Salicylic acid has become a go-to solution for many looking to tackle acne and improve skin texture. As a result, numerous brands have taken the opportunity to formulate products that harness the power of this effective ingredient. In this article, we'll explore some of the best brands known for their salicylic acid products, offering a range of options to suit different skin types and concerns. If you're curious about which brands stood out this year for their exceptional formulations, continue reading below.
Illustration of salicylic acid
Best brands of salicylic acid in 2025
Neutrogena
Neutrogena is a leading brand in skincare, renowned for its effective salicylic acid formulations, particularly the Oil-Free Acne Wash, which contains 2% salicylic acid, a concentration that helps to clear acne and prevent future breakouts by deeply cleaning pores and utilizing MicroClear technology to boost medication delivery; this dermatologist-recommended product is a daily face wash for acne-prone skin, and it comes in different sizes like the 9.1 fl oz bottle. It is designed to be oil-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for everyday use.
Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice, founded in 1995, is a leading skincare brand known for its science-backed formulations and is highly regarded for its 2% salicylic acid (BHA) products, particularly the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which effectively unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, and improves skin tone. It has won several awards, including the 2022 Allure Readers' Choice Award. This leave-on exfoliant is formulated with a pH range of 3.2–3.8, and is clinically proven to brighten, hydrate, and improve the skin barrier within 4 weeks. This product is suitable for daily use on all skin types and is known for its fast-absorbing liquid texture.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a leading brand in skincare, renowned for its effective salicylic acid formulations, such as their Effaclar range, which includes the Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum containing 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and LHA to clear blemishes, reduce pores, and improve skin tone and texture. They also offer the Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner with 0.5% salicylic acid and the Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid. These products are formulated to target acne, blackheads, and oily skin, showing a 21% reduction of whiteheads and blackheads in 4 weeks, and a 77% agreement that pores appear less visible in 2 weeks.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a leading skincare brand, renowned for its effective formulations, especially its salicylic acid products, which are available in 2% concentrations, like the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution and the Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, that effectively target blemishes and pores; these products work by exfoliating the skin and clearing congestion, and are suitable for various skin types, with the anhydrous version being particularly good for drier skin; they are recommended for use in the AM and PM, and can be applied to the entire face or as a spot treatment.
Murad
Murad, founded in 1989 by Dr. Howard Murad, is a well-known skincare brand that formulates products with salicylic acid, offering solutions for acne; their clarifying cleanser contains 1.5% salicylic acid, while their Deep Relief Acne Treatment utilizes 2% salicylic acid for more intensive care, and the clarifying body spray contains 0.5% salicylic acid, effectively treating breakouts on the body. Murad's formulations often combine salicylic acid with other beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid and green tea extract to enhance efficacy and soothe the skin; with a commitment to science-backed skincare, Murad provides various products that help clear existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. To explore their range of products, you can visit their website.
CeraVe
CeraVe, established in 2005 by dermatologists, offers a range of skincare products, including cleansers, creams and lotions, many of which contain salicylic acid to exfoliate and smooth skin; their SA Smoothing Cleanser contains 0.5% salicylic acid, while some products like the SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin contain up to 3% in some regions, all formulated with three essential ceramides to help protect the skin's natural barrier. CeraVe's patented MVE technology provides continuous hydration for up to 24 hours and many of these products are fragrance free, non-comedogenic and allergy tested, making them suitable for various skin types. You can find their products in over 40 countries and at major retailers.
Clean & Clear
Clean & Clear, a brand established in 1956, offers a range of skincare products, with several containing 2% salicylic acid, known for its effectiveness in treating acne by penetrating pores and reducing blemishes; their spot treatment, clinically proven to show clearer skin in just one day, combines salicylic acid with witch hazel for soothing properties; the brand provides various cleansers, scrubs, and treatments featuring this ingredient, catering to different skin needs. Clean & Clear's products are available in 46 countries and are designed to target young adults with acne concerns. You can find their products here.
Bioderma
Bioderma is a leading brand in skincare, formulating effective products with salicylic acid, notably in their Sebium line, with concentrations reaching up to 2% in their Sébium Global cream and 1.8% in their Sebium Gel Moussant Actif cleanser. These products are designed to target acne and blemishes by unclogging pores, refining skin texture, and reducing the appearance of imperfections, often incorporating other beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid and zinc gluconate, which are effective for oily and acne-prone skin. The brand also offers a Sebium Serum with salicylic acid to combat aging and imperfections. Learn more about their comprehensive range on their Sebium product line.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Dr. Dennis Gross is a leading brand known for its effective use of salicylic acid, often at a 2% concentration, in various products designed to combat acne and improve skin texture. Their formulations expertly combine this BHA with other beneficial ingredients like glycolic and azelaic acids, along with soothing agents such as green tea and aloe vera to minimize irritation. The product line, featuring spot treatments and daily peels, showcases the brand's commitment to both targeted blemish control and overall skin health. These products are formulated to exfoliate, unclog pores, and reduce breakouts, with the brand also incorporating powerful ingredients like retinol in some formulations to promote collagen production. Dr. Dennis Gross emphasizes natural sources like Willow tree bark for their salicylic acid and offers free samples with every order, alongside a 30-day return policy. You can find their Alpha Beta® On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel here.
Cosrx
Cosrx is recognized as a top producer of salicylic acid skincare products, with their Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser containing 0.5% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, remove impurities, and fight acne, while also incorporating tea tree oil and willow bark water for soothing and hydration; this cleanser is designed for daily use, especially for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to unclog pores and prevent blackheads without causing dryness, and their BHA Blackhead Power Liquid uses 4% betaine salicylate.
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