If you struggle with acne, blackheads, or clogged pores, incorporating a salicylic acid face wash into your skincare routine can be a game-changer. As a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolving excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities—helping to prevent breakouts and refine skin texture.
Unlike traditional cleansers, salicylic acid face washes offer gentle exfoliation, reducing inflammation while keeping your skin clear, smooth, and refreshed. Whether you have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, choosing the right formula can make a significant difference in achieving a healthy, blemish-free complexion. In this guide, we’ve curated 10 dermatologist-approved salicylic acid face washes that provide effective cleansing, exfoliation, and acne control to help you find the perfect match for your skin type and concerns.

1. Saliac Face Wash

Saliac Face Wash is a medicated cleanser specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains 2% salicylic acid, a proven beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces acne breakouts. The gentle, non-drying formula cleanses effectively without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, making it suitable for daily use.

Key Active Ingredient:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 60 ml tubes
• Texture: Foaming, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Mild, non-irritating fragrance
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Helps manage blackheads, whiteheads, and controls excess oil production

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash designed for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a gentle exfoliating formula that cleanses without over-drying
• Want a non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t clog pores
• Are looking for a daily-use face wash that helps control oil and prevent breakouts

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2. The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash

The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash is a medicated cleanser designed for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains 1% salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts. Enriched with witch hazel extract, it also offers soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it gentle enough for daily use.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (1%)
• Witch Hazel Extract

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 30 ml and 100 ml tubes
• Texture: Gel-based, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Controls excess oil, prevents breakouts, and gently exfoliates

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash tailored for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a gentle exfoliating formula that cleanses without over-drying
• Want a non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t clog pores
• Are looking for a daily-use face wash to control oil and prevent breakouts

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3. Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Face Wash is a foam-based cleanser formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It combines 1% salicylic acid and 1% glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts effectively. The soap-free and paraben-free formula ensures gentle cleansing without stripping the skin’s natural moisture, making it ideal for daily use.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (1%)
• Glycolic Acid (1%)

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 120 ml bottles
• Texture: Foam-based, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Controls excess oil, prevents breakouts, and gently exfoliates

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash designed for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a gentle exfoliating formula that cleanses without over-drying
• Want a non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t clog pores
• Are looking for a daily-use face wash to control oil and prevent breakouts

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4. Plum Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Plum Salicylic Acid Face Wash is a gentle yet effective cleanser formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It features 1% encapsulated salicylic acid that helps fight acne, blackheads, and whiteheads by providing controlled exfoliation. The formula also includes fruit-derived AHAs like blueberry, orange, lemon, sugarcane, and sugar maple to smooth skin texture and brighten the complexion.

Key Active Ingredients:

• 1% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA)
• 0.2% Glycolic Acid (AHA)
• Fruit AHAs (Blueberry, Orange, Lemon, Sugarcane, Sugar Maple)

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 110 ml pump bottles
• Texture: Foaming, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Mild, soothing fruity fragrance
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, regulates sebum production

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a foaming cleanser that removes impurities without over-drying
• Want a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores
• Are looking for a daily-use face wash that helps control oil and prevent breakouts

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5. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser is a multi-level exfoliating face wash specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It combines 2% salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA known for unclogging pores) with LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid), a gentler and more targeted derivative of salicylic acid that exfoliates skin surface more evenly and reduces irritation. This sulfate-free and non-drying formula helps deeply cleanse pores, control oil production, and prevent breakouts while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
• LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid)
• Zinc PCA (helps regulate oil and soothes skin)
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Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 100 ml bottles
• Texture: Gel-based, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Deep pore cleansing, oil control, gentle exfoliation, anti-inflammatory effects

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated cleanser for acne-prone skin
• Want a dual-exfoliating formula that’s effective yet gentle
• Prefer a non-comedogenic product that won’t clog pores
• Are looking for a daily face wash that controls oil and prevents breakouts

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6. Rejuglow Face Wash

Rejuglow Face Wash is a skin-rejuvenating cleanser formulated specifically for acne-prone and dull skin. It combines glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve overall skin texture. Enriched with aloe vera, vitamin E, and witch hazel extract, it also provides hydration, soothing benefits, and antioxidant protection, making it ideal for daily use without drying out the skin.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Glycolic Acid
• Salicylic Acid
• Aloe Vera Extract
• Vitamin E
• Witch Hazel Extract

