Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser
The INKEY List The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser
Anyone who’s struggled with acne has probably been told at least once to look for skincare products containing salicylic acid, which is the standout ingredient in this simple, budget-friendly cleanser. With a formula made up of 2 percent salicylic acid, the cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin while reducing irritation.
How To Use Acne Face Wash To See Good Results
Follow these simple steps to wash your face for good results:
1. Splash your face gently with water.
2. Take some acne face wash and rub it gently on your face in a circular motion for a few seconds.
3. Wash it off for ten seconds till your skin is soap-free. Avoid over-washing as it can dry out your skin.
4. Gently pat your face dry without rubbing it roughly.
Cleansing your face twice daily with a suitable acne face wash can help manage several of your skin woes. But, you must choose your cleanser carefully. Here are a few things you need to look for before buying a cleanser for your acne-prone skin.
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser
| Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser.
Most acne face washes breakout, dehydrate, and irritate the skin, causing your face to look even worse than when you started. It can feel hopeless, frustrating, and like a lost cause trying to find a product that works for your skins needs. Plus, searching for the right face wash can be time-consuming and expensive. If youre struggling and dont know what to do, let us introduce one of our favorite acne face washes: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser.
This face wash is intense, cleansing, and hydratingall in one. One of the main reasons we love this cleanser is because it targets the five most common signs of skin sensitivity while it washes your face: dryness, tightness, roughness, irritation, and a damaged skin barrier. How many other face washes can say that?
Not only does this cleanser help soothe and heal sensitive skin, but it also gets rid of and prevents acne by infusing the skin with 2% Salicylic Acid. The Salicylic Acid unclogs pores by dissolving dirt, oil, makeup, bacteria, blackheads, and other blemishes that are present, leaving your skin fresh and clean.
After a few washes, your skin will be stronger, healthier, and acne-free. This face wash is suitable for any skin type and is free of fragrances.
Don’t Miss: 3 Day Total Body Cleanse
What To Look For In A Men’s Acne Face Wash
Since men’s skin can be particularly oily, using the wrong kind of face wash can cause dirt and sebum to be lodged inside pores and lead to breakouts. Avoiding heavy cream cleansers can be helpful, so you dont bog down your skin. The best acne face washes have formulas that contain active ingredients, like salicylic acid, which will help unclog pores and gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface. If you have sensitive skin, try to avoid fragrances and astringents that can strip and irritate already angry skin. And look for a gentle face cleanser you can use every day, since the best thing you can do to clean your skin is to actually wash it.
The gel acne cleanser uses the all-important salicylic acid , but also contains lipo-hydroxy acid to exfoliate the skin, decongest clogged pores, and help with skin texture.
Best Overall: Cerave Hydrating Cream
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Has not been tested in sensitive eye area
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Does not treat acne
We named CeraVe Cream-to-Foam Cleanser our top pick because its specially designed for all skin types and wont irritate the skin. The wash starts as a cream to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, and then turns into a foam as you wash. In short, its a one-step makeup remover and face wash thats effective, affordable, and wont dry out delicate skin.
The cleansers active ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus ceramides and amino acids complex to protect your skins moisture barrier and pH balance. It doesnt contain soap or fragrance and is non-comedogenic. Teens, tweens, and adults alike will love it.
Price at time of publish: $18
Read Also: Dr Gross Pore Perfecting Cleanser
Liquid Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Cleanser
| The Transparent Facial Cleanser.
You deserve the finer things in lifethe things that are luxurious, elegant, classy, and poshthe things that you wont regret buying because they are just that good. Have you ever tried liquid gold? We think Liquid Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Cleanser comes pretty close.
Liquid Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Cleanser gently targets oil, dirt, grime, bacteria, makeup, and other impurities that clog the pores and cause acne. After one wash, your face will look and feel cleaner, more hydrated, and more radiant.
Since this product is fragrance-free, oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested, its perfect for sensitive skin types. Squirt a pump of this face wash onto your skin and gently massage, rinse, and apply your favorite moisturizer to finish off your routine. 2022 is your year, so live it up in styleacne-free and fresh-faced.
Skincare Ingredients To Look Out For With Acne
Oil and acne are best friends, and most of the time, what works best for oily skins will do with acne-prone ones. Because where there is oil build-up, the more likely that your pores are open to blemishes and dirt as well.
BHAshe
BHAs, or beta-hydroxy acid, is a type of acid found in willow tree bark, wintergreen leaves or sweet birch bark. .
These are chemical exfoliators that soften and dissolve dead skin layers. BHAs also seep into the pores and help push out dirt and dead skin cells out the pores to prevent acne from forming.
Types of BHAs you may see in products:
Salicylic acid
This ingredient is commonly seen in skincare products marketed for oily, acne-prone skin. Its a BHA that keeps pores clean by gently exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin cells as mentioned above.
It is also the most common BHA, and also the strongest BHA. Because they are highly alcoholic in terms of reaction, it is best to start at a low percentage so as not to irritate your skin and possibly cause the opposite of triggering breakouts.
