Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml | The INKEY List

Use AM and PM. Gently massage a raspberry-sized amount onto damp skin for 60 seconds. Add warm water to emulsify, work in, then rinse thoroughly.

Follow with

Hydrator → treatments → moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

Not just a facial cleanser for oily skin - can also be used on acne-prone areas like back and chest.

Heads up

When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

*4-week independent consumer trial of 66 people.

• 2% Salicylic Acid : A BHA exfoliant that works deep within the pores to help unclog and gently exfoliate for a visibly clearer complexion.  
• 0.5% Allantoin : Soothes irritation.
• Zinc compound : Reduce excess oil

Water (Aqua/Eau), Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Salicylic Acid, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate.

HOW TO USE

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE THIS SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER? Safe for daily AM and PM use on acne-prone skin. If you're new to salicylic acid, start with once daily, then gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Full step-by-step guide to double cleansing →

CAN I USE THIS CLEANSER EVERY DAY? Absolutely. This gentle 2% formula is specifically designed for daily use on acne-prone and combination skin without over-drying or causing irritation to breakout-sensitive areas.

DO I NEED ANOTHER CLEANSER AFTER? Nope. It's effective on its own, but you can double cleanse if you want. Learn more about double cleansing →

HOW DO I DOUBLE CLEANSE WITH THIS? Use Oat Cleansing Balm first to melt SPF and makeup, then follow with Salicylic Acid Cleanser as your second cleanse. The balm removes surface debris while the salicylic acid gets to work inside the pores - clearing what's already there and preventing what's forming underneath. Double Cleanse Duos →

CAN I USE THIS LONG-TERM? Yes - safe for long-term, daily use. Unlike many prescription actives, 2% salicylic acid does not cause tolerance build-up, and consistent use is actually where you see the best acne-prevention results.

HOW DO I LAYER THIS WITH OTHER ACIDS? Use this cleanser first in your routine, then follow with other acne-fighting treatments. The rinse-off formula minimizes interaction risks while still providing effective breakout control. What not to layer together →

CAN I USE THIS WITH RETINOL? Yes! Since this cleanser rinses off, it's safe to use with retinol in your PM routine. Perfect for acne-prone skin that needs both breakout control and anti-aging benefits. Apply cleanser, then follow with your retinol serum once skin is dry. What not to mix with Retinol → Why do I need to patch test? →

CAN I USE VITAMIN C AFTER THIS CLEANSER? Yes - apply Vitamin C after cleansing in the AM. The cleanser rinses off completely, so there's no interaction risk. Always follow with SPF in your morning routine.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS? Most people notice reduced acne within 2–4 weeks of consistent use. In our independent consumer trial, 90% of users agreed skin looked visibly clearer after just 3 days. For stubborn breakouts, continue for 6–8 weeks to see full benefits on acne-prone skin.

SKIN TYPES & CONCERNS

IS THIS SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN? Yes - the gentle 2% formula includes soothing Allantoin to calm skin while effectively targeting acne. Start slowly if you have sensitive skin prone to breakouts, beginning with once-daily use and building from there. Sensitive skin and breakouts: how to treat without stripping →

CAN I USE IT ON MY BODY? Yes - great for body acne on chest, back, and arms. Use the same way as on your face: massage a raspberry-sized amount onto damp skin, emulsify with warm water, and rinse thoroughly.

IS THIS CLEANSER SUITABLE FOR COMBINATION OR NORMAL SKIN, NOT JUST OILY? Yes. While it's particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin, the gentle 2% formula with soothing Allantoin makes it appropriate for normal and combination skin too. It won't over-dry or strip normal skin types when used as directed. If you find it slightly drying during winter or when using other actives, alternate it with our Oat Cleansing Balm.

WHAT IS SKIN PURGING AND HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS CLEANSER IS CAUSING IT? Purging is a temporary increase in breakouts that occurs when an active ingredient like salicylic acid accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing congestion to the surface faster than usual. It typically appears as small whiteheads or blackheads in areas where you normally break out, and resolves within 2–4 weeks as your skin adjusts. If you're experiencing breakouts in new areas, or large, painful cystic spots that weren't there before, that's more likely a reaction - reduce frequency or stop use and consult a dermatologist. The 2% concentration in this formula is gentle enough that most people experience only minimal purging, if any.

IS IT PREGNANCY SAFE? Yes. Our 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Topical salicylic acid at concentrations of 2% or below in rinse-off formulas is considered safe for use during pregnancy. As always, if you have any concerns, consult your doctor or OB-GYN. Complete guide to pregnancy-safe skincare →

INGREDIENTS & FORMULA

IS SALICYLIC ACID A BHA OR AHA? BHA - beta-hydroxy acid. Unlike AHAs which are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can enetrate directly into the pore lining to dissolve the oil and dead skin cell buildup that causes blackheads and acne. Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide: the best duo for oily, acne-prone skin →

WHAT % OF SALICYLIC ACID? 2% - the FDA-approved maximum concentration for over-the-counter acne treatment products, and the clinically effective level for targeting acne, blackheads and excess oil without stripping the skin.

WHAT'S THE PH? 4.5–5.0 - slightly acidic, which is the optimal range for salicylic acid to remain stable and active, while being gentle enough for daily use on acne-prone skin.

IS IT VEGAN? Yes - certified by The Vegan Society. The formula is also fragrance-free, gluten-free, and Leaping Bunny certified - no animal testing, ever.

WHAT DOES SALICYLIC ACID ACTUALLY DO INSIDE THE PORE? Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which means it's oil-soluble. Unlike AHAs that only exfoliate the skin's surface, salicylic acid penetrates directly into the pore lining and dissolves the oil and dead skin cell buildup that causes blackheads, congestion, and acne. At 2%, our daily cleanser is effective enough to meaningfully exfoliate inside pores while remaining gentle enough for daily use without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Salicylic Acid for blackheads: how it works and how to use it →

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SALICYLIC ACID AND GLYCOLIC ACID? Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid): oil-soluble, penetrates into pores, and is best for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin. Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid): water-soluble, exfoliates the skin's surface, and is best for dullness, uneven texture, and dry or mature skin. For acne-prone skin, start with salicylic acid. If you also have concerns about dullness or uneven texture, our Glycolic Acid Toner can be added to your routine on alternating evenings.

IS SALICYLIC ACID OR BENZOYL PEROXIDE BETTER FOR ACNE? They target different aspects of acne. Salicylic acid unclogs pores by dissolving oil and dead skin cells - it's better for blackheads, congestion, and preventing acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria - it's better for inflamed pustules and papules. Our Salicylic Acid Cleanser is the better daily-use option for prevention and overall pore health. For active spots, pair it with our Succinic Acid Treatment as a targeted spot treatment. Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide: which is better for acne? →

This product is;

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding safe