Best salicylic acid face wash for oily skin: 10 picks for clear skin

Oily skin requires extra love and care to maintain its health. Several skin conditions like acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation and blemishes can occur if a well-balanced skincare routine is not followed. The first step towards getting healthy and clear skin is to include the benefits of deep cleansing in your routine. It helps remove impurities, purifies your skin and controls sebum production. So, using the right face wash becomes necessary as it holds the power to transform your overall skin health. Extracted from the bark of willow, salicylic acid works by penetrating deep into pores to dissolve excess oil and exfoliate dead skin cells. This dual action helps reduce blackheads, and whiteheads and prevent future breakouts. The best salicylic acid face wash can help clear out dirt, and oil and reveal smoother and clearer skin underneath. We have compiled a list of the best salicylic acid face wash for oily skin that you may try!

10 best salicylic acid face wash for oily skin

If you are looking for the best skin care products for oily skin, check out this list of the best salicylic acid face wash in India:

1. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Try this salicylic acid face wash from Minimalist and improve the health of your oily skin. Made with capryloyl salicylic acid, this face wash promises to provide a gentle exfoliating experience. It penetrates into the pores, reduces sebum production and prevents acne breakouts. Regular use of this face wash for oily skin may reveal the soft skin and provide a multi-level cleansing experience. Unlike other face washes, this one is free from sulphate and contains hydrating and soothing ingredients. It is loaded with antibacterial ingredients that may help fight acne-causing bacteria and effectively controls the oil production. The brand also claims that this product is free from silicones, parabens, essential oils and dyes, which makes it safe to use.

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2. Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash promises to provide a deep cleansing experience without drying out your skin. It penetrates deep into your skin to clean the pores and keep your skin clear. Regular use of this face wash may help regulate excess oil production, which helps in preventing the development of pimples. It is a dermatologically recommended face wash that claims to not cause any irritation on your skin or clog pores.

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3. Dot & Key Cica 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Dot & Key Cica 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash can be a good addition to your skincare routine. It claims to deeply cleanse the pores by removing impurities and excess oil from your skin. Its antibacterial properties may help in killing the acne-causing bacteria, reducing active acne and preventing any further breakouts. This face wash gently exfoliates your skin to clear clogged pores and reveal softer skin. It may also balance the pH level of your skin to strengthen the skin barrier function. Loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, this sulphate-free face wash promises to calm redness, inflammation, sensitivity and irritation.

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4. WishCare 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

WishCare 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash may help revitalise your skin health. Packed with the goodness of salicylic acid, tea tree, green tea, AHA and chamomile, this face wash may reduce active acne and prevent future breakouts. This fragrance-free face wash gently exfoliates your skin, removes dead skin cells, unclog pores and reveals clearer skin. It may also reduce blackheads, whiteheads and control sebum production. The brand also claims that its face wash is free from cruelty, paraben, gluten and toxic material to keep your skin safe.

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Also Read: 5 best face washes for combination skin that actually work

5. PLIX -The Plant Fix Salicylic Acid Face Wash

PLIX – The Plant Fix Salicylic and Acid Face Wash promises to rejuvenate your skin by removing dirt, dead skin, debris and make up. Enriched with the goodness of salicylic acid, betaine, azelaic acid and jamun extract, this face wash may help hydrate, moisturise and purify your skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help in soothing your irritated and inflamed skin. It is a clinically-proven product which may help reduce active acne, prevent future breakouts and regulate oil production. The product also promises to be free from toxic material, paraben, sulphate, synthetic fragrance and cruelty.

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6. Oceglow Intense Hydration Face Wash

Oceglow Intense Hydration Face Wash is enriched with the goodness of salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. This cleanser promises to clear the pores and retain the skin moisture. It may also hydrate your skin, treat acne and give a calm and soothing effect to your skin. This moisture-boosting face wash can help you get radiant complexion. The brand also claims that this product is free from harmful chemicals, which makes it safe for your skin.

