Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle yet effective 2% Salicylic Acid gel cleanser that penetrates deep into pores to reduce blackheads, breakouts, and excess oil while keeping skin hydrated and balanced. Enhanced with Zinc PCA for oil control and Allantoin for soothing comfort.
Deep Pore Cleansing
2% Salicylic Acid penetrates into pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris that cause blackheads and breakouts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Pore Cleansing
2% Salicylic Acid penetrates into pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris that cause blackheads and breakouts.
Oil Control
Zinc PCA helps regulate sebum production to reduce shine and prevent excess oil throughout the day.
Soothing Formula
0.5% Allantoin calms and soothes skin after exfoliation, preventing irritation and redness.
Non-Stripping
Gentle surfactants and hydrating ingredients ensure skin feels clean but never tight or dry after use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical salicylic acid at 2% or less is considered safe during pregnancy per ACOG guidelines. The brand confirms pregnancy safety.
Low-concentration topical salicylic acid has minimal systemic absorption and is considered safe during breastfeeding. Avoid application on chest area.
Contains 5 potential FA triggers (PEG esters, coconut derivatives). However, as a wash-off product with anti-fungal salicylic acid, risk is reduced.
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula with soothing allantoin. Start with once daily use and build tolerance gradually.
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 plugs, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation. FDA-approved OTC acne treatment.
- Mechanism: Exfoliates inside pores by dissolving the intercellular "glue" holding dead cells together
- Studies: 2% concentration shown effective for mild-moderate acne in multiple clinical trials
- Anti-inflammatory: Related to aspirin, provides soothing benefits for inflamed acne
Zinc PCA UnlistedProven
A zinc salt combined with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a natural moisturizing factor. Targets multiple acne causes including excess oil, bacteria, and inflammation.
- Sebum Control: Clinical studies show statistically significant sebum reduction after 28 days of use
- Antibacterial: In-vitro research demonstrates strong activity against P. acnes bacteria at 0.1-0.25%
- Hydrating: PCA component helps maintain skin moisture while controlling oil
Allantoin 0.5%Proven
A skin-soothing compound that helps calm irritation, promote cell regeneration, and support the skin's natural healing process after exfoliation.
- Soothing: Reduces redness and irritation from active ingredients
- Healing: Promotes healthy skin tissue growth and wound healing
- Moisturizing: Helps maintain skin hydration and softness
Glycerin & Betaine HumectantsSupporting
Powerful humectants that attract and retain moisture in the skin, preventing the dryness often associated with acne cleansers.
- Glycerin: Studies show it's more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant
- Betaine: Sugar beet-derived osmoprotectant that protects skin cells and maintains hydration
26 ingredients
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.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your primary cleanser AM and PM. For double cleansing, use after an oil cleanser or balm as your second cleanse. Can also be used on back and chest for body acne.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Wet your face and neck with lukewarm water. Can be applied to damp or dry skin.
Apply Cleanser
Dispense a raspberry-sized amount onto fingertips and gently massage onto face and neck in circular motions.
Massage for 60 Seconds
Work the cleanser into skin for at least 60 seconds to allow salicylic acid to penetrate pores effectively.
Rinse Thoroughly
Add warm water to emulsify, then rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow with Hydration
Apply hydrating toner or serum (like Hyaluronic Acid), then moisturizer. Use SPF during daytime.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with frequent breakouts
- You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
- You want an affordable, effective BHA cleanser
- You prefer fragrance-free, no-fuss skincare
- You're new to chemical exfoliants and want a gentle introduction
- You have body acne on back or chest
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You're already using multiple exfoliating products
- You have severe, cystic acne (may need prescription treatment)
- You have confirmed fungal acne and want a completely FA-safe formula
- You prefer a cream or balm cleanser texture
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Salicylic acid and Zinc PCA work together to control sebum, minimize pores, and prevent breakouts without over-drying.
Great for T-zone congestion. Focus application on oily areas; the non-stripping formula won't over-dry cheeks.
Formulated specifically for blemish-prone skin. 2% salicylic acid is the gold standard for treating and preventing acne.
Can use 2-3 times weekly for pore maintenance and prevention. May not be necessary for daily use.
Allantoin helps soothe, but start slowly with 2-3x weekly use. Patch test first. May cause irritation for very reactive skin.
Use sparingly (2-3x weekly max). Follow with rich hydrating layers. Consider a gentler cleanser for daily use.
Results timeline
WEEK 6+Initial Cleansing Effect
Skin feels cleaner and less oily after each wash. Possible mild purging with small breakouts as pores clear out. Blackheads may become more visible before extracting.
