2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser
2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A pH-balanced (5.5), non-stripping, lightly foaming gel cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid that penetrates deep into pores to unclog blackheads and reduce breakouts — without the squeaky, tight feeling. Fortified with Ceramide NP, Zinc PCA, and Allantoin to calm irritation and control excess oil while protecting your moisture barrier.
Gentle Lather, Deep Clean
Produces a light, airy foam that effectively removes dirt and excess oil without stripping skin of its natural moisture.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Lather, Deep Clean
Produces a light, airy foam that effectively removes dirt and excess oil without stripping skin of its natural moisture.
Pore-Penetrating BHA
Oil-soluble 2% Salicylic Acid dissolves deep into pores to break down blackheads, dead skin, and sebum buildup at the source.
Barrier-Friendly Formula
Ceramide NP and Glycerin reinforce the skin's protective barrier, preventing the dryness and irritation common with BHA cleansers.
Sebum Control with Zinc PCA
Zinc PCA regulates oil production and has antimicrobial properties against acne-causing bacteria, keeping skin balanced all day.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% Salicylic Acid. While low-concentration BHA in wash-off products is generally considered lower risk, many dermatologists advise avoiding salicylic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia. This cleanser is confirmed fungal acne safe by ingredient analysis.
Comedogenic rating of 1/5. Contains no pore-clogging oils, heavy emollients, or comedogenic ingredients. Safe for acne-prone skin.
Uses gentle surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside) and soothing agents (Allantoin, Aloe Vera). Fragrance-free and minimal ingredient list of only 14 ingredients.
Can be used with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Exercise caution when combining with other exfoliants (AHA, retinol) — space them in different routines to avoid over-exfoliation.
Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and microbeads. Uses biodegradable surfactants derived from natural sources like coconut and glucose.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid 2%Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Also has anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin, making it ideal for calming acne-related redness.
- FDA Recognized: 0.5–2% concentration approved as an OTC topical acne treatment
- Mechanism: Exfoliates inside the pore lining (keratolytic), preventing clogs at the source
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling in active breakouts
Ceramide NP SupportingProven
A skin-identical lipid naturally found in the stratum corneum. Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the lipid matrix between skin cells and are essential for maintaining the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.
- Barrier Repair: Replenishes the protective lipid layer that can be disrupted by exfoliating actives
- Moisture Retention: Forms a waterproof layer that locks in hydration
- Clinical Support: Studies show topical ceramides improve barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss
Zinc PCA SupportingProven
A synergistic compound combining zinc with L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (L-PCA), a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) found in skin. Controls sebum production while simultaneously hydrating the skin.
- Sebum Control: In-vivo studies show statistically significant reduction in sebum production after 28 days at 1% concentration
- Antimicrobial: In-vitro testing confirms strong activity against P. acnes bacteria at 0.1–0.25%
- Hydration: L-PCA component acts as an NMF, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin
Allantoin SupportingProven
A well-established soothing and skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and promotes cell regeneration. Found naturally in comfrey root, though typically synthesized for cosmetics.
- Anti-Irritant: Calms and soothes sensitive, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Cell Renewal: Promotes healthy cell turnover and wound healing
- Synergy: Complements salicylic acid by reducing the potential for irritation from exfoliation
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract SupportingPromising
A well-known natural soothing extract from the aloe vera plant. Provides moisturizing, emollient, and anti-inflammatory benefits that complement the active ingredients in this cleanser.
- Soothing: Contains acemannan and other polysaccharides that calm irritated skin
- Hydrating: Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
14 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide NP, Zinc PCA, Lactic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Sodium Benzoate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step (or second step after an oil cleanser for double cleansing). Suitable for both AM and PM routines. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water. If double cleansing, remove makeup with an oil cleanser first.
Dispense & Lather
Pump 1–3 pumps onto damp palms and gently massage into a light foam on your face for at least 60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub.
Follow Up
Continue with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Apply SPF in the morning. Can also be used on back and chest for body acne.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or closed comedones
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny throughout the day
- You want a BHA cleanser that does not leave your skin feeling tight or dry
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas
- You are looking for an affordable, effective acne cleanser
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe product
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, dehydrated skin with no acne concerns
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
- You are already using multiple exfoliating acids and retinoids daily
- You have an active skin injury, eczema flare, or severely compromised barrier
- You are looking for a heavy-foam, soap-like cleansing experience
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESZinc PCA and Salicylic Acid work synergistically to control sebum production and keep pores clear without over-drying.
Balances oily T-zone while Ceramide NP and Glycerin prevent dryness on cheeks. Ideal for mixed skin concerns.
2% BHA penetrates pores to dissolve clogs at the source. Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe, and antimicrobial against P. acnes.
Fragrance-free with soothing Allantoin and Aloe Vera. Start with 2–3 times per week and patch test first. Gentle surfactants minimize irritation.
Contains Ceramide NP and Glycerin for moisture retention, but BHA can be drying for very dry skin. Use 2–3 times per week and follow with a rich moisturizer.
Great for maintaining clear pores and preventing occasional breakouts. Can be used daily or a few times per week as a preventive cleanser.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3+Cleaner, Less Oily Skin
Skin feels noticeably cleaner after each wash without tightness or dryness. Surface oil and grime are removed more effectively. Some users may experience mild purging as BHA begins to clear pore congestion.