Betaine salicylate
A BHA is derived from sugar beets. It is a gentler alternative to salicylic acid, and according to a study by the manufacturer, is equally effective.
Salix alba or willow bark extract
A natural BHA extracted from Willow Bark.
AHAs
AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, is a chemical exfoliant that aids cell turnover, which means that the faster your skin cells are replenished , the quicker the breakouts heal by way of new skin replacement.
Sulfur
Read Also: Best Cleanser For Dark Spots
Best Splurge: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser
Courtesy of Sephora
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Can be used on wet or dry skin
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Costly
For those ready to really invest in their teen’s skincare, the Dermalogica skincare line is an excellent way to get them started off on the right foot. The Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser in particular is a fan favorite. Its a super gentle face wash that helps calm redness and soothes sensitive skin.
The gel-to-cream formula is pricey but can be used on wet or dry skin to wash away impurities and keep your skin calm and blemish-free. The ingredients include oat to calm inflammation, lavender to reduce redness, and cucumber to soothe skin.
Price at time of publish: $40
Face Washes For Sensitive Skin
$28 at Hyper Skin and
This cleanser gives your skin a strong cleanse without stripping away your natural skin barrier, Houston says. It has mandelic acid to help regulate oil production as well as natural botanicals to help calm inflammation.
$35 at Dr. Loretta and Dermstore
Ive been using Dr. Lorettas Gentle Hydrating Cleanser for years, and it has always kept my skin feeling clean and balanced. I particularly like it for a morning cleanse because of its gentle non-stripping formula . Ciraldo says that it is infused with a marine extract that absorbs environmental aggressors from skin surface, chamomile and ginger to calm skin, and peptides to firm skin. The dermatologist uses it on all of her sensitive-skinned, rosacea and post-procedure patients who invariably make it the number one go-to wash.
$45 at The Skin Savant or from $19 at ZO Skin Health
Good for all skin types but especially those with sensitive skin, this cleanser has a gentle, silky gel formula that leaves skin feeling refreshed, says Peterson.
This is a personal favorite of mine, Houston shares. Its also great for any skin type, including oily. Made with meadowfoam seed oil, it tones and conditions the skin and is gentle enough to use around the eye area. Its an overall great cleanser that will keep the skin balanced and moisturized, says Houston.
$74 at and Nordstrom
Don’t Miss: Keyano Aromatics Alpha Beta Exfoliating Cleanser
Best For Redness: Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
The 2 percent salicylic acid cleanser is tough enough to tackle breakouts and remove a days worth of makeup . It’s still gentle on your skin thanks to allantoin, an ingredient that eases potential sensitivity, and pro vitamin B5, which helps skin stay supple and redness-free.
What Ingredients Should You Look For In Face Washes For Acne
When it comes to the ingredients list on your face wash, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the main players. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid , which is particularly effective for acne-prone skin due to its ability to deeply penetrate the hair follicle unit. This allows exfoliation of skin cells within the blocked follicle, Dr. Marks explains.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial agent that helps to remove bacteria and impurities from the skin and tackle the inflammation that contributes to acne development. I recommend a benzoyl peroxide concentration less than 5%, particularly in patients of color, to minimize irritation and subsequent hyperpigmentation, board-certified dermatologist Prince Adotama, MD, an assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, tells SELF.
Dr. Adotama notes that there can still be associated dryness and irritation with lower-strength benzoyl peroxide, so consider using it every other day initially, and always use a moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent any further skin irritation.
You might also want to look for concentrations of vitamin C, an antioxidant that brightens residual dark spots and acne scars over time. Niacinamide is a great ingredient too it works to even out skin tone and texture. Hyaluronic acid is a supremely hydrating ingredient that is lightweight and wont clog your pores. You might also look for calming botanicals like chamomile, aloe, and green tea which can soothe redness and irritation.
Read Also: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser Glycolic Percentage
Alpha Hydroxy Acids And Sulfur
Good for: exfoliation, collagen promotion, excess oil
Alpha hydroxy acids and sulfur are two ingredients that remove dead skin cells that clog pores, Mokaya says. These ingredients can also promote collagen production and remove sebum from the skin, which can be beneficial to aging and oily skin types.
AHAs are primarily used to exfoliate and remove dead skin that clogs pores. However, they can also help to correct discoloration and promote collagen production, she says.
Similarly, sulfur helps remove excess sebum from the skin and also works to remove excessive dead skin cells that clog pores. Its also antifungal and antibacterial, which can inhibit the growth of
- Skin type: oily, acne-prone
- Pros: dermatologist recommended, budget-friendly, doesnt overdry skin
- Cons: contains dyes, fragrance can be irritating, some user reviews report side effects like burning and peeling
You dont have to spend a fortune on acne-fighting products that actually work. Board certified dermatologist , FAAD, says your local drugstore is filled with budget-friendly options that stand tall against breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.
