Finding the Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser: A Buyer’s Guide

If you have uncontrollable oily skin like I do, you might be used to over-cleansing your face in an attempt to control the oil. Unfortunately, this practice can actually make the breakout a lot worse. If you find yourself in this boat like I did, take a look at skincare products that contain salicylic acid.

Best used for exfoliation and unclogging pores, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that treats acne and acne scars while also making oily skin tolerable. This BHA goes deep into your pores to kill dead skin cells that are the cause of your pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. By exfoliating and deep-cleansing your skin, salicylic acid cleansers help manage acne and breakouts in coordination with other acne-fighting products. If you don't have acne, salicylic acid cleansers are still a great choice to deep clean your face from the feel of dirt and oil.

These cleansers are excellent for all skin types and will leave you feeling refreshed. Ready to add salicylic acid to your skincare routine? Our guide will walk you through the buying process and let you know all about salicylic cleansers.

What to Consider Before Buying a Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Ingredients

When choosing a cleanser, take note that salicylic acid works best with ingredients that complement BHA, such as niacinimide and hyaluronic acid. Both are popular for their acne-fighting and hydrating properties. In contrast, you should avoid products that blend retinol and salicylic acid or glycolic acid and salicylic acid as these combinations can cause dryness and irritation.

Safety and Concentration

Before deciding on a skincare regimen, you should always consult with your dermatologist about your concerns. If you do choose to use products with salicylic acid, you should begin with products that contain 2% salicylic acid. This amount is safe for most skin types, and will likely not cause any harmful side effects.

Formula

Based on the formulation, there are different types of cleansers, such as cream, gel, and lotion-based. For salicylic acid cleansers, we recommend opting for water-based cleansers with a gel-like composition as these are ideal for sensitive skin that's readily irritated. Often oil- and fragrance-free, these cleansers penetrate deep into the skin, rehydrate dry skin cells, and help to prevent acne outbreaks. To avoid irritation, always opt for a patch test.

Fragrance-free composition

Salicylic acid is one of those components that might make certain people sensitive — mainly if you're using it for the first time. So, if you have sensitive skin, look for the purest formulations available to prevent any irritants. One way to test this is by smelling the product. Fragrance-free cleansers are usually suitable for people who have oily or sensitive skin.

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