Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle yet effective BHA gel cleanser with 0.5% salicylic acid, developed by Dr. Sandra Lee (Dr. Pimple Popper). This exfoliating face wash dives into pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, helping to treat and prevent acne breakouts without stripping or over-drying. Enriched with green tea, oat extract, and allantoin for a soothing, balanced cleanse.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Oil-soluble salicylic acid penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs, dead skin cells, and impurities that cause blackheads and whiteheads.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Pore Cleansing
Oil-soluble salicylic acid penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs, dead skin cells, and impurities that cause blackheads and whiteheads.
Gentle Surfactant System
Uses mild surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate instead of harsh SLS, protecting the skin barrier while cleansing.
Botanical Soothing Complex
Green tea, oat extract, rosehip, and bisabolol calm inflammation and provide antioxidant protection, preventing the dryness and irritation common with acne washes.
Peptide-Enhanced Formula
Contains Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13 to help support skin repair and resilience, going beyond basic cleansing to actively improve skin health.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA). While this is a low concentration in a rinse-off product, most dermatologists advise caution with BHA during pregnancy. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Saccharomyces Lysate Extract (a yeast-derived ferment) and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (coconut-derived), which may feed Malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 comedogenic. The formula uses non-pore-clogging ingredients and is designed to actively unclog pores rather than contribute to congestion.
Free from SLS, parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes, and added fragrance. Uses mild, non-irritating surfactants suitable for reactive skin types.
Provides a refreshing cooling sensation but may irritate extremely sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Patch test if you have a history of reactions to essential oils.
As a rinse-off cleanser, it can safely be used in the same routine as retinol products. Apply retinol after cleansing at night.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid 0.5%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and dissolve the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that causes acne. Also acts as an anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliant for the skin surface.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pore lining to dissolve keratin plugs and sebum buildup
- Clinical evidence: Proven effective at concentrations of 0.5–2% for treating non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads)
- Bonus benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and swelling associated with breakouts
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea)Proven
Rich in polyphenols, catechins, and caffeine with well-documented antimicrobial and astringent properties. Helps regulate sebum production, provides antioxidant protection, and calms inflammation.
- Antioxidant: EGCG catechins neutralize free radicals and protect against UV-induced damage
- Sebum control: Studies show green tea extract can reduce sebum production by up to 70% when applied topically
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and soothes irritated, acne-prone skin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractProven
Contains beta-glucan, lipids, and avenanthramides that soothe irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. An FDA-recognized skin protectant.
- Soothing: Avenanthramides reduce itchiness, redness, and inflammation
- Barrier support: Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that repair and strengthen the moisture barrier
- FDA status: Recognized as an active skin protectant ingredient under FDA OTC monograph
AllantoinProven
A naturally derived skin conditioner that softens and soothes irritated skin. Helps offset the potential drying effects of exfoliating acids, keeping skin comfortable and hydrated after cleansing.
- Healing: Promotes cell proliferation and wound healing, supporting skin repair
- Hydration: Moisturizes and protects the skin from transepidermal water loss
BisabololProven
Derived from chamomile, this powerhouse anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing ingredient calms redness and irritation. Works synergistically with salicylic acid to balance exfoliation with comfort.
- Anti-inflammatory: Clinically shown to reduce skin inflammation and irritation
- Penetration enhancer: Helps other active ingredients absorb more effectively into the skin
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13Promising
A signal peptide that helps support skin repair processes and improve resilience. An advanced ingredient that goes beyond typical cleanser formulas to actively promote healthier skin.
- Skin repair: Supports the skin's natural repair mechanisms at the cellular level
- Anti-aging: May help improve skin firmness and elasticity with consistent use
25 ingredients
Salicylic Acid (0.5%), Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13, Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine, Beta-Glucan, Bisabolol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Menthol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your primary cleanser in both AM and PM routines. If wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse with an oil-based remover first, then follow with this cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Remove any makeup first. Wet your face with lukewarm water to prepare skin for cleansing.
Apply a Dime-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small amount of the gel cleanser onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way — the formula lathers nicely.
Massage for 1–2 Minutes
Gently massage into skin using circular motions, focusing on oily or congested areas like the T-zone. Allow the salicylic acid time to work.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with toner, treatment products, and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You deal with blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores
- You have oily or combination skin that needs oil control
- You want a gentle daily exfoliating cleanser
- You prefer a dermatologist-developed formula
- You need a cleanser that won't strip or over-dry skin
- You want to prevent breakouts before they start
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
- You have active rosacea — salicylic acid may aggravate it
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (double cleanse instead)
- You are extremely sensitive to eucalyptus or menthol
- You want a higher BHA concentration (2%) for severe acne
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Salicylic acid cuts through excess oil, unclogs pores, and controls shine without stripping. The gel formula leaves no residue.
Works well across different zones. Clears congestion in the T-zone while the soothing botanicals prevent dryness on cheeks.
Specifically designed for acne-prone skin. Treats and prevents non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads) with daily use.
Gentle surfactants and soothing botanicals make it suitable for most sensitive skin. However, the menthol and eucalyptus may irritate very reactive skin — patch test first.
