15 Best Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Cleansers To Reduce Acne
Manage acne flare-ups easily with gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free formulas.
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Acne breakouts are the worst! While there are creams and serums you can use to treat acne, have you considered using a salicylic acid cleanser? Stick around to check out some of the best oil-free salicylic acid cleansers that can do wonders for your acne flare-ups. These cleansers remove impurities and excess oil from your skin, reducing the probability of acne breakouts. Using them regularly may even prevent further flare-ups.
Scroll down to check our top oil-free salicylic acid cleansers to use on your skin. We’ve also explained how salicylic acid helps manage acne and what it can do for your skin. Continue reading to know more.
In This Article
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble acid popularly used as a topical treatment for acne
. The acid reduces the production of excess sebum that causes acne breakouts. The acid also penetrates your skin and peels the skin lipid film to hinder the growth of acne-causing bacteria (1).
Salicylic acid can offer a host of benefits. We will look at the same in the next section.
What Are The Benefits Of Salicylic Acid?
- Salicylic acid, when applied topically, may also treat other skin issues like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis (1), (2).
- Anecdotal evidence suggests that salicylic acid may also be used to remove blackheads and whiteheads from your skin.
- The acid may help soothe skin and reduce skin redness (3).
- The acid may help reduce hyperpigmentation (1).
Now that we know the benefits of salicylic acid, let us check the top 15 oil-free salicylic acid cleansers available on the market.
15 Best Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Cleansers To Reduce Acne
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:La Roche-Posay Medicated Gel Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Medicated Gel Cleanser has been developed by dermatologists. Its salicylic acid targets excess oil, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The cleanser has been clinically tested and found to reduce excess oil from your face by up to 47%. It leaves your face feeling less oily throughout the day. It also contains lipo hydroxy acid that helps remove debris and dirt from your face. The product is oil-free and fragrance-free. It is formulated without parabens and is suitable for sensitive skin. However, a patch test is recommended to ensure that the formula does not cause any skin issues later. Click here to check out this reviewer’s experience of using the product.
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suits sensitive skin
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 11,588 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Gentle Cleansing:Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser
The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser is formulated to gently clean your pores and remove the dirt and debris. It contains clinically proven microclear technology that boosts the delivery of acne medication. It helps clear up acne and blackheads from your face and may also prevent future breakouts. This cleanser’s oil-free formula doesn’t over-dry or irritate the skin. It is dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic. Here’s a personal review video with the reviewer’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.
- Doesn’t over-dry the skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Boosts acne medication delivery
- May cause allergic reactions in some
StyleCraze SaysWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 989 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Fast Action:Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
The Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser is infused with natural charcoal that deep cleans facial skin pores and absorbs unwanted oils. Its 1% salicylic acid treats existing acne and helps in breakout prevention. It claims to clear acne in two days. Reviewers on various e-commerce websites adore the soothing formula that helps remove blemishes and dirt. It is oil-free and dermatologist-tested. It is non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Gentle formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fast action
- May cause allergic reactions in some
"I find this product to be non-drying and quite effective for me. Although it helps clear skin, a word of caution - it may cause discomfort if left on for too long. It might not suit sensitive skin, but for others, I give it my thumbs-up!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,116 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
La Roche-Posay Medicated Gel Cleanser Best For Sensitive Skin | Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser Best Gentle Cleansing | Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser Best Fast Action | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Sensitive, acne-prone | acne-prone | Oily |
| Dimensions | 2.95 x 1.9 x 7 inches | 6.6 x 5 x 2.6 inches | 1.54 x 2.57 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 9 Ounces | 7.05 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 11,588 | 989 | 8,116 |
| Price | $15.99 | $19.47 | $7.99 |
4. Best Exfoliating:Glytone Acne Clearing Cleanser
The Glytone Acne Clearing Cleanser is a daily cleanser formulated with 2% salicylic acid. The cleanser deeply cleans your face, gently exfoliates it, and unclogs the pores. It also keeps skin smoother and prevents blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. The cleanser has a lightweight formula that controls oil production to prevent future acne breakouts. It is ideal for mild to moderate acneic skin. The cleanser is fragrance-free and refreshing.
- Exfoliates skin
- Unclogs pores
- Lightweight formula
- Fragrance-free
None
"I used this product on my acne and noticed my dark spots fading. It is gentle on my skin and washes off effortlessly. I would recommend it to my fellow long-term acne fighters."
5. Best Non-Irritating :Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser
The Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid that helps dissolve pore-clogging impurities. It helps prevent acne breakouts, redness, and dullness and promotes even skin tone. The cleanser gently removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil. It has a soothing gel texture that refreshes and calms the skin. The product is ideal for all skin types and ages. It is even ideal for sensitive skin. It is formulated without parabens and is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and non-irritating.
