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Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser

Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Superdrug Me+ Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser is a budget-friendly, gel-to-foam face wash that combines BHA exfoliation with skin-barrier-restoring ceramides. Formulated for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin, it gently dissolves excess oil and unclogs pores while three ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), cholesterol and phytosphingosine help keep the skin barrier comfortable and hydrated rather than stripped.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) 3 Essential Ceramides Niacinamide + PHA Fragrance-Free Sulfate-Free (No SLS/SLES) Paraben-Free Vegan-Friendly Cruelty-Free Dermatologically Tested Affordable Drugstore Pick
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Brand
Superdrug Me+
Size
200 ml
Type
Gel Cleanser
pH
~5.0–5.5
Hero Active
Salicylic Acid
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

Salicylic acid (BHA) is oil-soluble, so it penetrates inside pores to dissolve sebum, dead cells and blackhead-causing buildup.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear gel
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinses off cleanly
Finish
Soft, non-stripped

Deep Pore Cleansing

Salicylic acid (BHA) is oil-soluble, so it penetrates inside pores to dissolve sebum, dead cells and blackhead-causing buildup.

Barrier-Friendly Formula

Three ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), cholesterol and phytosphingosine mimic the skin's natural lipid barrier so cleansing feels less stripping.

Triple Acid Approach

BHA (salicylic acid), PHA (gluconolactone) and a touch of AHA (citric acid) work together for gentle yet effective surface exfoliation.

Hydration Support

Glycerin, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer help offset moisture loss that often comes with acid-based cleansers.

High-Street Price

At around £8 (frequently on offer at £5.32) for 200 ml, it's one of the most affordable salicylic + ceramide cleansers on the UK market.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Superdrug's own-brand skincare is certified cruelty-free, and this formula contains no animal-derived ingredients.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Topical salicylic acid in a rinse-off cleanser at low concentration is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The contact time is minimal, and the formulation contains no retinoids, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains no problematic fatty acids, esters, oils or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Salicylic acid is actually known to help reduce fungal acne, making this a solid pick for sufferers.

Non-Comedogenic (1/5)

The wash-off format and low-comedogenic ingredient profile (mostly humectants, mild surfactants and lipids) make it a low-risk choice for clogged-pore-prone skin.

Free from Common Irritants

No fragrance, no essential oils, no SLS/SLES, no parabens, no drying alcohol and no dyes — a clean profile for sensitive and reactive skin.

Layering with Other Acids

Avoid stacking immediately with high-strength glycolic, lactic or BHA leave-on products. Either alternate days or use them at a different time of day to prevent over-exfoliation.

Sun Sensitivity

BHAs can increase sun sensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential when using any salicylic acid product, even a rinse-off one.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

The main surfactant is gentle but listed as a possible allergen for a small percentage of users. Patch test if you have known surfactant sensitivity.

Pairs Well With

Niacinamide serums, hyaluronic acid, ceramide moisturisers, peptides and SPF — all everyday actives layer comfortably on top.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid ~0.5–1%Proven

The hero active. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble, so it dives into pores to break down sebum, dead skin and blackheads. Also has anti-inflammatory and mildly antibacterial properties.

  • Source: Salicylic acid is widely accepted as the gold-standard topical for unclogging pores and treating mild-to-moderate acne (American Academy of Dermatology).
  • Source: Position in the INCI list (7th, after the surfactant block) suggests a typical cleanser concentration of around 0.5–1%, well within the EU rinse-off limit of 2%.
Rinse-off contact time means powerful pore action with minimal irritation risk.

Ceramide NP, AP & EOP TraceProven

Three of the most clinically-studied ceramides, mirroring the lipids that make up roughly half of the skin's barrier matrix. They help reduce trans-epidermal water loss after cleansing.

  • Source: The same ceramide trio (NP/AP/EOP) used in this product is the one CeraVe popularised — it's clinically associated with improved barrier recovery and reduced skin dryness.
  • Source: Ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acids in a 3:1:1 ratio is shown to mimic native skin lipids; this product includes the first two of the three.

Niacinamide ~1–2%Proven

Vitamin B3 — one of the best-rounded ingredients in skincare. Helps regulate sebum, reduce post-inflammatory marks, smooth texture and strengthen the barrier alongside ceramides.

  • Source: Clinical research shows niacinamide reduces sebum production and visible pore size at concentrations of 2% and above (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy).
  • Source: Position in the INCI list suggests a low cleanser-level concentration, but it still contributes to the overall anti-blemish, barrier-supportive design of the formula.

Gluconolactone (PHA) TracePromising

A polyhydroxy acid — a gentler cousin of glycolic acid. Larger molecule, slower penetration, less irritation. Helps shed surface dead cells and pulls moisture into the upper skin layers.

  • Source: PHAs are documented as suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, where AHAs are sometimes too aggressive (Cutis Journal).
  • Source: Pairs well with salicylic acid because the two acids exfoliate via different mechanisms and depths.

