As someone who has dealt with oily and spot-prone skin since my teenage years, there are a few things I have become reliant on - my trusty moisturiser for oily skin, a plethora of acne treatments and salicylic acid. The latter is one ingredient that has remained my beauty BFF over the decades. A tried-and-tested favourite in the skincare world, this gently exfoliating acid is renowned for its ability to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores and generally leave skin feeling smoother and looking brighter. In fact, when it comes to dealing with blemishes, it’s the one over-the-counter ingredient that makes the biggest difference to the regularity of my breakouts and to the overall appearance of my skin. And while salicylic acid-infused spot treatments and toners have been a part of my routine for years, I’ve recently started using a salicylic acid face wash daily after a particularly persistent bout of hormonal acne. The results? My skin has never been so soft, smooth and clarified.
Ahead, I’m sharing my pick of the very best salicylic acid face washes on the market along with some expert advice from Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe Consultant Dermatologist, on what to look out for when choosing one to add to your own skincare routine.
