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The 8 best salicylic acid products for banishing breakouts

Cream of the crop.

By Sukriti Wahi

BEAUTYcrew / October 28 2020

When it comes to acne-fighting skincare ingredients, there is one that goes above and beyond to banish stubborn breakouts before they happen: salicylic acid.

Unlike glycolic and lactic acid, which exfoliate the skin's upper layers, salicylic acid deeply penetrates the skin to unclog pores, draw out impurities and manage blemish-causing excess oil.

Looking to include salicylic acid in your skincare routine? Keep scrolling for the best products in Australia right now.

Aesop In Two Minds Facial Cleaner

Perfect for combination skin, this gel-based cleanser works to target excess oil build-up while simultaneously prepping your face to more effectively take in your serums and cleansers.

$53 from Adore Beauty

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

A celebrity-loved cult favourite, this affordable yet effective spot treatment combines salicylic acid and sulphur to dry up pimples and reduce associated redness overnight.

$26 from MECCA

Origins Zero Oil Deep Cleanser

If excess oil and acne are your primary skin concerns, this gentle foaming cleanser will be your new skincare staple. Gentle yet potent, it's formulated to mop up residual oil through a number of natural botanicals and salicylic acid's blemish-busting properties.

$36 from MECCA

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Moisturiser

Great for summer, this oil-free, mattifying moisturiser with salicylic acid works all-day long to minimise oil production and keep blemishes at bay.

$44 from Kiehl's

Alpha-H Clear Skin Face and Body Wash

Suitable for both face and body, this invigorating gel facial cleanser goes deep to remove impurities from all layers of the skin. it's especially ideal for oily skin types.

$45 from Adore Beauty

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

The brand's number one best-seller and an international cult favourite, this gentle leave-on exfoliant works quickly to draw out impurities, smooth wrinkles and brighten the entire face.

$38 from Paula's Choice

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Masque

A favourite in the BEAUTYcrew office, this mask has a cooling effect when applied to the skin and brilliantly targets irritated, acne-ridden skin in just 10 minutes.

$21.90 from Adore Beauty

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

This two-step peel is a favourite with skincare enthusiasts around the world for good reason. Combining both AHAs and BHAs (salicylic acid) to tackle of uneven skin, wrinkles and enlarged pores, its potent formula delivers instant radiance every time.

$229 from MECCA

Main image credit: @zoeisabellakravitz