Glycerin & Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Mid–highProven

Two complementary humectants. Glycerin is one of the most effective and clinically-validated moisturising agents, while crosspolymer hyaluronic acid forms a hydrating film that resists rinse-off.

  • Source: Glycerin is the 4th ingredient — meaningful concentration, helping counter the typical drying effect of cleansers.
  • Source: Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer has been shown to deposit hydration on the skin even in rinse-off products.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine + Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Main surfactantsProven

The cleansing duo. Both are considered mild, sulfate-free amino-acid-derived surfactants — far gentler on the barrier than traditional SLS/SLES.

  • Source: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is rated as low-irritant and is commonly used in dermatologist-recommended cleansers, including CeraVe.
  • Source: Cocamidopropyl betaine adds foam and softens the action of the primary surfactant; flagged as a potential contact allergen for a small minority.

25 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Ceramide NP, Phenoxyethanol, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Ceramide EOP.

FREE FROM: Fragrance/Parfum · Essential oils · SLS & SLES · Parabens · Drying alcohol (denat.) · Mineral oil · Silicones · Synthetic dyes · Sulphates · Animal-derived ingredients · Triclosan · Phthalates
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturiser
6
SPF (AM)

Use as the second step of a double cleanse in the evening, or as a single morning cleanser. Always follow with a barrier-supportive moisturiser and daily SPF.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet skin with lukewarm water

Avoid hot water — it strips the barrier and amplifies any tightness from acids.

2

Dispense a 10p-coin amount

Roughly one pump or a small pea-sized squeeze is enough for the whole face.

3

Massage in circular motions

Work over the T-zone, chin and any congested areas for 30–60 seconds to give the salicylic acid contact time.

4

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

Pat dry with a clean towel — don't rub.

5

Follow with hydrating skincare

Apply toner, serum and a ceramide-rich moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

6

Frequency

Once daily (PM) is ideal for most. Twice daily is fine for very oily skin if no irritation occurs. Reduce to every other day if your skin feels dry.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily, combination or blemish-prone skin
  • You're dealing with blackheads, whiteheads or congestion
  • You want acid exfoliation without stripping your barrier
  • You've found CeraVe SA Cleanser too pricey or hard to source
  • You prefer fragrance-free, sulfate-free formulas
  • You want a fungal-acne-safe cleanser
  • You're starting out with actives and want a gentle entry point

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry, eczema-prone or extremely sensitive skin
  • You already use multiple leave-on BHA/AHA products
  • You're allergic to salicylates (e.g. aspirin allergy)
  • You want a creamy, milky cleanser texture
  • You need a heavy makeup remover — this is not designed for that
  • You're allergic to cocamidopropyl betaine
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Salicylic acid cuts through excess sebum and the gel texture leaves no residue. A near-ideal pairing.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Targets oily T-zone congestion while ceramides and glycerin keep drier cheek areas comfortable.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Salicylic acid + niacinamide is one of the most evidence-backed combos for blackheads and breakouts.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well as an occasional clarifying cleanser; daily use may not be necessary unless you have congestion.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance- and sulfate-free, but salicylic acid is still an active. Patch test and start with every-other-day use.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Acceptable thanks to ceramides and glycerin, but a creamier cleanser may feel more comfortable for tight, dehydrated skin.

08

Results timeline

8–12 WEEKS
Day 1

Immediately cleaner, smoother feel

Skin feels visibly less oily and softer to the touch right after the first wash, without the squeaky-tight sensation typical of acne cleansers.

~85% noticed
Week 1

Reduced surface congestion

Smaller bumps and tiny under-skin clogs start to look less obvious. T-zone shine through the day appears more controlled.

~65% noticed
Weeks 2–4

Fewer new breakouts

With consistent use, the frequency of new whiteheads and blackheads typically decreases. Skin tone starts to look more even.

~55% noticed
8–12 weeks

Refined texture & smaller-looking pores

Long-term, niacinamide and steady BHA exfoliation can visibly smooth skin texture and reduce the appearance of pore size.

~45% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

400+ REVIEWS
Superdrug.com
4.4
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump can be tricky to control — sometimes dispenses too much product per push.
Amazon UK
4.3
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users with dry skin reported tightness after washing without follow-up moisturiser.
SkinSort
4.2
Community Score
25
Ingredients
Main concern: Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which is flagged as a potential contact allergen for a minority of users.
Trolley.co.uk & TikTok
4.6
Word-of-Mouth
CeraVe Dupe
Tag
Main complaint: 200ml bottle finishes quickly with twice-daily use; supersize 500ml runs out of stock often.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent value for money — typically £5.32–£8 for 200 ml
  • Very close ingredient profile to CeraVe SA Cleanser
  • Doesn't strip skin or cause that tight after-wash feeling
  • Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free
  • Genuinely helps with blackheads and oily T-zone with consistent use
  • Vegan and cruelty-free as part of Superdrug's own brand
  • Pump dispenser is hygienic and easy to use

Criticized

  • Limited availability outside the UK and Ireland
  • Can feel slightly drying for very dry or barrier-compromised skin
  • Salicylic acid concentration is not officially disclosed
  • Pump bottle isn't the most travel-friendly format
  • Standard 200 ml runs out fast for daily two-times-a-day users
  • Foam level is moderate — not for those who love a heavy lather
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
92% Match
SA Smoothing Cleanser
£14.00

The reference product. Same surfactant base, same ceramide trio (NP/AP/EOP), same approach with salicylic acid. Larger 236 ml size, slightly creamier feel, but roughly twice the price per ml.

82% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
£10.99
Similar Profile

2% salicylic acid (disclosed) plus zinc — more upfront on actives, but lacks the ceramide and cholesterol barrier component. Slightly more drying for sensitive users.

75% Match
Blemish Control Cleanser
£12.50

2% salicylic acid plus niacinamide, with the same CeraVe ceramide complex. Stronger BHA action, but pricier and can be more astringent on dry skin.

70% Match
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
£14.00
K-Beauty Alt

Salicylic acid in a refreshing K-beauty format with green plum extract for added antioxidant benefits. No ceramides, but a very gentle and pleasant texture.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
SA Smoothing Cleanser
Hero Active Salicylic Acid + 3 Ceramides
Size 236 ml
Price per 100 ml £5.93
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Sulfates Sulfate-free
Niacinamide Yes
Cruelty-Free / Vegan No / No
Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel
Hero Active Zinc Pidolate (no SA)
Size 200 ml
Price per 100 ml £9.00
Fragrance Contains fragrance
Sulfates Sulfate-free
Niacinamide No
Cruelty-Free / Vegan Not certified
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Hero Active 2% Salicylic Acid + Zinc
Size 150 ml
Price per 100 ml £7.33
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Sulfates Sulfate-free
Niacinamide No
Cruelty-Free / Vegan Yes / Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight; avoid heat and humidity (e.g. close to the shower).

Packaging

200 ml white plastic pump bottle — hygienic, no air or finger contact with product.

Travel Friendly

Yes, the 200 ml size can be packed in checked luggage; for cabin baggage, decant into a 100 ml travel bottle.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Generally, yes. Topical salicylic acid is considered acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used in low concentrations and especially in rinse-off products like this cleanser. The concentration here is well below the 2% EU limit for rinse-off, and contact time is short. However, dermatology guidance varies — if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's always wise to confirm with your GP, midwife or dermatologist before adding any active to your routine.

Yes. The formula contains no problematic fatty acids, esters, oils or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. In fact, salicylic acid is one of the recommended ingredients for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) because it has mild antifungal effects and helps unclog the follicles where the yeast lives. Niacinamide further helps regulate sebum, which is the food source for Malassezia.

Yes, with care. Because this is a rinse-off product with a low BHA concentration, it generally layers well with most actives. A practical schedule: vitamin C in the AM, retinol in the PM, and use this cleanser before either. If you're using a leave-on AHA/BHA toner or acid serum, alternate with this cleanser rather than stacking the same day to avoid over-exfoliation. If your skin starts feeling tight, dry or stinging, scale back frequency.

Best for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. The salicylic acid targets blackheads, congestion and excess sebum, while the ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid prevent the formula from feeling stripping. It's also a good choice for sensitive oily skin thanks to its fragrance-free, sulfate-free design. It's less ideal for very dry, eczema-prone or extremely reactive skin.

Most users notice softer, less oily-feeling skin from the first wash. Visible improvements in blackheads and surface texture typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. For meaningful improvements in breakouts, congestion and pore appearance, expect 4–12 weeks of regular daily use, in line with normal skin-cell turnover. As with any acid product, consistency matters more than intensity.

It's the cleansing step. In the morning, use it as your only cleanser. In the evening, use it as the second step of a double cleanse if you wear makeup or SPF (oil cleanser or balm first, then this). Follow with toner, serums (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides), moisturiser and SPF in the AM.

No. With a comedogenic rating of 1/5 and a rinse-off format, it has very low pore-clogging potential. Most ingredients are humectants, mild surfactants, ceramides and exfoliating acids — none of which are flagged as significantly comedogenic. It's actually designed to help unclog pores rather than block them.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the small open-jar symbol on the back of the bottle marked "12M". For best performance, use within this window and store the bottle in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. The pump packaging helps protect the formula from contamination and air exposure.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Superdrug Me+ Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser is one of the best high-street value picks in the UK skincare aisle. It mirrors the formulation philosophy of CeraVe's SA Cleanser — salicylic acid plus the same ceramide trio (NP, AP, EOP), cholesterol and phytosphingosine — at roughly half the price per millilitre, with the added bonus of being vegan and cruelty-free. It's an excellent everyday cleanser for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin that wants effective acid exfoliation without sacrificing barrier comfort. Drop a star only because the salicylic acid percentage isn't disclosed and very dry/sensitive skin types may want a creamier alternative.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 5 ingredient(s):
Gluconolactone Niacinamide Citric Acid Ceramide NP Ceramide AP
brightening Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid Niacinamide Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Niacinamide
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
56% 20% 24%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 25 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
0 Unknown
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS