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How to layer Salicylic Acid Cleanser in your routine

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Before and after using Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Available in 2 sizes. 300ml (200 uses) & 150ml (100 uses)

Before and After of Customer using Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Close-up of a person applying a Salicylic Acid Cleanser to their face.

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Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml | The INKEY List

Name: Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
Brand: Inkey List
SKU: IF016UM
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (1202 reviews)

Daily breakout-busting & oil reducing cleanser

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5 Stars (1,202 Reviews)

$19.00 / 150ml

Free shipping on your first order!

Worth 95 Points

What you get: Bestselling daily salicylic acid cleanser for blemish-prone, oily and combination skin. Visibly reduces breakouts, blackheads and excess oil.

Why it works: 2% Salicylic Acid exfoliates inside pores to unclog and reduce breakouts. Zinc helps control oil. Allantoin soothes and calms skin.

How it feels: Lightweight gel texture. Skin feels clean, fresh and balanced - never tight or stripped.

When to use: AM and PM. Gently massage onto damp skin, then rinse. If you love a double cleanse – use this foaming cleanser as your second.

Suitable for:

Oily skin
Normal skin
Combination skin
Teenagers
Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Targets:

Breakouts & blemishes
Blackheads
Excess oil

How to Use

Use AM and PM. Gently massage a raspberry-sized amount onto damp skin for 60 seconds. Add warm water to emulsify, work in, then rinse thoroughly.

Follow with

Hydrator → treatments → moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

Not just a facial cleanser for oily skin - can also be used on blemish-prone areas like back and chest.

Heads up

When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Key Claims

90%

agree skin looks visibly clearer after 3 days*

93%

agree skin instantly looks less oily*

92%

agree skin did not feel tight or stripped*

*4-week independent consumer trial of 66 people.

Ingredients

2% Salicylic Acid : A BHA exfoliant that works deep within the pores to help unclog and gently exfoliate for a visibly clearer complexion.
0.5% Allantoin : Soothes irritation.
Zinc compound : Reduce excess oil

Water (Aqua/Eau), Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Salicylic Acid, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate.

FAQs

CAN I USE IT DAILY? Yes - safe for AM and PM, daily use.

DO I NEED ANOTHER CLEANSER AFTER? Nope. It’s effective on its own, but you can double cleanse if you want.

HOW DO I DOUBLE CLEANSE? Use Oat Cleansing Balm first to melt SPF/makeup, then follow with this oily skin cleanser, Salicylic Acid Cleanser.

CAN I USE IT LONG-TERM? Yes - safe for long-term, daily use.

CAN I USE IT ON MY BODY? Yes - great for body breakouts on chest, back, arms.

CAN I LAYER OTHER ACIDS AFTER? Yes - safe to use AHAs or BHAs after cleansing. The formula rinses off, so minimal risk of irritation.

CAN I USE RETINOLS AFTER THIS CLEANSER? Yes - the cleanser rinses off, so safe to follow with Retinol in your PM routine. Always patch test. Learn more here

CAN I USE VITAMIN C AFTER THIS CLEANSER? Yes - apply Vitamin C after cleansing in the AM. Always follow with SPF.

SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER OR BENZOYL PEROXIDE? For mild breakouts, use Salicylic Acid Cleanser. For persistent acne, use 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Blemish Solution (avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or sensitive).

IS SALICYLIC ACID AN AHA OR BHA? BHA.

WHAT % OF SALICYLIC ACID? 2%.

WHAT'S THE PH? 4.5–5.0.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS? Up to 6 weeks. Stay consistent. Don’t overuse - more isn’t better and may cause irritation.

IS IT PREGNANCY SAFE? Yes.

IS IT VEGAN? Yes - certified by The Vegan Society.

No BS Skincare

Skincare can be confusing.

So we cut the BS, and get straight to the point. We simplify the INCI list - commonly known as the ingredients list, that every skincare product has. That’s also where we get our name from. We’re The INKEY List - here to help you get better skin with real knowledge and formulas that deliver. No BS. No hype. Just effective, science-backed skincare that does what it says it will. We show you what your skin needs, not what’s trending. Whether you’re new to skincare or have a solid routine, we’ve always got your back with innovation, education and clinically-proven results.