This salicylic acid cleanser from Neutrogena is a good example of a drugstore product to consider, as it helps keep excess oil and dead skin cells under control with each wash.
However, you wont have to worry about disturbing painful cysts or breaking the bank when using this deep cleaning cleanser.
- retinol
- sulfur
Get A Clean And Clear Skin With The Best Face Washes For Pimples
Deep and thorough cleansing is one of the most significant steps to maintain the health of your pimple and acne-prone skin. With dead skin cells and impurities clogging pores, and excess oil production further adding to the plight, it is essential to begin a proper skin care regime on a fresh and breathing skin. And for a skin thats susceptible to frequent breakouts and pimples, using the right face wash daily is a good way to start.
A face wash is used less as compared to serums and moisturisers but they play a key role in improving your skin especially, when it is acne-prone. Apart from giving you a cleansed skin, a face wash also helps in balancing the pH of your skin, crucial for such skin types. Hence, opting a face wash formulated to tackle pimples in every way does wonders for your skin.
Don’t Miss: Pca Skin Bpo 5 Percent Cleanser
How To Choose A Face Wash For Dry Skin
With so many cleansing products on the market, its easy to feel overwhelmed. Heres how to narrow down which cleanser to select:
- Check the ingredients. Is it important to you that a product is cruelty-free or vegan? Are you concerned about certain ingredients, like parabens or phthalates? Answering these questions will narrow your options considerably.
- See if the product treats your condition. Are you concerned about skin thats overly dry? Are you looking to prevent acne outbreaks? Most products excel in one or two areas, so be realistic about your expectations, and find a product marketed toward your number one skin issue.
- Avoid harsh additives. Alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients can be harmful to dry skin and cause further dryness. Products with fragrance or parfum can lead to irritation, redness, allergic reactions, rashes, and dermatitis. Look for products that are creamy and have hydrating ingredients, like aloe and hyaluronic acid.
- Check the formula. There are so many formulations and textures when it comes to facial cleansers. Do you want something that foams? Do you prefer a gel consistency or a creamy consistency? While some of it depends on skin type , a lot of it comes down to personal preference.
Bior Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
| Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser.
Bioré is one of the best drugstore skincare brands out thereno questions asked. Youve probably used a product or two from them before, but if you havent, youre missing out! Bioré takes advantage of natures natural ingredients and infuses them in their products, which is another reason we love the brand.
Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser brings the best of both worlds together: treatment and prevention. Infused with powerful 1% Salicylic Acid, Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser dissolves acne-causing impuritiessuch as oil, dirt, grime, and makeupand clears the pores, preventing future blemishes and breakouts.
This cleanser also contains one of natures best-kept secrets: charcoal. Did you know that charcoal is naturally absorbent? Now you know! Charcoal is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin because it removes excess oil that can eventually lead to blemishes. This product is oil-free, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested. Now, hit up your local drugstore and pick up your new favorite face wash.
Recommended Reading: How To Cleanse Body Of Cigarette Smoking
Paulas Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
| Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser.
Clogged pores are such a drag. We understand the struggle of constantly trying to find a product that can actually unclog your pores and prevent future breakouts. Clogged pores can cause blackheads, whiteheads, oil build-up, and a plethora of other skin-related concernsnone of which sound appealing. Want to know our secret for healthy pores? Paulas Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser.
This product is one of the best face washes for acne this year, and you seriously wont be disappointed. This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid which unclogs pores by dissolving impurities that can cause blackheads, whiteheads, redness, dullness, oiliness, and unevenness. This product wont cause irritation and doesnt over-dry the skin because its free of parabens and fragrances, meaning even sensitive skin types can use this cleanser.
Wash your face with this cleanser twice a day and watch as your skin turns into a healthy, acne-free complexion. After cleansing, make sure to apply the proper sunscreen since BHAs make your skin more prone to sun damage and irritation.
Best For Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
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Pump is not covered
For sensitive and reactive skin, this creamy face wash from Neutrogena is extremely mild. Its safe for all skin types and conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea but still effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup.
Developed by a dermatologist, the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Creamy Face Wash has very minimal ingredients and has no allergens. The formula does, however, have skin-nourishing polyglycerin and glycerin.
Price at time of publish: $9
Also Check: Aha Bha Exfoliating Cleanser With Jojoba Beads
Best For Dry Skin: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
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Costly
For trendsetters and dry skin types, Glossier Milky Jelly is everything you could want in a cleanser. Part of the OG Glossier skincare line, Milky Jelly is a gentle daily cleanser thats perfect for all skin types and contains five skin conditioners that wont leave their skin irritated or feeling tight.
Soothing, nourishing, cruelty-free, and vegan, Milky Jelly can be used on dry skin to remove dirt and makeup or on wet skin as part of your daily routine. The best part? The brand has some serious cool-vibes. Your teen will happily show it off on their bathroom sink and actually use it instead of sleeping in their makeup.
Price at time of publish: $26