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Top 10 Salicylic Acid Body Washes

These Are The Best Body Washes Containing Salicylic Acid That Will Help Keep Your Skin Clean And Clear

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It’s officially summer, which means we’re all showing more skin than any other time of the year. Ideally, every exposed area of our bodies would be smooth and blemish-free, but in reality, that’s not how it works. Instead, there’s the occasional chest, back, or shoulder breakout, and while there’s absolutely nothing about acne to be ashamed about, we totally understand the desire to stay inside and hide under an oversized t-shirt

However, we’re here to introduce you to a product that will help you achieve clear, confidence-boosting skin: salicylic body washes. If you’re not familiar with this type of skincare product, scroll on to learn why it’s an essential addition to your shower lineup.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Salicylic Body Wash?

Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that’s frequently found in facial cleansers. For those with oily, acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can be a game-changer. This unique exfoliant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it particularly effective against acne, but it’s also adept at regulating sebum (your skin’s natural oil) production.

All this to say, those with “bacne” or keratosis pilaris can see great improvements in their skin’s texture and appearance from using a body wash with salicylic acid once or twice a week. Plus, there’s more good news, because we rounded up a list of the best salicylic acid body washes for acne-prone skin below.

How We Found The Best Body Washes For Acne-Prone Skin

At Rank & Style, we rely on data to determine which products are worth their price tag, and it works like this: Our proprietary ranking algorithm factors in information from reviews, news reports, social media posts, and more sources to find and score the top candidates in a category. From beauty enthusiast favorites like Isle of Paradise to drugstore superstars like CeraVe, find out which skincare brands make the best salicylic body washes below.

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June 30, 2023

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: dermstore
Rank & Style Approved

dermstore

Epionce Purifying Wash

Overall Score

4.1

10

Epionce Purifying Wash

4.73

94 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Purifying Salicylic Acid Body Wash

FORMULA FACT
Epionce's Purifying Wash combines .6% salicylic acid with coconut oil for a formula that tackles breakouts without causing dryness. Plus, it contains menthol, which means your showers will reach a whole new level of refreshing.

WHO IT'S FOR
This body wash is best for those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Isle of Paradise Confidently Clear Body Cleansing Wash

Overall Score

4.15

09

Isle of Paradise Confidently Clear Body Cleansing Wash

4.8

92 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Moisturizing Salicylic Acid Body Wash

WHAT TO LOVE
The Confidently Clear Body Cleansing Wash features three powerful ingredients: lactic acid, polyglutamic acid, and salicylic acid. Together, these acids clear clogged pores and smooth skin while providing moisturization.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is literally the BEST body scrub I have EVER used. It smells so good and actually exfoilates the skin and leaves it soft without leaving a weird oily film on top like a lot of other scrubs do. I'm obsessed with this and will be using all summer long."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Pacifica Acne Fighting Body Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid

Overall Score

4.15

08

Pacifica Acne Fighting Body Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid

4.24

51 User Reviews

2.4

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Salicylic Acid Body Wash For Sensitive Skin

FORMULA FACT
Not only does this body wash contain a healthy dose of salicylic acid (2%), it also has cucumber and aloe vera for a skin-soothing effect.

WHO IT'S FOR
You probably figured this out by the name, but this body wash is best for those with acne-prone skin. It's also dermatologist-tested and sensitive skin approved, so you shouldn't have to worry about it exacerbating any flare-ups. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Amazon Basics Clarifying Pink Grapefruit Body Wash

Overall Score

4.25

07

Amazon Basics Clarifying Pink Grapefruit Body Wash

4.4

14034 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Salicylic Acid Body Wash On Amazon

WHAT TO LOVE
Cleanse yourself while breathing in the crisp, refreshing scent of citrus with Amazon Basics' Clarifying Pink Grapefruit Body Wash. For just under $5, this body wash will tackle your body blemishes and leave you with smooth, flaw-free skin.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I use this every other day and it has cleared up my back and chest acne so fast! I use a back scrub brush thing so I can reach all areas and I’m sure that helps. I did use it every day for a few days and it made my skin peel so I started using it every other day making sure I felt my skin first to make sure it wasn’t already peeling. To conclude: use it but not every day because it may cause peeling. Apply in shower body lotion after or lotion immediately after the shower."


LovelySkin LUXE Salicylic Face and Body Wash

Overall Score

4.25

06

LovelySkin LUXE Salicylic Face and Body Wash

4.7

4 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Salicylic Acid Face And Body Wash

WHAT TO LOVE
When your body wash contains non-comedogenic extra virgin coconut oil, you know you're in for a luxurious experience. LovelySkin's LUXE Salicylic Face and Body Wash combines coconut oil with salicylic acid for a scrub that can tackle a wide range of skincare concerns.

WHO IT'S FOR
Along with acne, this body wash can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and enlarged pores.


Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Skin Smoothing Body Wash

Overall Score

4.25

05

Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Skin Smoothing Body Wash

4.47

5839 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Smoothing Salicylic Acid Body Wash

WHAT TO LOVE
With a name like "The Perfector," you'd better believe that this body wash is effective. Using time-released salicylic acid, this body wash smooths and softens skin for a more even appearance.

MORE TO KNOW
This product also includes glycerin, which is often described as a moisture magnet. Plus, it's approved for use on the face as well as the body.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Murad Acne Control Acne Body Wash

Overall Score

4.3

04

Murad Acne Control Acne Body Wash

4.66

712 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Body Wash

FORMULA FACT
Murad's Acne Control Body Wash takes advantage of fine date seed powder, an ingedient that physically exfoliates dead, pore-clogging skin cells. It also contains salicylic acid and triclosan to neutralize bacteria. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I get small pimples on my chest, back, and arms occasionally, and this product has really helped keep them at bay. I use it two to three times a week and this works great for me. Keeping the breakouts minimal, but not drying out my skin too much. Would recommend to anyone struggling with body acne!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash

Overall Score

4.45

03

Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash

4.59

14466 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Salicylic Acid Body Wash

FORMULA FACT
Cetaphil's Acne Relief Body Wash is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, unscented product. And with 2% OTC salicylic acid, it's a gentle-yet-effective body wash for breakouts. 

WHO IT'S FOR
If you have acne-prone, dry skin, this is a great body wash option for you. The formula's addition of glycerin, shea butter and soybean oil provides 24-hour dryness relief.


Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

Overall Score

4.7

02

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

4.52

2399 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Body Wash

FORMULA FACT
If you suffer from breakouts on your back, chest, or shoulders, this is the body wash for you. It's made with an oil-free formula that features 2% salicylic acid and glycerin for a moisturizing, acne-tackling body wash. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This is straightforward, clean, and refreshingand it definitely helps my skin! The scent is good and it rinses clean without leaving a heavy residue. I started using this once it came out and I was a young adult with acne issues and now my kids use it too!"


CeraVe SA Body Wash

Overall Score

4.75

01

CeraVe SA Body Wash

4.6

28143 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Salicylic Acid Body Wash Overall

WHAT TO LOVE
CeraVe's SA Body Wash is considered one the best body washes for acne-prone skin by our algorithm, but also by the people. It contains a blend of nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, as well as salicylic acid and ceramides. 

MORE TO KNOW
This product is the fourth best-selling body wash on Amazon overall and has over 20,000 5-star reviews.

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