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 60 ml and 100 ml tubes
• Texture: Gel-based, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Mild, refreshing fragrance
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, hydration boost, and helps fade blemishes

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a gentle exfoliating cleanser that doesn’t strip moisture
• Want a non-comedogenic formula that keeps pores clear
• Are looking for a daily face wash that controls oil, prevents breakouts, and improves skin texture

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7. Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Face Wash is a medicated cleanser designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. It combines 2% salicylic acid, which exfoliates pores and helps prevent breakouts, with neem extract known for its natural antibacterial properties to combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. The addition of a hyaluronic acid complex supports skin hydration and helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier, making this a gentle yet effective daily cleanser.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
• Neem Extract (1%)
• Hyaluronic Acid Complex

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 100 ml tubes
• Texture: Gel-based, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Deep pore cleansing, antibacterial action, hydration boost, and anti-inflammatory effects

You Should Buy This If You...

• 
  Need a medicated face wash for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a gentle exfoliating cleanser that won’t dry out your skin
• Want a non-comedogenic formula that keeps pores clear
• Are looking for a daily face wash that controls oil and reduces inflammation

Buy Now

8. Cipla Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash

Cipla Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash is a medicated cleanser formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts. The addition of glycerin and cocamidopropyl betaine ensures gentle cleansing without stripping moisture, while hexylene glycol helps maintain skin hydration. This lightweight, foaming face wash is designed for daily use to keep skin clean and clear.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
• Glycerin
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Hexylene Glycol

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 60 ml bottles
• Texture: Foaming, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Mild, non-irritating fragrance
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, controls sebum production, and helps prevent breakouts

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a foaming cleanser that cleanses without over-drying
• Want a non-comedogenic formula that keeps pores clear
• Are looking for a daily face wash that controls oil and prevents breakouts

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9. D'Acne Foaming Face Wash with 2% Salicylic Acid & 1% Glycolic Acid

D'Acne Foaming Face Wash is a medicated cleanser specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It contains 2% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates pores and reduces acne, combined with 1% glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and brightens the skin. Enriched with aloe vera extract, this foaming face wash soothes and hydrates the skin while providing a lightweight, non-drying cleanse suitable for daily use.

Key Active Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
• Glycolic Acid (1%)
• Aloe Vera Extract

Key Features & Product Details:

• Size: Available in 60 ml tubes
• Texture: Foaming, lightweight, and non-drying
• Scent: Mild, non-irritating fragrance
• Skin Type: Suitable for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Additional Benefits: Deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, sebum regulation, and helps fade blemishes

You Should Buy This If You...

• Need a medicated face wash designed for acne-prone skin
• Prefer a gentle foaming cleanser that cleanses without drying out the skin
• Want a non-comedogenic formula that keeps pores clear
• Are looking for a daily face wash that controls oil and improves skin clarity

Buy Now

10. VLCC Salicylic Acid with Neem & Hyaluronic Acid with Aloe Vera Serum Face Wash

VLCC Salicylic Acid with Neem & Hyaluronic Acid with Aloe Vera Serum Face Wash is a unique cleanser that combines 2% salicylic acid with neem extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera to target acne and hydrate the skin simultaneously. This gel-based face wash helps exfoliate dead skin cells, control excess oil, and reduce acne-causing bacteria, while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera soothe and moisturise, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin.

Key Features & Product Details

• Size: 150 ml
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (2%), Neem Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera
• Texture: Lightweight gel
• Fragrance: Mild, natural scent
• Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin
• Additional Benefits: Hydrates while treating acne, reduces inflammation, non-comedogenic, pH balanced

You Should Buy This If You...

• Want a cleanser that treats acne while providing hydration
• Prefer a product with natural antibacterial and soothing ingredients
• Need a gentle face wash suitable for sensitive and oily skin
• Are looking for a multi-benefit daily cleanser that balances oil control and moisture

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Conclusion

Salicylic acid face washes are an essential skincare tool for managing acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. As a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolving excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
Regular use of a salicylic acid cleanser helps reduce inflammation, exfoliate gently, and promote a smoother, clearer complexion. Whether you have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, choosing the right formula can make a significant difference in achieving healthy, blemish-free skin. Make clear, balanced skin a priority—find the best salicylic acid face wash for your needs and enjoy a fresh, refined complexion every day.