Person applying Salicylic Acid Cleanser with text highlighting product benefits

Advertisement with text about skin clarity improvement after 3 days, featuring a close-up of a person's eye.

How to layer Salicylic Acid Cleanser in your routine

Close-up of a person's face with Salicylic Acid Cleanser claims from a study

Before and after comparison of a person's face after using Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Woman holding a bottle of The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser against a white background

Close-up of a person applying Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Before and After of Customer using Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Three bottles of The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser with usage information on a white background.

Skin /
Cleansers /
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml | The INKEY List

Name: Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
Brand: Inkey List
SKU: IF016KE
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (1290 reviews)

Daily breakout-busting & oil reducing cleanser

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5 Stars (1,290 Reviews)

£12.00 / 150ml

Free Deluxe Mini Sample* Claim at cart

Worth 60 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
Combination skin
Normal skin
Teenagers
Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Targets:

Breakouts & blemishes
Excess oil
Blackheads

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 → moisturiser.

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

Delivery info

Standard tracked delivery (Evri)

£3.99 or FREE on your first order & orders over £30
(2-5 working days*)

Express tracked delivery (Evri)

£5.95 or FREE on orders £50+
(Up to 2 working days if ordered before 8pm, excluding weekends*)

*Find out more about delivery options and delivery area restrictions here.

Track the status of your parcel with
our trusted couriers

Compare with...

This product

Have you tried?

This product

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml

• Unclogs pores and targets breakouts.
• 2% Salicylic Acid and Zinc to reduce oil and clear blemishes.
• For oily, combination and blemish-prone skin.

or

Have you tried?

Glycerin Gentle Purifying Cleanser

• Leaves skin cleansed & balanced
• Soft, non-stripping foam that rinses away impurities.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.

More Info

Your Breakouts, Analyzed

Start understanding your Breakouts. Try our NEW Breakout Analyzer Pro.

Start Analysis

More Blogs

Callie has used INKEY products for 2 years.

Callie
"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
“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 recipe.

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

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 1,290 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 972 Total 4 star reviews: 191 Total 3 star reviews: 37 Total 2 star reviews: 32 Total 1 star reviews: 58

Reviews Summary

Customers say this cleanser effectively addresses skin concerns while being gentle. Many reviews mention its success with blackheads and breakouts without causing dryness. Frequent comments highlight its suitability for daily use and effectiveness in double cleansing routines. While most find it works well for oily and combination skin types, some note it's best used selectively on specific areas. The texture receives praise for being lightweight and easy to apply. Several mention becoming repeat purchasers, with many on their multiple bottles.

Write a Review (Opens in a new window)

1,290 reviews

Sort

Teresa D.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
I recommend this product
Age Range 45 - 54
Skin Type Oily
Skin Concerns Blackheads, Oiliness, Breakouts, Texture
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
3 days ago
Great cleanser
Salicylic acid cleanser that doesn’t dry out your skin and keeps the pores clean
Was this helpful?
halima r.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
I recommend this product
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Combination
Skin Concerns Oiliness
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
3 days ago
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
Amazing product
Was this helpful?
Kyra T.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml
I recommend this product
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Combination
Skin Concerns Breakouts, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Texture, Under Eye Circles, Blackheads
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
1 week ago
Great!
A great cleanser without stripping the skin!
Was this helpful?

Shop Related Categories

Skincare Sets NEW Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Moisturisers

Your Bag

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml | The INKEY List

Suitable for:

Targets:

How to Use

Key Claims

Ingredients

FAQs

No BS Skincare

Awards & Features

Delivery info

Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

360° Skin Clearing Serum

Omega Water Cream - 50ml

Niacinamide Serum

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Double Cleanse Duo for Breakouts

Blackhead Routine

Compare with...

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml

Glycerin Gentle Purifying Cleanser

Your Breakouts, Analyzed

How to Layer Skincare

Acne 101

Oily Skin 101

Shop Related Categories

About

Privacy & Terms

Knowledge

Follow Us

Rewards

Where are you shopping?

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml | The INKEY List

Suitable for:

Targets:

How to Use

Key Claims

Ingredients

FAQs

No BS Skincare

Awards & Features

Delivery info

Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches

360° Skin Clearing Serum

Omega Water Cream - 50ml

Niacinamide Serum

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum

Double Cleanse Duo for Breakouts

Blackhead Routine

Compare with...

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - 150ml

Glycerin Gentle Purifying Cleanser

Your Breakouts, Analyzed

Related Blog Posts

How to Layer Skincare

Acne 101

Oily Skin 101

Shop Related Categories