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Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser

Salicylic Acid + LHA 02% Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

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.

Sulfate-Free Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Essential Oil-Free Non-Comedogenic Dermatologist Tested pH 4.5-5.5
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
100ml
Active %
2% BHA+LHA
pH Level
4.5-5.5
Form
Gel Cleanser
Skin Type
Oily/Combo
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Multi-Level Cleansing

BHA penetrates deep into pores while LHA works on the surface for comprehensive exfoliation.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinse-off
Finish
Clean, Matte

Multi-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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy

Contains 2% salicylic acid. ACOG considers topical products with 2% or less salicylic acid safe, but consult your doctor before use during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Safe for use during breastfeeding as topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk. Avoid application on chest area.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG compounds and Glyceryl Oleate which can feed Malassezia yeast.

Sensitive Skin

Formulated with mild, sulfate-free surfactants. Contains soothing ingredients. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic 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

FREE FROM: Sulfates, Parabens, Fragrance, Silicones, Essential Oils, Dyes, Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step in your skincare routine, AM and PM. This is a rinse-off cleanser, so actives have limited contact time.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin before applying cleanser.

2

Apply to Hands

Pour an appropriate amount into wet hands and rub together to create a light lather.

3

Massage Gently

Massage into face for 60 seconds in circular motions, focusing on oily areas and pores.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry and continue with your skincare routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal choice. Controls sebum, unclogs pores, and reduces shine without over-drying.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances oily T-zone while gentle surfactants won't strip drier areas.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

BHA + LHA + Zinc combination effectively targets acne and prevents breakouts.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Sulfate-free and fragrance-free formula. Start with once daily use and patch test first.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May be too drying for very dry skin. Use only once daily and follow with hydrating products.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 6+
Week 1-2

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 washes
Week 2-4

Smoother Texture & Brighter Skin

Visible improvement in skin texture. Pores appear smaller and skin looks more refined.

90% noticed smoother, brighter skin after 4 weeks
Week 4-6

Reduced Acne & Breakouts

Significant reduction in acne occurrences. Fewer new breakouts and faster healing of existing blemishes.

87% noticed reduced acne after 6 weeks
Week 6+

Long-term Oil Control

Consistent use maintains balanced sebum production and clearer skin. Continue for best results.

Maintained results with continued use
09

Ratings by platform

81K+ REVIEWS
Amazon India
4.4
Rating
19,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Watery consistency and minimal lather
Nykaa
4.5
Rating
57,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Amazon US
4.3
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Takes time to see results, initial purging period
Brand Website
4.7
Rating
5,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tube packaging leads to product wastage
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Witch Hazel
$3.60
Similar Price

Same 2% salicylic acid concentration. Contains Witch Hazel instead of LHA. Very similar Indian alternative.

75% Match
Renewing SA Cleanser
$12.99

Contains salicylic acid with ceramides and niacinamide. Larger size (237ml). No LHA but has additional skin barrier support.

70% Match
Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$15.00

Lower 0.5% salicylic acid - gentler option. Fragrance-free with soothing ingredients. Better for sensitive skin.

85% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$11.99
Budget Pick

Contains 2% salicylic acid with zinc. Similar concept but no LHA. Good Western alternative at affordable price.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Key Actives 2% SA + LHA + Zinc
Size 200ml
Sulfate-Free No
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Acne Control Cleanser
Key Actives 2% SA + Ceramides
Size 237ml
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Key Actives 0.5% SA
Size 177ml
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources

Packaging

Squeezable tube with flip-top cap

Travel Friendly

Yes, 100ml is under TSA liquid limits. Note: watery consistency may leak

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

For 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

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 1 ingredient(s):
Lactic Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid Lactic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Panthenol Zinc PCA Allantoin
ache Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Zinc PCA
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
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
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
58% 17% 24%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 29 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, 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
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 B
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Cleansing, Surfactant
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS