Buzz
1. A popular choice, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar salicylic acid cleanser, which one reviewer claims was recommended by both their dermatologist and esthetician. This foaming formula targets excess oil, fights blemishes, and features hydrating glycerin, ensuring you can say goodbye to dryness and hello to soft, moisturized skin.
2. A mild CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser with BHA that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance your skin's natural glow. This foaming gel contains niacinamide, vitamin D, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides (the brand's signature ingredient!) to support your skin barrier.
3. Or try the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, ideal for oilier skin types (🙋♀️). Along with niacinamide, ceramides, and BHA, it also includes hectorite clay, which helps absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
4. A fast-acting treatment, Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment, works wonders in no time, with its powerful formula that clears dirt, oil, and unclogs pores to reveal visibly clearer skin.
5. An amazing Murad Clarifying Cleanser that works wonders immediately and continues to treat your skin over time. This gel cleanser removes excess oil and cleanses pores, and the best part is the encapsulated salicylic acid spheres that stay on your skin even after rinsing to keep working long after you finish washing!
6. A gentle, non-drying Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser enriched with soothing grape water, which acts as an antioxidant. It also contains an essential oil complex and grapeseed polyphenols that purify the skin and help control sebum production to visibly reduce blackheads.
Promising review: "The holy grail of washes. This gel cleanser works like magic! I have oily, acne-prone skin, and it has made such a difference. It's like gold in a bottle. I've seen amazing changes in my skin, and I couldn't be happier! If you're looking for a wash that's gentle on your skin, this is it!!" —hammy1987
Available at Sephora for $30.
7. A reviewer-favorite Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser that’s packed with vitamin C. It transforms into a creamy lather that fights breakouts, blackheads, and even acne marks. Plus, the fresh grapefruit scent is an added perk.
8. If you prefer an odorless option, try Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash, which includes salicylic acid along with aloe leaf extract and chamomile flower extract to eliminate dirt, oil, and bacteria from your pores.
9. Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser targets clogged and enlarged pores, acne, and bumpy skin texture. With arginine and vitamin B5, it effectively dissolves pore-clogging oils and buildup that lead to breakouts, all while keeping your skin hydrated and not dry.
Promising review: "Love! Love this product! As I have been aging, I have noticed more blackheads and large pours appearing around my nose and skin. I have tried MANY products with minimal to no results. After my first wash with this product, I noticed how much it reduced the blackheads and a significant reduction in pours. After the first wash!!!! I am also using the toner and moisturizer. My skin has been transformed! No drying out, no over production of oil from my skin! It is so WORTH it. The results are amazing. This product does what it says it will do! Will DEFINITELY buy again, again, and again…..👍" —Pamela Rezendes
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in three sizes).
10. A sensitive skin-friendly Cetaphil clarifying acne cream cleanser, which will defend your skin against dryness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier. It's made with aloe and white tea that work like a charm to hydrate and soothe your skin.
11. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser for those moments when you feel blackheads are about to make their unwanted appearance with just a hint of humidity in the air. 🙃 No worries! This cleanser's gentle, non-drying formula helps control excess oil and visibly reduces blackheads and breakouts.
Promising review: "I've been incorporating this cleanser into my skincare routine for a year, and it has truly become indispensable. The results have been consistently great, leaving my skin feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. The gentle formula is perfect for daily use, and I love how it cleanses without causing any irritation." —Drashtiii
Available for $13 on Amazon or Sephora.
12. A highly effective Dermalogica acne-clearing cleanser featuring encapsulated salicylic acid, plant-based glycerin that serves as a powerful prebiotic, and soothing extracts from tea tree and chamomile flowers to calm breakout-prone skin.
Promising review: "This has truly become my holy grail. I'm 34 with oily skin that's prone to breakouts, cystic acne, and redness. After spending thousands on anti-acne products over the years, THIS one has made the most positive change in my skin. Using this Dermalogica wash twice daily has significantly improved my skin texture, reduced acne outbreaks, minimized redness, and made my skin much clearer. I've even received compliments on how great my skin looks now. I still occasionally get a small pimple and use acne dot patches for those, but the frequency and severity of breakouts have decreased dramatically since using this product. The texture is refreshing, soothing, and gel-like. If you've struggled with acne and have oily skin, give this a try!!" —bonbonlover
Available at Sephora for $44.
