The 10 Best Salicylic Acid Body Washes for Clear Skin from the Neck Down (2024)

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Sometimes, we need more from our body wash than simple cleansing. Whether you want to address rough, scaly skin or a body breakout that just won't go away, the solution may be a body wash with salicylic acid.

"Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps remove excess oil in dead cells from the surface of the skin," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Therefore, he says, "It’s a great option for people with oily skin and for people who are acne-prone."

From bacne to bumpy skin, there's a lot that the best salicylic body washes can handle. Ahead, find our picks for the 10 best, including the very bottles Bazaar editors rely on.

The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein is a fan of this fragrance-free formula. "It’s so effective but gentle, and doesn’t leave my skin dry or irritated," she raves. "I always reach for this in the summer months especially when I want to ward off any unwanted spots on my back."

Size: 16.9 fl oz
Other key ingredients: Glycerin, olive oil

Customer Review:

"My 'skin wizard' recommended this for the shower and it’s nice and leaves your skin smooth and soft not drying at all! Big bottle as well! I use it just on my chest, neck and back so it’s gonna last forever!" —Tassini82

$16.00 at naturium.com

Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash

"This Brazilian-inspired body wash not only has a slew of acids, but it creates the most tropical sensorial experience in your shower in seconds," says Bazaar associate beauty editor Katie Intner, who adds, "I especially love using this post-workout to prevent any sweat buildup and before shaving to prevent ingrown hairs."

Size: 13 oz
Other key ingredients: Fruit AHAs, lactic acid

Customer Review:

"I love this product!! I feel so clean after using it, and I always smell really good!! It foams so nicely with my loofah and it makes my skin glow and so soft." –FRANKAYY

$26.00 at sephora.com

The Body Acne Wash | 2% Salicylic Acid

“As someone who deals with the more than occasional shoulder and back breakout, I can attest to the effectiveness of this body wash from Nécessaire," says Bazaar associate beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson. "Along with two percent salicylic acid, the wash also contains a blend of glycerin, niacinamide, and zinc PCA to help fight existing zits and prevent new ones from forming."

Size: 8.4 oz
Other key ingredients: Glycerin, zinc PCA and niacinamide

Customer Review:

"The Body Acne Wash works great on my skin. It is clearing up my active back and chest acne. I love the subtle smell, and it doesn’t dry my skin. I use it daily, and so far, I don’t have any new breakouts. The nice silver container looks great in my bathroom." —AngelicaGuillen

$28.00 at sephora.com

Body Wash with Salicylic Acid

Because salicylic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant, it's great for keratosis pilaris, a.k.a. KP, a.k.a. that bumpy skin that can appear on arms and legs. This body wash helps gently smooth it away, without irritation or dryness.

Size: 10 oz
Other key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide

Customer Review:

"I never thought of myself as having 'bumpy' or uneven skin on my body but I can definitely feel a difference now on my skin - especially with my arms. The texture is thick which I appreciate and lathers nicely. I also appreciate that once I’m done washing my body, I don’t feel dry or sticky like some other washes make me feel." —Olivia

$13.99 at amazon.com

Stubborn Body Acne Cleanser & Exfoliator

If you want super-smooth skin without the added step of a body scrub, add in this two-in-one formula: In addition to salicylic acid, it has a poly-hydroxy acid (PHA), gluconolactone for added exfoliating and skin-clearing benefits.

Size: 8.5 oz
Other key ingredients: Gluconolactone

Customer Review:

"My back used to break out constantly, and now I have next to no breakouts. It's totally worth the money! I don't like that there's not a scent to it, but it works!" —Brooke Hall

$7.34 at amazon.com

Skin Solutions Body Wash with Salicylic Acid

A lot of SA body washes look and feel like acne products. But this creamy cleanser lathers up luxuriously and has a soft, floral fragrance. Plus, it minimizes scaly skin and razor bumps with the best of them.

