Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, daily exfoliating cleanser that combines Salicylic Acid (BHA) + Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) at 2% concentration for deep pore cleansing, sebum reduction, and multi-level exfoliation without stripping or drying the skin.
Multi-Level Cleansing
BHA penetrates deep into pores while LHA works on the surface for comprehensive exfoliation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMulti-Level Cleansing
BHA penetrates deep into pores while LHA works on the surface for comprehensive exfoliation.
Antibacterial Zinc
Zinc PCA controls sebum production and limits acne-causing bacteria proliferation.
Hydrating Formula
Panthenol, Allantoin, and Oat Extract soothe and moisturize while cleansing.
Gentle Surfactants
Sulfate-free cleansers provide effective cleaning without stripping skin barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% salicylic acid. ACOG considers topical products with 2% or less salicylic acid safe, but consult your doctor before use during pregnancy.
Safe for use during breastfeeding as topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk. Avoid application on chest area.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG compounds and Glyceryl Oleate which can feed Malassezia yeast.
Formulated with mild, sulfate-free surfactants. Contains soothing ingredients. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid (BHA) ~1.5%Proven
Oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Effective at reducing acne and blackheads.
- Molecular Weight: 138 g/mol - allows 58% penetration past stratum corneum
- Source: High-purity grade from Merck, Germany
- Function: Exfoliation, pore unclogging, anti-inflammatory
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) ~0.5%Proven
Lipohydroxy acid - a gentler derivative of salicylic acid that works on the skin's surface for cell-by-cell exfoliation without deep penetration.
- Molecular Weight: 264 g/mol - only 6% penetrates past stratum corneum
- Research: Comparable to 20-50% glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation (2008 study)
- Function: Surface exfoliation, less irritating than salicylic acid
Zinc PCAProven
Antibacterial zinc compound that normalizes sebum production and inhibits acne-causing bacteria proliferation.
- Function: Sebum regulation, antibacterial, pore minimizing
- Benefits: Controls oiliness and reduces acne occurrences
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)Proven
Pro-vitamin B5 that provides hydration and helps repair the skin barrier while soothing irritation.
- Function: Hydrating, skin barrier repair, anti-inflammatory
- Benefits: Prevents dryness from exfoliating acids
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractPromising
Colloidal oatmeal with antioxidant and soothing properties, excellent for calming irritated or reactive skin.
- Function: Antioxidant, soothing, emollient
- Benefits: Reduces redness and calms sensitive skin
28 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, Zinc PCA, Sodium PCA, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in your skincare routine, AM and PM. This is a rinse-off cleanser, so actives have limited contact time.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin before applying cleanser.
Apply to Hands
Pour an appropriate amount into wet hands and rub together to create a light lather.
Massage Gently
Massage into face for 60 seconds in circular motions, focusing on oily areas and pores.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry and continue with your skincare routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You struggle with acne, blackheads, or clogged pores
- You want gentle daily exfoliation
- You prefer fragrance-free, sulfate-free products
- You want to control excess sebum production
- You're looking for an affordable BHA cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're pregnant and want to avoid all BHA products
- You prefer a rich, foamy lather (this has minimal foam)
- You have eczema or rosacea (consult dermatologist)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal choice. Controls sebum, unclogs pores, and reduces shine without over-drying.
Balances oily T-zone while gentle surfactants won't strip drier areas.
BHA + LHA + Zinc combination effectively targets acne and prevents breakouts.
Sulfate-free and fragrance-free formula. Start with once daily use and patch test first.
May be too drying for very dry skin. Use only once daily and follow with hydrating products.
Results timeline
WEEK 6+Initial Cleansing & Possible Purging
Skin feels cleaner and less oily. Some users may experience initial purging as pores unclog.
90% noticed reduced oiliness after 6 washesSmoother Texture & Brighter Skin
Visible improvement in skin texture. Pores appear smaller and skin looks more refined.
90% noticed smoother, brighter skin after 4 weeksReduced Acne & Breakouts
Significant reduction in acne occurrences. Fewer new breakouts and faster healing of existing blemishes.
87% noticed reduced acne after 6 weeksLong-term Oil Control
Consistent use maintains balanced sebum production and clearer skin. Continue for best results.
Maintained results with continued useRatings by platform
81K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effective at reducing oiliness and acne
- Gentle, non-stripping formula
- Fragrance-free and sulfate-free
- Affordable price point
- High-quality ingredients (Merck Germany salicylic acid)
- Dual BHA + LHA exfoliation
- Contains soothing ingredients
- Dermatologist tested
Criticized
- Very watery/runny consistency
- Minimal to no lather
- Small 100ml size runs out fast
- Tube packaging can be messy
- Not fungal acne safe
- Initial purging possible
- May be drying for very dry skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame 2% salicylic acid concentration. Contains Witch Hazel instead of LHA. Very similar Indian alternative.
Contains salicylic acid with ceramides and niacinamide. Larger size (237ml). No LHA but has additional skin barrier support.
Lower 0.5% salicylic acid - gentler option. Fragrance-free with soothing ingredients. Better for sensitive skin.
Contains 2% salicylic acid with zinc. Similar concept but no LHA. Good Western alternative at affordable price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Squeezable tube with flip-top cap
Yes, 100ml is under TSA liquid limits. Note: watery consistency may leak
Frequently asked questions
FAQFor pregnancy: Use with caution. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers topical products with 2% or less salicylic acid safe, but it's best to consult your doctor before use. For breastfeeding: Generally considered safe as topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk. Avoid applying to chest area where baby may come in contact.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, and Glyceryl Oleate which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider fungal-safe alternatives like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or CeraVe SA Cleanser (check specific formulation).
Since this is a rinse-off cleanser with short contact time, it's generally safe to use with other actives. However, if you're using leave-on BHA/AHA products, you may want to use this cleanser only once daily or alternate days to avoid over-exfoliation. With retinol, use the cleanser in the morning and retinol at night. With vitamin C, use vitamin C in the morning after cleansing.
This cleanser is best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's specifically formulated to control sebum production and clear clogged pores. It can work for sensitive skin due to its sulfate-free formula, but patch testing is recommended. Those with very dry skin may find it too drying and should use only once daily with a rich moisturizer.
Most users notice reduced oiliness within the first 1-2 weeks (90% after 6 washes in clinical testing). Smoother, brighter skin typically appears by week 4 (90% of users). Significant acne reduction is usually seen by week 6 (87% of users). Some may experience initial purging in the first 1-2 weeks as pores unclog.
This cleanser should be the first step in your skincare routine, used on wet skin. Apply in the morning and/or evening, massage for about 60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). If double cleansing at night, use this as your second cleanser after an oil-based first cleanser.
No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's actually designed to UNCLOG pores with its BHA + LHA formula. The salicylic acid penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and debris, while LHA provides surface exfoliation. It's specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and will not clog pores.
The cleanser has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. The 100ml tube typically lasts 4-6 weeks with twice-daily use, or 8-12 weeks with once-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The watery consistency means you don't need much product per use.
Verdict: The Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser is an excellent budget-friendly option for oily and acne-prone skin. Its dual BHA + LHA formula provides effective multi-level cleansing, while the sulfate-free, fragrance-free formulation keeps it gentle enough for daily use. With high-purity ingredients from Merck Germany and soothing additions like panthenol and oat extract, it offers impressive value. The main drawbacks are its watery consistency (not for those who love a rich lather) and it's not suitable for fungal acne. At under $4 for 100ml, it's one of the most affordable quality salicylic acid cleansers on the market.
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
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Cleansing, Surfactant
|
|








