Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that can fight acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.  

Salicylic acid isn't only for those with acne-prone skin. Everyone who needs some deep cleaning can benefit from it, too, because this beta-hydroxy acid penetrates deep within your pores to dissolve all the sebum and dead skin that's in its way. In the process, it fights acne, blackheads, and whiteheads as well, and when used regularly, salicylic acid prevents breakouts from happening altogether. Its best feature? It's so easy to incorporate into your routine. In fact, a salicylic acid-infused cleanser is the perfect place to start! Keep scrolling to find one you'll love!

1. Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Cleansing Gel

This cleansing gel gently exfoliates with salicylic acid while soothing and protecting troubled skin with bija, a high-endurance plant grown in Jeju.

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TRY: Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Cleansing, P790, SM North Edsa

2. Luxe Organix Miracle Cleanser AHA/BHA Deep Pore Cleansing & Brightening

With a combination of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid, this deep cleansing face wash treats congested and dull skin to make it smoother and brighter.

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TRY: Luxe Organix Miracle Cleanser AHA/BHA Deep Pore Cleansing & Brightening, P289, Watsons

3. Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam

This BHA-infused self-foaming cleanser fights acne and calms down redness associated with breakouts with ingredients like caffeine and sea whip extract.

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TRY: Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam, P1,600, SM Megamall

4. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This hydrating wash has both physical and chemical exfoliants—salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid, plus biodegradable jojoba beads to manually slough off dead skin.

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TRY: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, P2,050, Rustan's

5. Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

This product can clear pores not just on your face but on your body, too, helping address issues like bacne with a mixture of BHA and soothing botanicals like tea tree and lavender.

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TRY: Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash, P1,150, Rustan's

6. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser

Formulated for oily, breakout-prone skin types, this breaks down acne-causing impurities and excess makeup for a deep cleanse.

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TRY: Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser, P1,150, Rustan's

7. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Aside from salicylic acid, this product is formulated with a zinc compound that controls excess sebum, helping reduce both breakouts the appearance of pores.

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TRY: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, P750, Beauty Bar

8. Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash

This paraben-free wash soothes acne-prone skin with allantoin and pro vitamin B5 while the 2% salicylic acid works to decongest pores.

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TRY: Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash, P1,695, SM Megamall

9. By Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser

A mild, low pH cleanser that gently washes off impurities without drying out the skin. To exfoliate, it uses PHA (gluconolactone) and LHA, a derivative of salicylic acid that also helps treat acne.

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TRY: By Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser, P1,050, K-Beauty Cafe

10. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Gentle Cleanser

This cleanser only contains 0.5% salicylic acid and contains no harsh sulfates, making it gentle enough for daily use. 

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TRY: COSRX Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Gentle Cleanser, P540, Beauty Bar