While nature has the best exfoliators in the form of walnut scrubs, bitter gourd seed powder, etc., a major drawback about them is their rough and coarse texture. To truly refresh and rejuvenate their skin, one requires a gentler exfoliant. While salicylic acid may be present in nature, in its purest form, using it directly is not the best idea. Hence, it is always advisable to use a carefully formulated salicylic acid body wash to cater to the needs of our skin. The best salicylic acid body washes often contain other nourishing and potent ingredients that not only exfoliate dead skin cells and grime but also preserve your skin's natural oils while making it healthy, soft, and smooth. As a result of adding them to your routine, you’ll achieve a clear canvas that’s free from dirt, excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris.

According to dermatologist Dr. Jushya Sarin “Salicylic acid fights the existing structure of dead skin cells, and accumulates sebum on your skin. However, the average lifetime of a skin cell is up to 1-2 weeks. (Hence), it is advisable not to use a salicylic acid body wash on a regular basis. Just the way over-washing or over-scrubbing metal surfaces can commence a cycle of deterioration, exfoliating one's skin regularly can be precarious too.” Hence, it is important to mollycoddle your skin with moisturizing agents to alleviate the abrasive action. 

Given below is a list curated of products that have been tried and tested by our experts to make finding the right product a hassle-free process for you. Keep reading to find out more!

• 1
  Best for Dry Skin

  CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough And Bumpy Skin

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CeraVe salicylic acid body wash is a fantastic cleanser formulated by dermatologists that is beneficial for the face as well as the body. It contains the goodness of ceramides that help retain the water-holding capacity of the skin's exterior barrier by strengthening the water concentration of lipids in the epidermal cells. The product is made with MVE technology so that it releases moisture slowly over a prolonged period keeping the skin plump. Besides, it also contains niacinamide which soothes irritated and inflamed skin (1).

Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, and dry

Product Dimensions: 1.56 x 2.88 x 6.31 inches

Weight: 10 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “I have tried a few SA body washes and this is the best formula. I have dry sensitive skin. I don't use it every day, but maybe every three days for bumpy skin and some KP. Great product. It is unscented.”

Quick Tip:

To enhance the benefits of this product, pair it with CereVe's SA Cream. Together, they work to target rough and bumpy skin, enhancing the effectiveness of each other.

2

Best for Acne-prone Skin

humane Maximum-Strength acne Wash - 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

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The humane Maximum strength Acne wash is one of the best body washes for acne recommended by dermatologists. The benzoyl peroxide infused in it consists of strong bonds that effortlessly dissolve the accumulated layers of sebum, dead skin and dirt leaving the skin youthful and radiant. This product not only works on the epidermal layer but also acts on below-the-skin cysts to prevent future breakouts. Adding on, it is paraben-free, mineral oil-free, and sulfate-free, which makes it safe for frequent use.

Skin Type: Oily, combination, and acne-prone

Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 5.75 inches

Weight: 8 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “My daughter and I are so impressed and happy with this product. It really works great. We plan on buying it again when we run out.”

3

Best for Keratosis Pilaris

touch kp exfoliating wash with glycolic acid and salicylic acid

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The touch kp exfoliating body wash is specially designed for people dealing with pesky ingrown hair on their skin. The product washes off the accumulated layers of dead skin and sebum while simultaneously preserving the skin's natural oils. It thereby prevents the cornification of the skin proteins and ensures your keratosis pilaris is not aggravated. Besides, it contains glycolic acid that helps fight tan and hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture within the skin cells, simultaneously eliminating all conditions for reducing keratosis pilaris.

Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry and normal

Product Dimensions: 7.09 x 1.93 x 1.89 inches

Weight: 8 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “Awesome product, it cleared my skin up and it’s actually moisturizing also . I use it daily. Awesome stuff.”

4

Best to Fight Sun Damage

PHISODERM Anti-Blemish Body Wash

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What makes Phisoderm one of the best salicylic acid body washes is that it contains an appropriate concentration of this BHA which is 2%. It also contains vitamin C to brighten your skin from the effects of sun tan as well as vitamin E to leave the skin supple and healthy. The product works effectively in breaking down stubborn layers of dirt, grime and dead skin build up on your skin to retexturize it. Consequently, it leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and blemish-free. 

Skin Type: Oily

Product Dimensions: Not mentioned

Weight: 10 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “This product gave me very fast results! One day after my first use, the blemishes on my body were much less noticeable and less red. By my 3rd time using this wash, they're nearly gone.”

5

Best for Body Acne

PACIFICA Acne Warrior Acne Fighting Body Wash

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The Pacifica body wash attends to body scars and acne with the goodness of cucumber extracts that soothe, hydrate, and mollify your skin. It also contains the invigorating properties of vitamin C that help reduce signs of sun damage and aging, brighten your skin, and effectively fight free radical damage (2). And of course, the product is formulated with powerful ingredient salicylic acid that gently unclogs the clogged pores with niacinamide which regulates oil production without over-drying the skin. 