Size: 17.9 fl oz
Other key ingredients: Vitamin B3 complex

Customer Review:

"I bought this kinda on a whim. Heard it could help with razor bumps. Well it has and my body is a lot smoother all over. My legs have never been this soft!" —4theloveofglitter

$8.99 at target.com

Confidently Clear Body Cleanser

Body breakouts are shaking at the thought of this multitasking formula. Salicylic acid is accompanied by lactic acid (for skin-softening), polyglutamic acid (for hydration), and mandelic acid (to increase cell turnover).

Size: 11.15 oz
Other key ingredients: Lactic acid, mandelic acid, polyglutamic acid

Customer Review:

"Please make this forever and please don't change it. Even my eczema-prone, sensitive skin loves it. It smells incredible, like a tropical paradise. Fruity, sweet and delicious, but not cloying. Please make a body oil with this scent." —Susan

$22.00 at theisleofparadise.com

Exfoliating Butter Body Wash

Made from 40 percent natural salt and glycolic and salicylic acids, this formula gives skin a good old-fashioned scrub down. Thanks to the tangerine butter base, it feels extra-luxurious and moisturizing. Expect glowing, clearer-looking skin that smells like you just left the spa.

Size: 8.47 oz
Other key ingredients: Tangerine butter, papaya extract, glycolic acid

Customer Review:

"My skin looks better than it has in years. It's is so soft I keep feeling my elbows in disbelief!" —Gran

$22.00 at nudestix.com

Acne Control Acne Body Wash

This formula does everything you want it to for acne on the shoulders, back, etc., thanks to one percent salicylic acid. It also has green tea and licorice root extracts to soothe and calm skin.

Size: 8.5 oz
Other key ingredients: Date seed powder, glycolic acid, green tea extract

Customer Review:

"I have been using this body wash every day in the shower on my back and shoulders. It has drastically improved my acne!!! I also use the Murad acne body spray. The have worked miracles for me!! Skin stays soft and they do not dry your skin out!" —Cass

$48.00 at ulta.com

Acne Body Wash

Fun fact: Those body breakouts might not be acne but malassezia folliculitis, a.k.a. "fungal acne." Curology's formula includes tea tree oil and zinc pyrithione—an active ingredient often found in dandruff shampoos—which can help address breakouts caused by the fungus that lives on your scalp.

Size: 6.8 fl oz
Other key ingredients: Tea tree oil, zinc pyrithione

Customer Review:

"Loving this curology acne body wash. Perfect for if you're prone to bacne and acne in the chest area. Great for sensitive skin and feels smoothing and nourishing. Great for use once-twice a day." —yc.co

$14.00 at curology.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Benefits of Salicylic Acid?

"Salicylic acid is considered as safe and effective by the FDA as an over-the-counter treatment for acne," reminds Zeichner, who explains that the ingredient "can help dry out pimples that you have and keep the pore clear to prevent new ones from developing."

But the benefits go beyond breakouts: "Salicylic acid offers chemical exfoliation benefits, so it is also a great option for rough and bumpy skin," he says. "This includes keratosis pilaris on the arms and legs, and thick skin on the elbows, knees, and even soles of the feet."

Because of its pore-clearing properties, the derm also says that using a salicylic acid body wash "is also a great option after a workout, when there is more sweat entering the surface of the skin."

Can You Use Salicylic Acid Body Wash Daily?

In general, yes. "So long as your skin does not develop dryness or irritation, salicylic acid-containing cleansers can be used daily," says Zeichner. "For them to work optimally, I recommend applying to the skin and letting them sit while you sing 'happy birthday' to yourself before rinsing off. This gives the active ingredient enough contact time with the skin for it to do its job."

Meet the Expert

• Joshua Zeichner, M.D., F.A.A.D. is the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Looking for More Acne Recommendations?

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• The 10 Best Face Masks for Acne to Zap Zits and Unclog Pores

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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