80% noticed cleaner skin feelFewer Breakouts & Smaller Pores
Active breakouts begin to calm and new ones become less frequent. Blackheads start to loosen and pores appear visibly smaller. Skin texture becomes smoother and more even.
70% reported reduced breakoutsClearer, Balanced Complexion
Consistent use shows significant reduction in blackheads and closed comedones. Oil production is better regulated by Zinc PCA. Skin tone appears more even and clear.
85% saw visible improvementMaintained Clarity & Prevention
Long-term use keeps pores unclogged and prevents new breakouts from forming. Skin barrier remains healthy thanks to Ceramide NP support. Best results achieved with consistent daily use.
90% would repurchaseRatings by platform
10K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Non-stripping and non-drying — no tight or squeaky feeling after washing
- Highly affordable price point (₱229 for 120ml)
- Minimal ingredient list (only 14 ingredients) reduces risk of reactions
- Fragrance-free and unscented — great for sensitive noses
- Effectively reduces blackheads and closed comedones with consistent use
- Fungal acne safe formula — confirmed by ingredient analysis
- Contains barrier-supporting Ceramide NP to offset BHA dryness
- Ranked #1 salicylic acid cleanser in the Philippines by dermatologist panel
Criticized
- Small 120ml bottle runs out quickly with twice-daily use
- Runny, watery gel consistency — some users prefer thicker foam
- May cause stinging on dry or dehydrated skin, especially initially
- Limited international availability — primarily sold in the Philippines
- Pump bottle can sometimes dispense too much product
- Not suitable during pregnancy without medical consultation
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESNearly identical concept: 2% Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, and Allantoin. Larger 150ml size. Contains PEGs and more ingredients (26 vs 14). Available internationally at Sephora.
Only 0.5% Salicylic Acid (vs 2%). Contains tea tree oil and fragrance. More of a creamy foam texture. Widely available K-beauty option but not fungal acne safe due to ferments.
Undisclosed SA concentration (estimated <1%). Has 3 ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Larger 237ml (8oz) size. Fragrance-free but contains corn oil. More widely available globally.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures (below 5°C and above 40°C).
Clear plastic pump bottle — hygienic dispensing that minimizes contamination and product waste.
Yes — 120ml is above the 100ml carry-on limit. Decant into a smaller container for air travel, or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA). While topical salicylic acid in low concentrations used in wash-off products is generally considered lower risk than leave-on treatments, many dermatologists and medical organizations recommend avoiding salicylic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. We strongly recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using this product if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. Its ingredient list is free from ferments, fatty acids (C11–C24), fatty acid esters, polysorbates, and other ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast. The gentle surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside) and the 2% Salicylic Acid are all safe for fungal acne-prone skin. This has been confirmed through ingredient analysis tools like SkinSort and folliculitisscout.
Yes, but with caution. Since this cleanser contains 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid), combining it with other exfoliants (AHA, additional BHA) or retinol in the same routine can increase the risk of irritation, dryness, and over-exfoliation. The safest approach is to use this cleanser in the morning and retinol or AHA at night, or alternate days. Vitamin C and niacinamide serums can generally be used in the same routine without issues. Always listen to your skin — if you notice redness, peeling, or stinging, reduce frequency.
This cleanser works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The 2% Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA target excess oil production and pore congestion. It is also suitable for sensitive skin thanks to its fragrance-free formula, gentle surfactants, and soothing Allantoin and Aloe Vera. For dry skin, it can still be used 2–3 times per week as a targeted exfoliating wash, but should be followed with a rich moisturizer.
Most users notice cleaner, less oily skin immediately after the first use. Visible reduction in blackheads and breakouts typically begins within 2–4 weeks of consistent use. For stubborn acne, closed comedones, or textured skin, allow 6–8 weeks for full results. Some initial purging (existing congestion coming to the surface faster) may occur in the first 1–2 weeks — this is normal and temporary as BHA accelerates cell turnover.
This cleanser is used as the first step in your skincare routine (or the second step if you double cleanse with an oil cleanser first). Apply it to damp skin, massage for 60 seconds, and rinse off. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It can be used both morning and night. It also works as a body wash for acne on the back and chest.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — it is non-comedogenic. It contains no pore-clogging oils, heavy emollients, or comedogenic waxes. In fact, it actively works to unclog pores thanks to the oil-soluble Salicylic Acid that penetrates inside the pore lining to dissolve sebum and dead cell buildup. It is free from silicones, mineral oil, and fatty acids that can trigger comedones.
The cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for optimal efficacy and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 120ml pump bottle will last approximately 1–2 months with twice-daily use (2 pumps per wash), or 2–4 months with once-daily or every-other-day use.
Verdict: The Klued 2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser is one of the most impressive budget-friendly BHA cleansers available. Its ultra-minimal 14-ingredient formula delivers a full 2% Salicylic Acid alongside barrier-supportive Ceramide NP, oil-controlling Zinc PCA, and soothing Allantoin — all while being fragrance-free and fungal acne safe. It outperforms many international competitors that use lower BHA concentrations, more complex formulas, and added fragrance. The only downsides are the small 120ml size and limited availability outside the Philippines. For anyone dealing with blackheads, oily skin, or acne-prone concerns, this cleanser delivers exceptional value and results.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Pores
|