Skin Type: Oily and combination

Product Dimensions: 7.83 x 2.2 x 2.09 inches

Weight: 12 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “Moved into a home with hard water, started getting back breakouts, cleared up my back within a few days!”

6

Best Clear Formula

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

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What makes the Neutrogena Body Clear body wash seal the sixth place in the list of our recommendations is its ability to battle dry, itchy and body acne-prone skin. It gently sweeps out dirt and the gross debris of dead cells without depriving your skin of its natural oils and moisture content. Thereby, it gives your skin a plump youthful appearance. The product also contains chamomile extracts renowned for defeating signs of aging by increasing skin laxity.

Skin Type: Normal

Product Dimensions: 7.32 x 5 x 2.68 inches

Weight: 8.5 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “First wash and my skin is already 99% better! I tried so many products none of them worked, but this product is unbelievably good!”

Quick Tip:

For a better exfoliation experience, use a soft cloth or a sponge to apply the product. This will get rid of dead skin cells and enhance absorption.

7

Best for Dry Skin

Murad Acne Body Wash

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The Murad acne body wash is undoubtedly one of the best body washes with a combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid because it helps fight dullness and pigmentation in your UV-affected skin. The product is created with natural ingredients and backed by science — an ideal choice for all skin types. It consists of a rejuvenating tea tree scent to indulge your senses. To boot, it works miraculously to fight breakouts by gently seeping through the skin’s pores and non-abrasive cutting through rigid bonds of dead cells.

Skin Type: Balanced, oily, and combination

Product Dimensions: 2 x 8.3 x 0.65 inches

Weight: 8.5 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “I just started using murad acne body wash four days ago and I already can see a huge difference with the acne on my back. The current breakout I have is almost gone and I haven’t had any new breakouts. Definitely a must-have for stubborn body acne!”

8

Best for Combination Skin

NATURIUM The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

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The Naturium Perfector salicylic acid body wash exfoliates the skin in a non-abrasive and gentle manner. It contains natural ingredients, that nourish, pamper, and invigorate your skin, boosting its health overall. It also contains the goodness of glycerin and has a balanced pH, ensuring your skin doesn’t feel irritated after use. Adding on, the product is free from artificial colors, dyes, and chemical additives making it a safe and sublime choice for frequent use. 

Skin Type: All

Product Dimensions: 9 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches

Weight: 16.9 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “I feel great, does exactly as promised. This is my new body wash go-to.”

9

Best for Acne Scars

MISUMI BLEMISH CLEAR BODY WASH

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This cleanser by Misumi is one such body wash with salicylic acid that also is blessed with the skin-friendly properties of floral extracts. The body wash comes in a lotion form and effortlessly battles scarring, redness, and excessive oil giving a radiant look. This product is a fantastic exfoliating body cleanser as it uses the properties of lavender oil to combat antimicrobial infections, and terminate traces of bacterial growth (3). Besides, with the power of lactic acid and glycolic acid, it helps reduce tan and combats signs of aging.

Skin Type: All and acne-prone

Product Dimensions: 6.34 x 2.2 x 1.61 inches

Weight: 4 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “Clears basic back breakouts within a week!”

10

medicube RED BODY WASH

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This body wash by medicube is infused with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that regulate sebum production and help retain moisture. The product contains the anti-aging properties of lactic acid along with the moisture-retaining properties of hyaluronic acid. The good bacteria present in lactic acid help in curbing pigmentation and easing out tough wrinkles (4). Plus, its exfoliation properties make it an ideal option for removing accumulated layers of dead cells on your skin grit over time. 

Skin Type: Acne-prone and sensitive skin

Product Dimensions: 7.28 x 2.72 x 2.68 inches

Weight: 400 ml

Customer’s Review: “Using it for a month and have already seen results. I leave it on for 1-2 minutes before rinsing it off. Great scent not overpowering like most acne washes.”

11

Best for Multi-Purpose Wash

Home Health Psoriasis Medicated Scalp & Body Wash

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Procuring a body wash and a scalp wash may not be feasible for all, which is why the Home Health Medicated scalp and body wash serves as a multi-purpose wash for the well-being of an individual's scalp and entire body. The product contains salicylic acid, which is not just great for combating uneven texture but can also be beneficial when the health of the scalp is concerned. It also contains niacinamide that regulates oil production indirectly controlling one major factor for the accumulation of debris and gradually curbing irritation.

Skin Type: Dry

Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches

Weight: 8 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “I have scalp psoriasis. Best product on the market to reduce itching.”

12

Kosas Kosasport Good Body Skin AHA+ Enzyme Exfoliating Wash

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This indulgent body wash by Kosas is designed with the superpowers of lactic acid to fight aging and glycolic acid to reduce damage due to sun exposure. It comes in a gel-based form and contains the pleasant notes of orange, pineapple and vanilla to provide an overall reviving bathing experience. This product is an unmatched combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid which helps reduce damage due to sun exposure and simultaneously reverse signs of aging.