All at a price that makes sense.

INKEY. No BS, just better skin.

We are B CORP. Our products are formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients, and packaged with 100% recyclable materials. Skin needs love, but so does our planet.

Carbon Net-Zero. All our emissions are offset annually through planet friendly projects with a focus on education.

Approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.

100% of our packaging is recyclable. Learn how to recycle your INKEY List products.

Certified by The Vegan Society

This product is;

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding safe

Awards & Features

Shipping info

Standard tracked shipping

$6.99
FREE on your first order & over $50
(2-8 business days)

No import duties or fees - Your order will ship domestically from our Canadian warehouse so you can shop with confidence knowing your order will arrive quickly without extra costs

*Find out more about shipping here.

Track the status of your parcel with
our trusted couriers

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"An amazing product! I struggled with hormonal and fungal acne for years and this is the only product that really changed how I feel about my skin."

Safa
'I’ve always found it hard to find a routine to manage my dry but acne prone skin. These products helped reduce my inflammation, whilst also keeping my skin really hydrated and glowing.' @ charlotterowe26

Charlotte
Callie has used INKEY products for 2 years.

Callie
“Now after almost 4 months, my skin has started to feel good. I am free of active acne. Not to mention I had stubborn acne vulgaris. The INKEY List’s products helped me to get rid of stubborn active acne. Salicylic Acid Cleanser helped me majorly.”

Shefana
"They are working!! I am very happy with the results with INKEY". Samantha has been using Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Succinic Acid Treatment for 4 weeks.

Samantha
Evan is a loyal INKEY customer who uses Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Glucoside Serum and Beta Hydroxy Acid in his skincare routine.

Evan
“Hello INKEY List my name is Aisha, and I love love your brand. I just want to know what the hell is in your Tranexamic acid serum” Aisha has been using Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Tranexamic Acid Serum.

Aisha

More Blogs

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 1,202 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 907 Total 4 star reviews: 177 Total 3 star reviews: 36 Total 2 star reviews: 31 Total 1 star reviews: 51

Reviews Summary

Customers say this cleanser effectively addresses their skin concerns while being gentle. Many reviews mention it helps manage breakouts without causing dryness. Frequent comments highlight its effectiveness for oily skin and blackhead reduction. The texture receives praise for being lightweight and easy to use. While most find it works well for daily cleansing, some prefer using it every other day. Users appreciate its gentle yet thorough cleansing action, with many becoming repeat purchasers. Several mention success using it as part of a double-cleansing routine.

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1,202 reviews

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Matic K.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
I recommend this product
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Oily
Skin Concerns Breakouts, Oiliness, Blackheads, Under Eye Circles, Texture
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
2 days ago
ok
It leaves a smooth skin after usage, although my skin hasn't improved and the breakouts still occur
Was this helpful?
Leyre L. F.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
I recommend this product
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Normal
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
4 days ago
Deep Clean and Breakout Control
I really like this salicylic acid cleanser because it leaves my skin feeling completely clean and refreshed. It does a great job at controlling breakouts and excess oil. Since it can be a bit drying, I always make sure to hydrate and protect my skin afterwards. Overall, it’s very effective and has become an important step in my routine.
Was this helpful?
tracey p.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
I recommend this product
Age Range 45 - 54
Skin Type Combination
Skin Concerns Breakouts, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Hyperpigmentation
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 week ago
Great product
Great cleanser leaves skin feeling soft after washing
Was this helpful?

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Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml | The INKEY List

Suitable for:

Targets:

How to Use

Key Claims

Ingredients

FAQs

No BS Skincare

Awards & Features

Shipping info

Hydrocolloid Invisible Patches

360° Clarifying Serum

Omega Water Cream - 50ml

Niacinamide Serum

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Mandelic Acid Treatment

Double Cleanse Duo for Breakouts

Intro Routine for Clearer Skin

Blackhead Routine

Your Breakouts, Analyzed

Acne 101

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