8 Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser in Australia | Best of Beauty 2023

If you have an acne-prone skin, you can probably relate to the common struggle and fear of waking up with a new angry red zit right on the day of a special event! Seriously, of all the days a breakout can appear, why does it always have to be on an important day? Well, that’s something we can’t control, especially during busy stressful times or when undergoing hormonal changes. But we can at least opt for skincare products that contain ingredients that fight off acne. One of these is a good salicylic acid cleanser. Salicylic acid cleansers work by sloughing off dead skin cells that clog your pores and keep your pores squeaky clean. This can help clear acne, calm the skin, and prevent new breakouts.

Cleansers that possess salicylic acid in their ingredients list flood the market today. And so, with many options to select from, which then is the best salicylic acid cleanser in Australia? In this handy guide, we’re providing quality recommendations for every budget and skin need.

This post was last updated on 04 January 2023.

1. Cerave Acne Control Cleanser

For those with oily skin type, this dermatologist recommended salicylic acid cleanser could be your next best friend. Its formulation includes 2% salicylic acid and purifying clay. These two potent active ingredients work together in clearing acne, getting rid of despicable blackheads, minimise the appearance of pores, and keep oiliness at bay. Furthermore, it contains niacinamide to keep everything well-balanced. One of the common side effects of salicylic acid is that it dries the skin and causes some stinging sensation. Niacinamide can help counter this by keeping the skin well-hydrated and supple. Hence, overall, the Cerave Acne Control Cleanser doesn’t only leave the skin clean, clear, and blemish-free, it also promotes its youthful glow and well-hydrated freshness.

Why buy this:

• Dermatologist recommended
• Refreshing gel-to-foam salicylic acid cleanser
• Combines 2% salicylic acid, purifying clay, and niacinamide in one beautiful formula
• Beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin

2. COSRX Cleanser

The problem with some acne-fighting cleansers is that they’re harshly drying the skin. This is definitely not acceptable especially if your skin is pretty sensitive. You need something that’s gentler like the Cosrx Cleanser. It’s also formulated with salicylic acid which helps to calm and prevent breakouts. Because it is specifically targeted at those with sensitive skin, it doesn’t only remove dirt, grime, and sebum build-up, but also keeps the skin smooth and soft without the dry or tingling sensation.

Why buy this:

• Best for oily, sensitive skin
• Helps clear and prevent acne
• Effectively removes dirt, grime, and excess sebum
• Keeps the skin smooth, soft, and bright

3. CosMedix Cleanser

While it’s always a good idea to keep a separate makeup remover within reach, nothing beats giving your face a nice splash and thorough wash after a workday. A lot of us wear makeup on a constant basis at work, when going out with friends, attending a special event, or when out on a date with our significant other. That being said, this CosMedix Cleanser would come in handy aside from your go-to makeup remover.

What’s in it for you? This refreshing face cleanser has a nice foaming feature that feels so comforting on the skin after a day of wearing makeup. Its gentle exfoliation and pore-cleansing properties keep the pores free from makeup, dirt, excess oil, and other clogging impurities. Aside from salicylic acid, it’s formulated with aloe vera which helps to preserve the natural, healthy oils of the skin whilst keeping it fresh and well-hydrated. The aloe vera component makes this cleanser an excellent option for someone who has sensitive skin.

Why buy this:

• Best for those who wear makeup on a constant basis
• Lightweight, water-based foaming cleanser ideal for those who have sensitive oily skin
• Free from harsh components like alcohol and sulfate
• Effectively removes impurities while protecting the skin’s natural oils and keeping it well-hydrated

4. Mamaearth Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash

Aside from salicylic acid, this cleanser’s winning formulation combines the wonderful benefits of tea tree, neem, and aloe vera. Tea tree is known for its antibacterial properties which help eradicate acne-causing bacteria from the skin. Moreover, it reduces swelling and lightens scars. Meanwhile, neem is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial ingredient. It helps preserve the skin’s protective barrier. And lastly, we have the aloe vera which doesn’t need an introduction when it comes to amazing skin benefits—one of the foremost is locking in the moisture that the skin needs to maintain its plump and youthful glow and texture. All these combined, the Mamaearth Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash is definitely a checkout-worthy product for its gentle yet deep penetrating cleansing ability.