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Ideal for all skin types
- Non-irritating
None
"This product creates a gentle foam that is not too drying. Moreover, a tiny portion goes a long way. If overused, it may feel dry, so I limit myself to once-a-week applications and moisturize well after."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 4,777 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
6. Best Allergy-Tested:Vichy Normaderm Intensive Purifying Gel
The Vichy Normaderm Intensive Purifying Gel is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your face. It is formulated with salicylic acid, zinc, and copper minerals. These ingredients help minimize blackheads and acne blemishes. They also unclog pores with proven efficacy. This cleanser is dermatologist- and allergy-tested. It is formulated without parabens, alcohols, sulfates, soap, and colorants. It is formulated with a light fragrance.
- Clinically-tested formula
- Dermatologically-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Soap-free
- Colorant-free
- Mild fragrance
None
"This cleanser comes with a pleasant tea tree aroma. It works wonders on my stubborn blackheads and minor skin bumps. It isn't too heavy, lathers richly, and leaves my skin feeling smooth. The breakouts along my jawline have also improved with consistent use of the product."
7. Best For Unclogging Pores:Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
The Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash helps eliminate acne and prevents future acne breakouts. The face wash contains 2% salicylic acid that helps in clearing up blemishes and removing dirt and oil from your pores. The face wash makes the skin feel clean and residue-free. The product also contains allantoin and pro vitamin B5 that has proven efficacy to help calm skin appearance and moisturize it.
- Unclogs pores
- Moisturizes skin
None
"This face wash clears acne without over-drying my skin. Although it initially caused a minor breakout as my skin adapted, it now keeps my skin clean and acne-free. It is definitely a worthy purchase."
8. Best Non-Drying:The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser has a non-drying formula that removes makeup and dirt from your face. The cleanser reduces blackheads and acne breakouts. It also reduces blemishes and de-clogs your pores. It helps improve your skin tone and gives you clearer skin. It contains a zinc compound, which helps control excess oil, and allantoin, an anti-irritant that leaves the skin moisturized.
- Non-drying formula
- Improves skin tone
- Moisturizes skin
None
"This salicylic facial cleanser does not dry my face or cause any irritation. It does not trigger the acne-prone parts of my skin. It also works on my hormonal acne without being harsh. Moreover, it cleans out my blackheads and minimizes pores."
9. Best Moisturizing:Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Cleanser
The Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Cleanser fights acne and soothes your skin. It also removes the pore-clogging oils from your face. It has an oil-free formula and is formulated with salicylic acid, aloe, and mint. The product is suitable for all skin types and is non-comedogenic.
- Moisturizes skin
- Suits all skin types
- Non-comedogenic
None
"This scrub effectively clears up dirt. You can feel a stimulating menthol sensation after leaving it on for a few minutes. It offers a lasting freshness and I find myself repurchasing it from time to time."
10. Best Skin Soothing:COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser
The COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It is effective in balancing sebum production and in soothing acne. It is ideal for all skin types. It is formulated with salicylic acid that removes dead skin cells. The cleanser also contains madecassic acid and asiaticoside that soothe irritated skin and keep skin clear. The cleanser is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. It is cruelty-free and paraben-free too.
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suits all skin types
- Soothes irritated skin
None
"My face feels less inflamed when I use this cleanser. It foams aptly and a little product goes a long way. The formula isn't overly stripping, but the salicylic acid does its job."
11. Best Vegan:Kitava Facial Cleansing Gel
The Kitava Facial Cleansing Gel is formulated with salicylic acid, licorice root, green tea extract, and vitamin C. These ingredients help nourish your skin and actively treat and reduce acne breakouts. The cleansing gel also helps reduce whiteheads, blackheads, and clogged pores. Its tea tree oil has proven efficacy to reduce the appearance of breakouts and blemishes. It is designed for all skin types. The face wash is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Suits all skin types
- Moisturizes skin
None
"The Kitava Facial Cleansing Gel has a nice lather and a refreshing, non-medicinal scent. I used it consistently to keep pimples at bay. It's gentle enough for daily use, but it did dry out my skin initially."
12. Best For Clear Skin:Azarvi Exfoliating Cleanser
The Azarvi Exfoliating Cleanser thoroughly removes impurities to give a smooth and clear complexion. The professional-grade cleanser is formulated with glycolic acid that removes oil and dead skin cells. Its salicylic acid fights acne by unclogging the pores. It also contains tea tree oil and green tea that aids in blemish and acne prevention.
- Smoothens skin
- Non-irritating
- Non-drying
None
"I love this facial cleanser! It keeps my skin clean, removes all makeup, and leaves it feeling moisturized. I recommend this product to everyone who has slightly oilier skin like me."
13. Best For Redness:Kamedis Dermatology Daily Acne Cleanser
The Kamedis Dermatology Daily Acne Cleanser fights acne breakouts while reducing skin redness and irritation. Its oil-free formula targets blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, blemishes, and excess oil. It also reduces inflammation and sebum production. It is suitable for ages 12 and above. This professional-grade cleanser is formulated without parabens, dyes, steroids, and benzoyl peroxide. The product is dermatologist-recommended and cruelty-free.
