounded like painkilling drugs! So I wanted to investigate what its benefits were when applied to the skin of the face.
Overall, what is salicylic acid for on the skin of the face? It turns out that this acid is very effective in removing cosmetic residues, dead cells and oil that clog the pores of the skin.
In cosmetics, salicylic acid is mainly used in cleansers and is especially recommended for oily or acne skin.
If you want an impurity-free complexion or suffer from acne, salicylic acid cleansers may be just what you need. But depending on your skin type and age you will be better off one or the other. Read on to find out exactly which one you need.
Best Salicylic Acid Facial Cleansers of 2023
1. CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser
This salicylic acid cleanser from CeraVe had to top the list as it is probably the most popular pharmacy salicylic acid soap in the world. And that until recently nobody knew this brand!
This CeraVe face gel contains vitamin D, in addition to salicylic acid, and is indicated for rough and uneven skin. It does not contain fragrances. The size is 237ml / 8oz. Its function is the renewal and exfoliation of the skin of the face.
The way of using the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is as simple as for any other cleanser: apply to the wet skin of the face and massage until lathering.
CeraVe has designed this salicylic acid cleanser especially for oily skin. However, it is a gentle product with the skin and free of irritants.
This CeraVe gel with salicylic acid is a chemical, not physical, exfoliant. This means that it does not contain pimples that produce a mechanical peeling on the skin, but is done through the foam of the product.
The concentration of salicylic acid included in the mild cleansing gel of the Cerave S.A anti-roughness range is 0.5% LHA, 0.5% salicylic acid and 10% urea.
The function of this exfoliating gel from CeraVe is to cleanse and soften the skin, removes dirt and oil.
Secondly, it produces an exfoliating effect thanks to salicylic acid, removing dead skin cells.
In addition, thanks to vitamin D and niacinamide also moisturizes the skin. And how could it be otherwise, this cleanser also contains the ceramides that have made the brand famous. In the post about ceramides and their benefits on the skin I told you that there are 3 essential ceramides, and exactly those that are included in this cleanser.
Finally, it is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), non-drying, non-irritating and fragrance-free.
For what skin type is this the best cleanser with salicylic acid?
The general opinion of its users is that it works well for oily skin. Some loose reviews say that it produces irritation, yes.
In my opinion it is a product suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, although on the packaging it says that it is for normal skin.
The main reason is that you have to keep in mind that it is not a daily product. Exfoliants, and even more so this one that contains an acid, should be used a maximum of 2 or 3 times a week. And I would add, that, taking care that the skin is not too dry or sensitive.
2. Neutrogena soap with salicylic acid
Neutrogena’s anti-pimple facial cleanser is a daily salicylic acid cleanser for impurity-free, oil-free skin sold in 200ml size.
Unlike the previous one, this cleansing gel with salicylic acid is suitable for daily use. In fact, it can be used day and night.
This Neutrogena cleanser is one of the best sellers in Spain for 3 consecutive years. And that’s for a reason! This means that it has to be also included in this ranking of best facial cleansers with salicylic acid, without a doubt.
This salicylic acid wash gel effectively cleanses the skin while maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. When I read this I found it interesting, because sometimes, when we have oily skin, we want to eliminate all kinds of oils and we end up going over with the use of too aggressive products.
It is indicated for morning and evening application. Also suitable for sensitive skin.
For what skin type is this the best cleanser with salicylic acid?
If we compare this salicylic acid gel from Neutrogena with CeraVe we see that it is much gentler on the skin and we can make use of it daily. It can come in handy if you do not have excessively oily skin or pimples, and you do not want an excessively strong product. It is suitable for sensitive skin.
Let’s say it’s a middle ground of intensity in the world of salicylic acid cleansers.
3. Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid
This Normaderm salicylic acid cleansing gel from Vichy not only contains salicylic acid but also glycolic acid and thermal water.
Glycolic acid is interesting not only for oily skin but also for somewhat more mature skin that wants to activate natural exfoliation on the skin. Using cleansing gels like this is one way to perform a small glycolic acid peel at home. Of course, nothing to do with professional treatment, but something helps.
I also like the fact that it incorporates Vichy thermal water.
For what skin type is this the best cleanser with salicylic acid?
This cleanser seems interesting for oily or combination skin that wants to get rid of some pimples but also have signs of aging. That is, for somewhat more mature skin.
The most outstanding general opinion of this Normaderm salicylic acid cleansing gel from Vichy is that it is very gentle while performing a deep cleansing. It can be used daily, within the routine day and night. I am one of the best facial cleansers with salicylic acid sold in pharmacy.
4. Salicylic acid cleanser from The Inkey List
Finally, this facial soap with salicylic acid from The Inkey List has a very modest price, but it is not disposable.
The concentration of salicylic acid is 2%. It is a gentle chemical exfoliant that removes makeup and dirt, attacks blemishes, and helps unclog pores and reduce their appearance for impurity-free skin.
This facial soap from The Inkey List also contains beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and zinc that help control excess oil. It has gel texture slightly.
For what skin type is this the best cleanser with salicylic acid?
This cleanser has a concentration of salicylic acid at 2%, higher than other products on this list.
Therefore, it may come in handy if your skin is not especially sensitive or if you really have an acne problem (without further dermatological complications). Come on, you have to be careful because it’s quite strong.
The Inkey List advises its use morning and night, but according to the opinions of users they can be strong and irritating, so I would say that it is better to start small.
5. Nezeni Shikimic Acid and Salicylic Acid Tonic Cleanser
Although this cleanser does not contain salicylic acid itself, it does contain shikimic acid, which is like an improved version of salicylic acid. In fact, I’m sure you’ll hear more and more about this ingredient. In any case, combined with the salicylic acid tonic that the brand also has, they are the perfect combination.
The cleanser is applied to the face mixed with water, gently massaging with the fingertips. Then we rinse the face, as with any other cleansing gel.
For what skin type is this the best cleanser with salicylic acid?
This cleanser, or rather this combination of cleanser and toner, is perfect for acne-prone skin. The combination of the two acids, shikimic acid and salicylic acid is a super powerful combo that is designed to act against this type of skin problems.
In addition to these two main ingredients, Nezeni cleanser and toner include another series of very powerful active ingredients. And from their website they explain (clearly and for humans ;-)) how each of them works. As you know, one of the objectives of this blog is to understand how each product works so that we know how to identify as consumers what can come best for us. So I like brands to explain how and what their ingredients work for.
Anyway, I hope this list with the best facial cleansers with salicylic acid in 2023 has given you ideas.
See you here with more beauty content.
Much love,
Deliria Rose
