Salicylic acid is one of the most popular skincare ingredients everyone knows. For people with oily and acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is essentially your best friend. Salicylic acid is also an ingredient that is present in a lot of skincare products. From moisturisers, toners and cleansers. Here at Beauty Insider, we would be happy to give you a list of the best salicylic acid cleansers you can get. When it comes to skin exfoliation, you’ve also probably heard about AHA and BHA. Salicylic acid is a form of BHA that is a natural choice at unclogging pores and removing excess sebum and oil. Besides that, salicylic acid also offers several benefits. Although, since it is an acid, salicylic acid can cause irritations if too much is used. Especially on sensitive skin. So, here are some salicylic acid cleansers safe to add to your skincare routine. 

Benefits of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a BHA that is well-known for helping to reduce acne by exfoliation. For skin concerns such as blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid works best to prevent future breakouts. Salicylic acid is also the go-to ingredient for soothing inflammation and preventing acne breakouts. 

Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers

1. Neutrogena Labs Clarifying Micellar Gel Cleanser

salicylic acid

Neutrogena is one of the best skincare brands when it comes to sensitive and acne-prone skin. The Neutrogena Labs Clarifying Micellar Gel Cleanser is a mild foaming cleanser that is acidic. It has the benefit to help get rid of impurities in your skin, even the ones in your pores, gently. Furthermore, this gentle cleanser also has the benefit to help rebalance and clarify your skin. Restoring it to its natural pH level. Thus, leaving your skin looking smoother and clearer. 

Why we love it:

  • Smoother skin
  • Clarifies the skin
  • Restores skin to natural pH level

Price: RM37.28

Where to buy: Shopee

2. SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Foam Cleanser

salicylic acid

SOME BY MI has been a favourite among acne-prone skin and oily skin people. This is because SOME BY MI has a miracle range that promises solutions in just 30 days. As one of the top salicylic acid cleansers on the rise, the SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Foam Cleanser helps combat acne breakouts. Along with soothing ingredients, this cleanser helps nourish your skin for the best clarity. 

Why we love it:

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Irritant-free

Price: RM53.10

Where to buy: Watsons

3. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

salicylic acid

The COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is yet another of the best salicylic acid cleansers in Malaysia. This non-drying cleanser is perfect for everyday use and has the benefit of unclogging impurities. Besides that, it also helps reduce excess sebum while fighting off acne and blemishes. 

Why we love it:

  • Non-drying
  • Smoothing on the skin
  • Affordable 

Price: RM45.08

Where to buy: Watsons

4. Neutrogena® Deep Clean® Facial Cleanser

salicylic acid

With the Neutrogena® Deep Clean® Facial Cleanser, it has the ability to thoroughly and deeply clean your skin. Furthermore, it also helps improve the feel and look of your skin. As it effectively penetrates your pores, it also leaves your skin feeling soft, clean and fresh. The hydroxy acid within this cleanser also helps dissolve any makeup, dirt and oil trapped in your skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologically tested

Price: RM23.13

Where to buy: Watsons

5. HADA LABO AHA+BHA Acne Control Face Wash

The HADA LABO AHA+BHA Acne Control Face Wash is a quality facial cleanser. As one of the best salicylic acid cleansers, it is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Thanks to its AHA + BHA formula, this cleanser has the benefit to help protect and exfoliate your skin. To help control the excess production of oil and control acne, this cleanser contains both bentonite clay and wild pansy. 

Why we love it:

  • Free from colourants
  • Fragrance-free
  • Alcohol-free 

Price: RM30.52

Where to buy: Watsons

6. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser 

Everyone loves The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser because it is an all-rounder. Its formula contains Zinc PCA, 2% salicylic acid and 0.5% Allantoin. Zinc PCA is as effective as salicylic acid at regulating the production of sebum and attacking acne. Allantoin on the other hand, soothes and relieves the skin. Making your skin less prone to irritation after exfoliating. 

Why we love it:

  • Fragrance-free 
  • Alcohol-free 
  • Exfoliates the skin

Price: RM64.00

Where to buy: Threebs

7. Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash For Men 

For the men, don’t worry. We haven’t forgotten about you guys! Kiehl’s has long offered both men and women some of the best skincare products. The Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash For Men exfoliating facial wash is specially curated for men. This is because it offers a powerful cleanse that can get rid of any impurities in the skin, even the tougher skin of men. Reviews have also loved that this cleanser offers great oil-control. It also helps shrink pores and keeps the grease off your face. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for oily skin
  • Alcohol-free
  • Non-drying 

Price: RM100.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s