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Reduces redness
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Steroid-free
- Benzoyl peroxide-free
None
"I like how this product calms and clears my skin, without causing irritation. It has reduced redness in my skin while refreshing it. It has a strong medical smell which did not affect me, but might bother people with sensitive noses. Despite the smell, I find myself reordering it due to its effectiveness in treating my occasional acne outbreaks."
14. Best Fragrance-Free:DHC Salicylic Acne Face Wash
The DHC Salicylic Acne Face Wash is a non-drying, foaming cleanser that gently exfoliates acne-prone skin. The face wash contains 2% salicylic acid that helps unclog pores and dissolve dead skin cells. It also contains aloe vera and green tea that soothe skin. The face wash is fragrance- and colorant-free and ideal for all skin types.
- Soothes skin
- Suits all skin types
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
None
"I got this for my niece, who struggles with acne. She loves it, claiming it brought clarity to her face. I've used it for years myself. It might cause slight peeling for sensitive skin if used daily, but it really unclogs pores when used 2 to 3 times a week."
15. Best Hypoallergenic:Breylee Acne Face Wash
The Breylee Acne Face Wash is formulated with tea tree oil and salicylic acid. These ingredients work greatly to reduce redness and inflammation on your face, while healing acne and preventing future breakouts. The face wash is clinically proven to treat acne and works great for adults and teenagers. It has an oil-free formula that deeply purifies your skin and unclogs your pores while reducing oiliness. The face wash moisturizes your skin, making it soft and smooth. It contains small molecules that deeply penetrate your skin to effectively treat acne and improve your skin texture. The face wash is vegan, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free. It is formulated without parabens and alcohol.
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizes skin
- Cruelty-free
- Improves skin texture
- Unclogs pores
- Ideal for adults and teenagers
None
"The product can be a little drying but it does the job right. The formula is very concentrated and a little bit of the product goes a long way. Highly recommend it for sensitive skin too."
These are the best oil-free salicylic acid cleansers available on the market. You can pick what suits you the best and begin using it. Regular use can give you great results.
How To Use Salicylic Acid Cleanser?
Step 1:
Wet your face with water.
Step 2: Take a small amount of the salicylic acid cleanser and gently massage it all over your face.
Step 3: Wash your face and make sure no residue is left.
The Bottom Line
Acne or acne breakouts are the most common skin issue that has gotten almost every soul on their heels. There are numerous creams, serums, or other skin care products to treat acne or prevent breakouts, and salicylic acid is a common ingredient in all those. It helps reduce excess sebum production and alter the growth of acne-causing bacteria. In addition, it helps to reduce skin redness and soothe the skin. For sensitive skin, opt for the La Roche-Posay Medicated Gel Cleanser with salicylic acid that is fragrance and paraben-free. Go for the Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser that is vegan friendly and also offers breakout-preventing benefits. For unclogged pores and moisturized skin, choose the Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash.The best salicylic acid cleansers are paraben-free, sulfate-free, anti-bacterial, and dermatologist-tested.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, a certified skin care coach, is an expert at reviewing skincare products. She highly advocates using salicylic acid for acne-prone skin and following a regular skin care routine. Here, she took a close look at the best options for oil-free salicylic acid cleansers on the market and shortlisted the best, reviewing them in this list. The products mentioned are highly recommended for reducing acne. They effectively clean the skin thoroughly without harming the skin barrier function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a moisturizer after using a salicylic acid cleanser/face wash?
Yes, you can apply a moisturizer after using a salicylic acid cleanser/face wash. But you wouldn’t need an additional moisturizer if the cleanser already contains moisturizing ingredients.
Do salicylic acid products cause side effects?
Salicylic acid products not specifically formulated for sensitive skin may cause mild side effects in those with sensitive skin. These include:
• Allergic reactions
• Excess skin dryness
• Burning sensation on skin
Is it okay to use a salicylic acid cleanser every day?
Yes, it is okay to use a salicylic acid cleanser every day.
How quickly does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid works within a month of regular usage. It removes dead skin cells, unclogs your pores, removes hyperpigmentation, and improves your skin’s texture.
What should you not use with salicylic acid cleanser?
Do not use vitamin C products with a salicylic acid cleanser. Since vitamin C is acid too, the pH balance of your skin may be disrupted due to the use of salicylic acid and vitamin C together.
Should I use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning or at night?
You can use it at either time or both.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554394/ - Optimizing Treatment Approaches in Seborrheic Dermatitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579488/ - Salicylic Acid Topical
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html - 15 Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers
- 10 Best Salicylic Acid Products
- 13 Best Salicylic Acid Body Washes For Clear, Beautiful Skin
- 25 Best Face Washes And Cleansers For Acne Trusted By Skin Care Gurus
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