The 7 Best Salicylic Acid Body Washes (2023 ✅)

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Are you looking for the best salicylic acid body wash?

(TLDR: our top pick is Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash)

Whether you're dealing with bacne or bumps, a body wash with salicylic acid can help you exfoliate dead skin cells and purify pores, resulting in softer and smoother skin texture.

As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is perfect for combination and oily skin as its lipophilic properties allow it to penetrate past your skin's natural lipid layers (Allure).

This means it can reach deep into your pores to clear out dead skin cells, dissolve keratin plugs (the root cause of keratosis pilaris), and reduce sebum production, leading to healthier and clearer-looking skin.

Even if you have dry skin, you can still benefit from a salicylic acid body wash as it provides a mild-to-moderate level of exfoliation that helps relieve dry, flaky skin, including skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

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What Is The Best Salicylic Acid Body Wash?

Here are our top picks:

  1. Editor's Choice: Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash
  2. Best for Bacne: Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash for Acne-Prone Skin
  3. Best for Keratosis Pilaris: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
  4. Best for Dry Skin: Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
  5. Best Body Scrub: Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub
  6. Best Drugstore Brand: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with Pink Grapefruit
  7. Best Budget Brand: Amazon Basics Clarifying Body Wash with Pink Grapefruit
Editor's Choice

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash, 13 fl. oz.

5.0
$26.00 ($2.00 / Fl Oz)

Treat your senses to tropical paradise with a luxurious body wash from Sol de Janeiro that fights bacne and keratosis while leaving your skin feeling extra soft and smooth.

Infused with the brand's signature Cheirosa '40 fragrance, this body wash features vegan lactic acid, fruit-derived AHAs, and natural salicylic acid, while remaining paraben- and sulfate-free.

Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Fruit AHAs
Best For: Bacne, Body Blemishes, Keratosis Pilaris, Psoriasis
Pros:
  • Exfoliates with Both AHAs and BHAs
  • Reduces Bacne and Keratosis Pilaris
  • Leaves Skin Feeling Soft & Smooth
  • Tropical Cheirosa '40 Fragrance (Scent of Black Amber Plum and Vanilla Woods)
  • Paraben-Free and Sulfate-Free
  • Vegan and Cruelty-Free
  • Suitable for All Skin Types
  • Outstanding Reviews
Cons:
  • A Bit Expensive
  • Not Fragrance-Free
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06/06/2023 08:28 pm GMT

Our Top Picks from Sol de Janeiro:

Best for Bacne

Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash for Acne-Prone Skin, 20 fl. oz.

5.0
$9.97 ($0.50 / Fl Oz)

Wash away your worries with a powerful acne body wash from Cetaphil that eliminates bacne and KP without drying out your skin.

Featuring 2% salicylic acid, this bestselling body wash gently exfoliates dead skin cells and opens up pores to promote smoother, clearer-looking skin.

Best For: Body Acne, Keratosis Pilaris, Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Soybean Oil
Pros:
  • Extremely Effective for Back Acne and Keratosis Pilaris
  • Highest Over-The-Counter Concentration of Salicylic Acid
  • Gently Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells to Promote Smoother Skin
  • Provides 24-Hour Dryness Relief with Advanced Moisture Blend
  • Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, and Sulfate-Free
  • Specially Formulated for Sensitive Skin
  • Outstanding Value for Money
  • Outstanding Reviews
Cons:
  • Thick Creamy Consistency
  • Does Not Lather Well
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06/06/2023 08:05 pm GMT

Our Top Picks from Cetaphil:

Best for Keratosis Pilaris

CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin, 10 fl. oz.

5.0
$18.78 ($1.88 / Count)

Go sleeveless and show off your smooth skin with CeraVe's bestselling salicylic acid body wash that helps reduce bacne, KP, eczema, psoriasis, and more!

Salicylic acid gently exfoliates while hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides replenish your skin barrier and prevent dryness.

Best For: Body Acne, Eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, Psoriasis
Ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Salicylic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Pros:
  • No.1 Bestselling Salicylic Acid Body Wash
  • Gently Exfoliates Without Harsh Microbeads
  • Softens and Smooths Rough & Bumpy Skin
  • Treats Acne and KP with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide
  • Restores Moisture to Dry Skin with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Provides Rapid Relief for Eczema, Flakiness, and Psoriasis with Moisturizing Essential Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II)
  • Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, and Sulfate-Free
  • Suitable for All Skin Types
  • Outstanding Reviews
Cons:
  • Results May Take Longer Due To Lower % of Salicylic Acid
  • Does Not Lather Well
We earn a commission if you buy via our links.
06/06/2023 08:35 pm GMT

Our Top Picks from CeraVe:

Best for Dry Skin

Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash, 16.9 fl. oz.