Skin Type: All

Product Dimensions: 6.06 x 1.97 x 1.93 inches

Weight: 9 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “Loved this body wash gel! The skin is soft and silky after it! I highly recommend it!”

13

CLIXIT Acne Control Body Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid

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The Clixit salicylic acid body wash regulates melanin production in your skin, deep-cleanses clogged pores and revives damaged cells. The product contains hemp seed oil that was used in ancient times in cosmetics for its anti-melanogenic properties as it regulates the excessive production of melanin, thereby retaining the original skin tone of an individual. In addition, it contains the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera extracts, which soothes and treat blemish-prone skin.

Skin Type: All

Product Dimensions: 2.13 x 2.13 x 7 inches

Weight: 6 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “Awesome product, Great Quality- really works very well, Amazed to see the results.”

14

KIMTRUE Amino Acid Shower Gel With AHA

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The Kimtrue Body Wash is formulated with AHA which is known to reduce the visible signs of ageing. This salicylic acid body wash is non-comedogenic and comes with a natural fragrance to reduce skin agitation, and oil clogging at hair follicles. You can reap the benefits of this product to give your skin a smooth texture and even-toned complexion, getting rid of any dead skin buildup that causes dullness. To boot, its gel-based formula is not at all harsh on your skin and mollycoddles it with every shower.

Skin Type: All, oily, and acne-prone

Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 2.56 x 2.32 inches

Weight: 10.15 Fl Oz

Customer’s Review: “Left my skin clean and smoother looking than I ever saw it before. Has a pretty, soft scent. I will buy this again.”

Below is a guide attempted to facilitate your decision-making process when looking for the best salicylic acid body wash. 

While skin-related concerns continue to increase at an elevated rate here are a few factors that you can take into consideration before selecting the appropriate salicylic body wash as per your skin type. 

1. Percentage of Salicylic Acid - The percentage of salicylic acid in the body wash or the soap makes a huge difference. Salicylic acid has a strong penetrative property that helps unclog your pores. However, the percentage to look for in your body wash varies as per the skin type. If you have thick, oily or acne-prone skin, a higher percentage of exfoliants will come in handy to deep cleanse it and prevent blemishes. But for dry and sensitive skin, a smaller concentration goes a long way. It is always advised to consult a dermatologist to understand what works best for your skin. 

2. Moisturizing Properties  - As we are aware salicylic acid body washes act as an exfoliant that helps and facilitates the regeneration of cells, newly emerged skin cells that are in their nascent stage need a strong lipid constituting aid to replenish their barrier. Therefore, one should always opt for a body wash with salicylic acid that also has a fair percentage of humectants and emollients that replenishes the skin's natural oils and should also regulate sebum production. 

3. Texture and Scent: The texture of a salicylic acid body wash is as important as the ingredients. It should be easily absorbent and not very abrasive. A smooth textured salicylic acid body wash will gently commence the exfoliation without being too harsh on the skin. The scent and fragrance of the salicylic acid body wash should be mild and not too overpowering for an overall pleasant bathing experience. 

Step 1: Wet your skin with warm water, lukewarm as it will dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the skin cells 

Step 2: Take a generous amount of your body wash onto your loofah and gently lather over your skin. 

Step 3: You can take a larger amount for the rough areas like letting the body wash later 

Step 4: Allow the lather to sit for a while (1-2 minutes ) on the skin to allow the exfoliation to take place properly. 

Step 5: Wash it off with lukewarm water and follow it up with a ceramide-based moisturizer for best results. 

Salicylic body washes come with an array of benefits, a few of which are mentioned below:

1. Combats Acne

Salicylic body washes work to battle acne by penetrating deep within the pores and dissolving excess oil. This prevents any further breakouts from occurring on the body.

2. Exfoliates the Skin

The exfoliating properties in salicylic acid get rid of dead skin cells, giving the user smoother skin and promoting a more bright and even tone.

3. Improves Skin Texture

When used consistently, a salicylic acid body wash can enhance the skin texture by promoting the shedding of dead cells, leaving it much softer and more refined-looking.

4. Prevents Clogged Pores

The salicylic acid that's present in the body wash prevents the pores from getting clogged, thus preventing acne, blackheads, and whiteheads from appearing.

5. Reduces Inflammation And Redness

The anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid are known to soothe and calm skin that's irritated, which in turn reduces the appearance of redness and inflamed areas.

6. Regulates Oil Production

By balancing out the skin's oil levels, salicylic acid helps control sebum, minimizing the blockage of pores, and promoting healthier skin.

Sharing the conditions when one should avoid using a salicylic acid body washes, our contributor, Dr. Harikiran says, “There are certain instances where it is best to avoid using a salicylic acid body wash. If you have open wounds or cuts on your skin, it is recommended to wait until they have healed before using a salicylic acid body wash. The exfoliating properties of salicylic acid can further irritate the affected area and slow down the healing process. It is also important to avoid using salicylic acid body washes on skin that is sunburned or has recently been waxed, as this can cause further irritation.”

Contributor: Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, Medical Head - ClinicSpots