13. This Image Skincare Clear Cell Gel Cleanser is perfect for removing dead skin and providing exceptional oil control. It's formulated with glycerin for hydration, along with a peptide and botanical complex (featuring honey extract!) that helps soothe and enhance your skin's natural glow.
14. This powerful Replenix medical grade deep pore cleanser is crafted with the purest forms of glycolic and salicylic acid, exfoliating and smoothing the skin without causing irritation. *Additionally*, it contains green tea polyphenol technology, a potent antioxidant that not only calms and soothes your skin but also helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
15. This Norie gel cleanser, a K-beauty favorite, is sure to become a go-to for those with oily skin. It features skin-nourishing ingredients like fermented radish and kimchi, with antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria and keep breakouts under control. Thanks to its 2% salicylic acid, it not only brightens the skin but also exfoliates dead skin cells, unveiling a rejuvenated, glowing complexion.
16. This lightweight Obagi Medical foaming acne cleanser leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed. A reviewer has declared themselves a "forever customer." It works wonders to unclog pores, remove dead skin, and reduce excess sebum on the surface.
17. This Skinfix 2% BHA cleanser will work wonders on those post-acne scars. It not only features the power of salicylic acid, but also incorporates azelaic acid and glycolic acid to fight bacteria, calm inflammation, and exfoliate dead skin cells. Plus, it’s enriched with niacinamide to help control oil production!
Review: "This cleanser is amazing for acne-prone skin. Although I was initially hesitant due to my sensitive skin, it cleared my acne in about a week. I use it twice a day—once after the gym and once after cleansing water. It's a bit tricky at first since it doesn’t foam, but I make sure to lather it well because it’s on the pricier side. It’s fantastic for reducing redness, calming the skin, unclogging pores, treating pustular acne, and fading hyperpigmentation. This is honestly a game changer." —dakingpablo93
Available at Sephora for $10+ (offered in two sizes).
18. This vegan Peace Out Exfoliating Cleanser is packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and a blend of 8 amino acids that help your skin retain moisture, leaving it smooth, hydrated, and glowing.
Review: "I recently incorporated the Peace Out Pore Perfecting Cleanser into my skincare routine, and it's been a total game-changer. The first thing I noticed was the refreshing sensation as I applied it. The gel formula felt light yet powerful, forming a soothing lather that left my skin feeling clean without any dryness. What really impressed me was how it minimized my pores. After just a week of use, my pores were noticeably smaller, and my skin appeared smoother and more even-toned. The subtle, pleasant fragrance added a touch of luxury to my daily regimen. I love that it’s suitable for all skin types, especially since my skin is quite sensitive. I haven’t had any irritation or redness, making this a gentle yet highly effective cleanser for everyday use. Overall, the Peace Out Pore Perfecting Cleanser has secured a permanent place on my skincare shelf. If you’re in need of a cleanser that not only cleans but also works wonders on your pores, I highly recommend giving this one a try." —Dannielle Cook
Available at Sephora for $25.
19. A revitalizing Eau Thermale Avène Medicated Gel Cleanser featuring thermal spring water to restore balance to your skin's microbiome and minimize irritation!
20. The Saint Jane Pore Clarity Cleanser, a luxurious gel made with hibiscus extract, uses a blend of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and soften the skin, leaving it with a healthy radiance.
Customer review: "The Saint Jane Pore Clarity Cleanser has a rich, gentle formula that cleanses thoroughly without drying. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and balanced, with a soft, natural fragrance that I adore!" — michelle7196
Available for $36 at Sephora.
A daily cleanser with salicylic acid that gently treats acne-prone skin by providing a deep clean without harsh scrubbing. This cleanser helps exfoliate your skin while minimizing irritation.
Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser helps reduce acne breakouts and eliminates dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to irritation. It’s a simple and effective solution for acne care.
23. Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser uses the popular salicylic acid to tackle breakouts, minimize redness, and improve skin tone by effectively removing oil and dirt in a gentle manner.
24. Clinique self-heating blackhead remover featuring salicylic acid, perfect for those seeking an effortless, pain-free solution to clearer pores.
25. Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash because breakouts can occur anywhere, not just on the face. This body wash is made for those with blemishes on their chest, back, or other areas of the body.
26. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash is sulfate-free and enriched with zinc and oat extract, providing a gentle cleanse that removes dirt and oil while ensuring the skin remains hydrated and irritation-free.