4.5
$24.35 ($1.44 / Fl Oz)

If you have dry skin or live in a colder climate, you'll want to stock up on this popular body wash from Naturium that's earned hundreds of rave reviews.

Encapsulated salicylic acid is slowly released over time to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, reducing bacne and bumps, without the dryness or irritation.

At the time of writing, we recommend buying from the brand directly as the price from Amazon resellers is nearly double.

Best For: Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Ingredients: Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil
Pros:
  • Encapsulated Time-Released Salicylic Acid
  • Gentle Exfoliation Without Dryness or Irritation
  • Clears Clogged Pores and Smooths Skin Texture
  • Hydrates Dry Skin with Glycerin and Plant Oils
  • Suitable for All Skin Types (Especially Dry or Sensitive Skin)
  • Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, and Sulfate-Free
  • Vegan and Cruelty-Free
  • Excellent Reviews
Cons:
  • Doesn't State If It's Allergy-Tested
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06/07/2023 12:46 am GMT

Our Top Picks from Naturium:

Best Body Scrub

Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub, 7 oz.

4.5
$38.00 ($5.39 / Ounce)

Your search for silky smooth skin is officially over with this 3-in-1 exfoliating body scrub from Sunday Riley featuring AHA/BHAs, gentle microbeads (biodegradable wax), and detoxifying charcoal.

Perfect for everything from bacne to bumps, you can expect to see softer and smoother skin after each use. However, it's a bit pricey compared to drugstore body washes.

Best For: Keratosis Pilaris, Rough & Bumpy Skin
Ingredients: Biodegradable Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Activated Charcoal, Manuka Branch & Leaf Oil, Niacinamide, Coconut Oil, Lactic Acid, Avocado Oil
Pros:
  • Professional Quality Body Scrub
  • Polishes Rough & Bumpy Skin (including Keratosis Pilaris) with AHA/BHAs and Gentle Microbeads
  • Activated Charcoal and Manuka Oil Draw Out Impurities to Reduce Bacne and Clogged Pores
  • Nourishes with Coconut, Jojoba Seed, and Avocado Oils
  • Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free, and Sulfate-Free
  • Vegan and Cruelty-Free
  • Excellent Reviews
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Can Be Messy to Apply
We earn a commission if you buy via our links.
06/06/2023 10:59 pm GMT

Our Top Picks from Sunday Riley:

Best Drugstore Brand

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash with Pink Grapefruit, 8.5 fl. oz (3 Count)

5.0
$33.79 $24.81 ($0.97 / Fl Oz)

Experience the best acne body wash from Neutrogena that's earned thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon.

2% salicylic acid helps fight bacne and breakouts while vitamin C, green tea, and chamomile extracts soothe the skin. However, not everyone is a fan of the grapefruit scent.

Best For: Body Acne, Eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, Psoriasis
Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Green Tea, Chamomile, Grapefruit Extract
Pros:
  • #1 Bestselling Drugstore Acne Body Wash
  • Helps Fight Body Acne and Breakouts
  • Penetrates Pores with 2% Salicylic Acid
  • Dissolves Dead Skin Cells and Excess Oils
  • Soothes with Green Tea, Chamomile, and Grapefruit Extracts
  • Skin Feels Clean and Refreshed
  • Outstanding Reviews
Cons:
  • Contains Fragrance
  • Contains Synthetic Dyes
We earn a commission if you buy via our links.
06/05/2023 10:50 pm GMT

Our Top Picks from Neutrogena:

Best Budget Brand

Amazon Basics Clarifying Body Wash with Pink Grapefruit, 8.5 fl. oz.

4.5
$4.92 ($0.58 / Fl Oz)

Previously known as Solimo, this no-name body wash is now part of Amazon Basics and provides a cheap yet effective way to fight body blemishes and breakouts.

Featuring the same ingredients as Neutrogena, this body wash has earned tens of thousands of fans and is backed by Amazon's unprecedented 1-year Satisfaction Guarantee refund policy.

Best For: Body Acne, Eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, Psoriasis
Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Chamomile, Green Tea, Vitamin C
Pros:
  • Same Ingredients as Neutrogena
  • Typically $5 or Less on Amazon
  • Exfoliates with 2% Salicylic Acid
  • Fights Acne, Eczema, KP, and Psoriasis
  • 1-Year Money-Back Guarantee
  • Excellent Reviews
Cons:
  • Only Available on Amazon
  • Contains Fragrace
  • Contains Synthetic Dyes
We earn a commission if you buy via our links.
06/06/2023 04:13 pm GMT
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