Why buy this:

• Beats acne with its combination of skin-friendly ingredients including salicylic acid, tea tree, neem, and aloe vera
• Calms the skin from irritation and swelling
• Removes excess oil and sebum
• Gentle yet deep penetrating cleanser

5. Neutrogena Cleanser

If you’re currently struggling with active acne, your skin will thank you for using this salicylic cleanser from Neutrogena. The 2% salicylic acid content helps get rid of breakouts including blackheads and red bumps. In addition to this, it has a unique combination of aloe vera and chamomile—both are known as beautiful ingredients that relax the skin and promote its healing from irritation, redness, and swelling. While all these ingredients potently fight off acne-causing bacteria, sebum, and other acne-causing impurities, the formula doesn’t have an overly drying effect on the skin. On the contrary, the aloe vera helps keep it moisturised so that it looks and feels soft, healthy, and supple.

We’d also love to mention that the Neutrogena website has this fun and helpful quiz that allows you to describe your skin and its specific issues. The quiz comes super handy for curating a personalized collection of products most suitable for your skin. No more guesswork as to whether or not this or that can solve your skin issues when adding to cart those skincare products.

Why buy this:

• Effectively cleanses skin from acne-causing impurities
• Soothes and relieves redness, irritation, and swelling
• Has aloe vera and chamomile to keep the skin soft, healthy, well-moisturised, and supple

6. Eileen Grace Cleanser

This salicylic acid cleanser comes from Taiwan but is also available in Australia. What makes it so popular that it comes a long way from Asia to Australia? Well, more than just its elegant packaging, it packs a powerful combination of salicylic acid and other skin-friendly ingredients such as tea tree and lavender extracts. All of these have strong acne-fighting properties. Besides that, we love how this cleanser deeply washes the skin, getting rid of unwanted impurities like excess oil, dirt, and makeup from the deepest seat of your pores. What it does leave is a soft, smooth, refreshing feeling!

Why buy this:

• Packs a formulation of acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and extracts of tea tree and lavender
• Deeply cleanses the skin
• Gets rid of breakouts, excess oil, dirt, and makeup
• Leaves a soft, smooth, refreshing feeling on the skin

7. Biore Charcoal Cleanser

Charcoal is a popular ingredient in skincare products. It has easily found its way in cleansers and facial masks. That’s because charcoal has a remarkable oil-absorbing capability. Furthermore, it can effectively strip off annoying breakouts like whiteheads and blackheads. Combine it with salicylic acid and you’ve got a very promising skincare product. And that’s what the Biore Charcoal Cleanser is all about. Perfect for those who are prone to excessive oiliness and breakouts, it deeply cleanses the pores, calms zits, and prevents future breakouts.

Why buy this:

• Best for oily, acne-prone skin
• Combination of charcoal and salicylic acid deeply cleanses the pores, absorbs impurities, as well as calms and prevents breakouts
• Alcohol-free so it’s definitely non-drying

8. Olay Regenerist Cleanser

Suitable for women in their late 30s and early 40s who are still having breakouts from time to time due to hormonal changes, the Olay Regenerist Cleanser is not your typical anti-acne face wash. Aside from its acne-fighting properties, it boasts some anti-ageing benefits which definitely wows! The salicylic acid obviously fights off breakouts. But the oxygenated derma-beads power it even more. These tiny beads work as gentle exfoliants sloughing off dead skin cells that trap acne-causing impurities. Meanwhile, the cleanser’s formulation of vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, green tea extract, allantoin, and glycerin helps boosts the skin’s ability to regenerate healthy cells and seal in its needed moisture. As a result, you can definitely enjoy a skin that’s not only free from breakouts but also glows with youthful radiance and plumpness!

Why buy this:

• Gently exfoliates—thanks to its oxygenated derma-beads
• Gets rid of breakouts
• Comes with anti-ageing ingredients

Before you go, we’d like to add in a few friendly notes. Not everyone has a skin that reacts positively to salicylic acid. That’s why it’s important to consult your dermatologist first before trying out over-the-counter skincare products. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin and prone to allergies. Also, if you do wish to try any of the salicylic cleansers in this article, do test it out on a small area of your skin to see whether or not there’s an allergic reaction or irritation.

And that’s all, folks. We hope that you enjoyed this article and found the best salicylic acid cleanser in Australia for your skin. Please share this with your family and friends!