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7. The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash

The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Wash might be a good choice for your skin as it contains 2 per cent salicylic acid and 2 per cent niacinamide. This face wash may penetrate deep into your skin to exfoliate the dead skin cells and unclog pores. It uses an anti-dehydration shield action to control dryness post-wash and maintain the moisture balance of the skin. Free from mineral oil, dye, parabens and sulphates, this face wash may help control acne, provide visible difference in 3-6 weeks and make your skin look healthy.

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Also Read: Summer skin care tips: Must-follow routine for oily skin

8. Acne Squad Face Wash

Acne Squad Face Wash is formulated with salicylic acid and patented thymol T essence, which makes it suitable for acne-prone and oily skin. It promises to help reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothe your acne in 3 days. This face wash may help reduce 99.9 per cent of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and protect it against breakouts. Regular use of this face wash may help restore moisture and provide a boost of hydration to your skin. The brand claims that this product is non-comedogenic and dermatologically created.

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9. Sotrue 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Sotrue 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash may help reduce sebum production and control excess oil. It may also help remove dead skin cells, making your skin look clean and radiant. Packed with the goodness of salicylic acid, aloe vera, lemon and orange peel, this face wash may help make your skin healthy. It is also free from harmful ingredients like paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, silicone, synthetic fragrance and dye.

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10. Dr. Sheth’s Neem & Salicylic Acid Face Wash

Dr. Sheth’s Neem & Salicylic Acid Face Wash can penetrate deep inside the pores to remove and clarify dead skin cells and impurities. Regular use of this face wash, which contains salicylic acid and neem can help regulate sebum production, which can prevent acne. It also contains tulsi, which can prevent the formation of breakout-causing bacteria. The brand also claims that this product is free from fragrances, parabens, and sulphate and is dermatologically tested.

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Also Read: Cleanser vs face wash: What is the difference?

How to choose the best salicylic acid face wash?

Here is a guide to help you choose the best salicylic acid face wash:

• Consider your skin type while choosing the right formulation. For oily skin, look for a salicylic acid face wash that comes with a concentration ranging from 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent.
• Check the ingredients of the product. Make sure that it contains aloe vera, glycerin or niacinamide. Avoid using products that are packed with harsh additives like alcohol, artificial fragrances or sulphates.
• Consider the formulation of the face wash. For oily skin, look for gel-based products as they are gentler.
• Pay attention to the concentration of salicylic acid in the face wash. Typically, it should range between 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent.
• Opt for reputable skincare brands that are known for their quality. You should also consult your dermatologist before including any product in your routine for better results.

What are the benefits of salicylic acid for oily skin?

Some of the important benefits of salicylic acid for oily skin includes:

• Regular use of salicylic acid face wash can reduce active acne without drying out your skin as per the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD).
• It deeply exfoliates your skin to remove the dead skin cells and reveal the clear skin underneath. Persistent use may even help reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.
• These products penetrate the pores to remove the content of clogged pores, which is responsible for acne formation.
• The oil-soluble nature of salicylic acid makes it perfect for oily skin as it helps regulate the sebum production. This creates a positive impact on reducing oiliness from your skin.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of the salicylic acid helps address redness, irritation and inflammation related to acne.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Is salicylic acid face wash good for the face?
  Salicylic acid contains peeling agents, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These essential contents of this skin care ingredient makes it good for your skin as it helps with exfoliation, which leads to removing dead skin cells. It can also shield your skin against the acne-causing bacteria and reduce the inflammation, redness and irritation related to acne.
• How much salicylic acid should be used daily?
  A study published by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety states that salicylic acid is used in cosmetic products for its preservative, cleansing and exfoliating properties. A maximum concentration of 0.2% should be used once per day. And children below 3 must not use salicylic acid face wash.
• How often should I wash my face?
  It depends on your skin condition and preference. But, ideally washing your face at least two times a day can help keep it healthy, dirt-free and smooth. You can also consider taking recommendations from your dermatologist as they can suggest better.
• What is the best skincare routine for oily skin?
  Following a well-balanced skincare routine is the key to managing your oily skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing the face every morning, evening and after exercise for oily skin. It is also advisable to use non-comedogenic, oil-free products, which are free from harmful chemicals. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen without fail to keep your skin protected and nourished.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)