May feel slightly drying if used twice daily. Consider using only at night and follow with a rich moisturizer. The glycerin and allantoin help offset dryness.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3Cleaner, Refreshed Feeling
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and more refreshed after each wash. Mild tingling from the menthol and eucalyptus provides a cooling sensation. Excess oil is visibly reduced.
85% noticed immediatelyReduced Oiliness & Fewer New Breakouts
Pores begin to look less congested. Fewer new blackheads and whiteheads appear. Some users may experience mild purging as clogged pores clear out — this is normal and temporary.
70% noticed improvementVisibly Clearer Skin
Noticeable reduction in blackheads and whiteheads. Skin texture begins to feel smoother and more even. Pores appear refined and less visible.
75% noticed clearer skinLong-Term Clarity & Prevention
Consistent use maintains clear, balanced skin. Breakouts are less frequent and less severe. Dark spots from previous acne begin to fade as skin turnover improves.
80% reported sustained resultsRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle enough for twice-daily use without stripping skin
- Effective at clearing blackheads and preventing breakouts
- Dermatologist-developed by Dr. Sandra Lee (Dr. Pimple Popper)
- SLS-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free formula
- A little product goes a long way — lathers nicely
- Leaves skin feeling clean but not tight or dry
- Visible pore reduction with consistent use
- Works great for "maskne" (mask-related acne)
Criticized
- Small bottle (4 oz) at $25 — runs out relatively fast
- Cap/packaging can leak if stored on its side
- Not strong enough for severe cystic acne
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Menthol/eucalyptus may irritate very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
- Does not remove heavy makeup effectively — needs double cleansing
- Low 0.5% SA concentration may not be enough for some users
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher SA concentration (2% vs 0.5%) with added ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Larger 8 oz bottle at roughly half the price. Less botanical actives but stronger acne-fighting power.
Affordable drugstore option with stronger 2% SA. Contains harsher surfactants (SLS) that may strip skin more. Lacks the soothing botanicals and peptide complex found in SLMD.
Contains 2% salicylic acid with zinc to help control oil. Simpler ingredient list without the soothing botanicals. More straightforward approach to BHA cleansing at a lower price point.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep cap tightly closed and store upright to prevent leaking.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Available in 2 fl oz and 4 fl oz sizes.
Yes — the 2 fl oz (60 mL) size is TSA-approved for carry-on luggage. The 4 fl oz size exceeds the 100 mL limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This cleanser contains 0.5% salicylic acid (a BHA), which is generally advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding by most healthcare providers. While the low concentration in a rinse-off product poses minimal systemic absorption risk, it's best to consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using any salicylic acid product during pregnancy. Safer alternatives include gentle cleansers with glycerin or ceramides.
No, this cleanser is not fungal acne safe. It contains Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, a yeast-derived ferment ingredient that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast. It also contains Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate derived from coconut, which some consider problematic for fungal acne. If you have Malassezia folliculitis, consider a simpler fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead.
Yes, with some precautions. Since this is a rinse-off product with a low 0.5% SA concentration, it's generally safe to use with other actives. You can use it before applying retinol at night or vitamin C serum in the morning. However, if you're using additional leave-on BHA or AHA products, monitor your skin for signs of over-exfoliation (redness, peeling, stinging). Start slowly and reduce frequency if irritation occurs.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling oil, unclogging pores, and preventing blackheads and whiteheads. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin in most cases, though those with rosacea should avoid it. People with very dry skin may find it slightly drying when used twice daily — consider using it only at night and pairing with a hydrating moisturizer.
Most users notice a cleaner, refreshed feeling immediately. Visible reduction in oiliness and new breakouts typically occurs within 1–2 weeks. Significant improvement in blackheads, pore size, and overall skin clarity usually becomes apparent after 3–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Full results with smoother texture and fewer breakouts are generally seen within 2–3 months.
Use it as the first or second step in your routine, morning and night. If you wear makeup or heavy sunscreen, use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first (double cleansing), then follow with this cleanser. After rinsing, continue with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Dr. Pimple Popper suggests leaving it on for 1–2 minutes before rinsing for a deeper clean.
No, this cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It does not contain heavy oils, waxes, or known pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, it's designed to do the opposite — the salicylic acid actively works to dissolve sebum plugs and keep pores clear. It is non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin.
The cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With twice-daily use, the 4 fl oz bottle typically lasts 6–8 weeks since only a dime-sized amount is needed per wash. The 2 fl oz travel size lasts approximately 3–4 weeks. Store it in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed to maintain efficacy throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser is a well-formulated, dermatologist-developed daily cleanser that delivers gentle yet effective exfoliation for acne-prone and oily skin. The 0.5% salicylic acid concentration is low enough for daily use without irritation, while the thoughtful blend of soothing botanicals (green tea, oat, bisabolol) prevents the tightness and dryness common with acne washes. However, the relatively high price-per-ounce compared to competitors like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay, the small bottle size, and the fact that it's not fungal acne safe are notable drawbacks. Best for those who want a gentle, multi-botanical approach to daily BHA cleansing from a trusted dermatologist brand.
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 |
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|