65% notice cleaner-feeling skinVisible Pore Improvement
Reduction in blackheads and whiteheads. Pores appear less congested. Skin texture starts smoothing out. Oil production begins to regulate.
78% see reduced blackheadsClearer Complexion
Noticeable reduction in breakouts. More even skin tone. Pores appear minimized. Skin maintains better oil balance throughout the day.
85% report fewer breakoutsMaintained Results
Consistent use maintains clear skin. Occasional breakouts are less severe and heal faster. Skin texture remains smooth and refined.
90% would repurchaseRatings by platform
16K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively reduces blackheads and breakouts
- Non-stripping, doesn't leave skin tight or dry
- Excellent value for a 2% salicylic acid cleanser
- Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Can be used on face and body (back, chest)
- Vegan and cruelty-free certified
- pH-balanced formula (4.5-5.0)
Criticized
- 150ml bottle is small for the price point
- Can cause dryness if overused
- Not ideal for very dry skin types
- May cause purging in first 2 weeks
- Doesn't remove heavy makeup effectively (needs double cleanse)
- Contains potential fungal acne triggers
- Results take 4-6 weeks of consistent use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
K-beauty alternative with 0.5% salicylic acid (gentler) plus tea tree oil for antibacterial benefits. Contains fragrance. Creamier foam texture. Good for sensitive acne-prone skin wanting a milder option.
Different approach - oil-based cleanser without salicylic acid. Better for removing makeup but lacks exfoliating benefits. Use as first cleanse before a BHA cleanser for best results.
Contains 2% salicylic acid plus ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Also has purifying clay. Larger 8oz size offers better value per ounce. More hydrating formula.
Drugstore staple with 2% salicylic acid. More stripping formula, can be drying. Contains fragrance. Good budget option but less gentle than The INKEY List version.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in cool, dry place between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. 100% recyclable packaging. Hygienic dispensing prevents contamination.
Yes, 150ml is over 100ml limit. Decant into smaller container for carry-on, or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that topical salicylic acid products containing 2% or less are safe during pregnancy. The INKEY List confirms this product is pregnancy-safe. For breastfeeding, topical salicylic acid at this concentration has minimal systemic absorption and is considered safe, though avoid applying to chest area that may contact baby.
This cleanser contains several potential fungal acne triggers including PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Coconut Acid, and Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate. However, as a wash-off product, these ingredients have minimal contact time with skin. Additionally, salicylic acid itself has anti-fungal properties. If you have confirmed fungal acne, you may want to use caution or opt for a verified FA-safe cleanser. Many users with fungal acne report no issues, but individual results vary.
Yes, but with caution. Since this is a wash-off product, it's generally gentler than leave-on BHA treatments. You can use it with retinol (use cleanser AM, retinol PM) or vitamin C (use cleanser PM, vitamin C AM). Avoid using with other strong exfoliating acids (AHA, additional BHA) in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation. If you're new to actives, introduce one product at a time and monitor your skin for irritation.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's specifically formulated to address excess oil, clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Normal skin types can use it 2-3 times weekly for maintenance. Those with dry or sensitive skin should use with caution, starting with 2-3x weekly and ensuring adequate moisturization after use.
Most users notice cleaner-feeling skin immediately after use. Visible improvements in blackheads and pore appearance typically occur within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. For significant reduction in breakouts and overall skin clarity, expect 4-6 weeks of regular use. Some users may experience initial purging (small breakouts) in the first 1-2 weeks as pores clear out - this is normal and temporary.
Use this as your primary cleanser, the first step in both AM and PM routines. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, use it as your second cleanse after an oil-based cleanser or balm (double cleansing method). Follow with toner, serums (like hyaluronic acid), moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Can also be used on body (back, chest) for body acne.
No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a rating of 1/5. It's specifically designed to unclog pores, not block them. The salicylic acid actively works to dissolve sebum and debris inside pores. The formula is oil-free and contains no heavy occlusive ingredients that would contribute to pore congestion.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (below 40°F or above 100°F). The squeeze tube packaging helps prevent contamination and extends shelf life.
Verdict: The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser delivers excellent value as a straightforward, effective BHA cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. With a full 2% salicylic acid concentration (higher than many competitors), added oil-controlling Zinc PCA, and soothing allantoin, it targets breakouts and blackheads without the harsh, stripping feeling of many acne cleansers. The fragrance-free, vegan formula suits sensitive skin, while the affordable price point makes it accessible for daily use. Minor drawbacks include the relatively small bottle size and potential fungal acne triggers - but for most users dealing with oily, congested, or breakout-prone skin, this cleanser is a reliable workhorse that delivers visible results within weeks.
Browse related
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|