Best Salicylic Acid Face Scrubs of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Salicylic Acid Face Scrubs are exfoliating products designed to help clear and prevent acne breakouts. They contain salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve oil and unclog them. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm irritated skin. These face scrubs are suitable for oily and combination skin types, but may also be used by those with normal or dry skin who experience occasional breakouts. They are a great addition to any skincare routine for those looking to achieve clear, smooth, and radiant skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliating Scrub Cover #TOP 1
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliating Scrub
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub for Oily Skin Cover #TOP 2
Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub for Oily Skin
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Nip+Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Exfoliating Scrub Cover #TOP 3
Nip+Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Exfoliating Scrub
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Face Scrubs

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliating Scrub

98757-04568-01
White
150 ml (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliating Scrub Cover
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Scrub (150ml), Exfoliating Face Scrub, Salicylic Acid Face Scrub Enriched with Niacinamide to Unclog Pores and Refine Skin Textures, For Blemish-Prone Skin,Packaging may vary

NIVEA Skin Clear Scrub is an effective solution for blemish-prone skin. It helps remove blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads, giving you clearer skin. The scrub refines your skin by eliminating excess dead cells, ensuring a smoother texture without causing dryness. Its concentrated formula, featuring key ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, works to cleanse your pores thoroughly. By incorporating this scrub into your routine two to three times a week, you can enjoy noticeable results in just seven days.

What We Like
Reduces blemishes effectively
Refines skin texture gently
Concentrated active ingredients
Dermatologically tested for safety

Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub for Oily Skin

11889
Orange
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub for Oily Skin Cover
Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub (1x 150ml), Oil-Free Face Scrub Suitable for Oily and Spot-Prone Skin, Facial Exfoliator with 2% Salicylic Acid Clinically Proven to Defend Against Breakouts

The Neutrogena Facial Scrub is designed for those with oily and spot-prone skin. It features 2% Salicylic Acid, which helps to deeply exfoliate your skin and unclog pores, ensuring a smoother and clearer complexion. From day one, you can benefit from its clinically proven formula that aids in preventing breakouts. With natural cellulose exfoliators, this scrub not only cleanses but also helps maintain skin clarity over time, making it a convenient addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Effective against breakouts
Deeply exfoliates skin
Clinically proven results
Easy to use daily
Suitable for oily skin

Nip+Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Exfoliating Scrub

SKSALSRB
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Nip+Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Exfoliating Scrub Cover
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Scrub for Face with Vitamin E and Volcanic Rock Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Exfoliant for Pores and Oil Control, 75 ml

The Nip+Fab Salicylic Fix Scrub is designed to cleanse and exfoliate your skin effectively. With the power of salicylic acid, it helps to unclog pores and manage oily skin, making it an excellent choice for those prone to shine. Enriched with vitamin E, this scrub nourishes your skin, ensuring it remains hydrated without being stripped of its natural oils. Additionally, the inclusion of volcanic rock provides a natural exfoliating action, leaving your skin feeling revitalised and smooth after each use.

What We Like
Deeply cleanses pores
Nourishes with vitamin E
Natural volcanic rock exfoliant
Revitalises skin texture

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Facial Scrub 150ml

99462
Clear
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Facial Scrub 150ml Cover
Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Face Scrub (1x 150ml), Gentle Face Care with 2% Salicylic Acid, Oil-Free Exfoliator to Help Reduce Blackheads from Day 1, Suitable for Blackhead-Prone Skin

The Neutrogena Blackhead Scrub is designed to help you achieve clear, fresh skin. With its 2% Salicylic Acid, this facial wash effectively fights blackheads by removing dirt and oil that can clog pores. You will notice a refined complexion from the very first use. The natural cellulose exfoliators work deeply to reduce the appearance of pores, ensuring your skin looks its best. Clinically proven results show that 97% of testers experienced fewer blackheads after just one use, making this an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Effectively eliminates blackheads
Deeply exfoliates skin
Clinically proven results
Refines complexion quickly
Daily use for best results

Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub Extreme

SKGLYSCRXT75
no colour
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub Extreme Cover
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub Extreme – 6% Glycolic Acid (AHA) and 1% Salicylic Acid (BHA) High-Potency Exfoliating Face Scrub for Resurfacing, Deep Pore Cleansing & Clear Skin, 75ml

The Nip + Fab Face Scrub is designed to exfoliate and resurface your skin effectively. It combines the power of glycolic acid and salicylic acid to cleanse and polish, helping to remove dirt and dead skin cells. This scrub not only fights blackheads through chemical exfoliation but also unclogs pores, making your skin clearer. With a super-strength formulation featuring 6% glycolic acid, it brightens your complexion and decongests your skin for a fresh, revitalised look.

What We Like
Effective exfoliation and resurfacing
Cleanses and removes dead skin
Unclogs and refines pores
Brightens complexion

NEUTROGENA® Clear & Radiant Daily Face Scrub

99429
pink
150 ml (Pack of 1)
NEUTROGENA® Clear & Radiant Daily Face Scrub Cover
Neutrogena Clear & Radiant Face Scrub (1x 150ml), Purifying & Brightening Oil-Free Daily Exfoliator with Vitamin C and 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Suitable for Blemish-Prone for Clearer Radiant Complexion

The NEUTROGENA® Radiant Face Scrub is designed to renew and refresh your skin. Developed with dermatologists, this daily scrub effectively cleanses while preventing imperfections without causing dryness. Enriched with Pink Grapefruit and vitamin C, it leaves your skin looking radiant. The oil-free formula ensures that it is perfect for those with normal or blemish-prone skin, as it unclogs pores and improves skin texture, making it a vital addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Deeply cleanses skin
Prevents imperfections
Non-drying formula
Enhances skin texture
Contains vitamin C
#TOP 7

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser for Bumpy Skin

MB191200
236 ml (Pack of 1)
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser for Bumpy Skin Cover
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin 236ml

The CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser is expertly developed with dermatologists to ensure it meets your skin’s needs. It contains three essential ceramides, which help to maintain your skin’s natural barrier, keeping it healthy and protected. Infused with salicylic acid, this formula effectively cleanses and exfoliates both the face and body, helping to smooth rough patches. Additionally, MVE Technology is incorporated to lock in moisture, providing you with 24-hour hydration for soft, supple skin.

What We Like
Developed with dermatologists
Contains essential ceramides
Exfoliates and cleanses effectively
Provides 24-hour hydration

Men's Bamboo Charcoal Face Scrub with Brush

150 g (Pack of 1)
Men's Bamboo Charcoal Face Scrub with Brush Cover
Men's Face Scrub, Bamboo Charcoal Salicylic Acid Face Exfoliant, Facial Peeling Improves Blackheads, Acne, Clogged Pores, Cleansing Oil Control, Pre-shave Care for Men, with Facial Cleansing Brush

The SHVYOG Face Scrub is designed to deeply cleanse and refresh men's skin. Its main ingredient, bamboo charcoal, effectively absorbs dirt and oil, helping to clear blackheads and improve skin tone. The gentle exfoliation from low-concentration salicylic acid makes it suitable for all skin types, promoting smoother skin by removing dead skin cells. Additionally, it serves as excellent pre-shave care, softening the skin and reducing irritation for a closer shave.

What We Like
Deep cleansing and blackhead removal
Gentle on all skin types
Softens skin for shaving
Natural and organic ingredients
Quick and easy to use

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Daily Scrub for Spots

5723002
green
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Daily Scrub for Spots Cover
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub (1x 150ml), Daily Face Scrub for Spot-Prone Skin, Brightening and Smoothing with Salicylic Acid, Developed with Dermatologists

The Neutrogena Daily Scrub is a powerful exfoliator designed for spot-prone skin. With salicylic acid, it helps to clear spots before they even appear, giving you a proactive approach to skincare. This gentle cleanser penetrates deep into your pores, effectively removing excess oil and dead skin cells, which leaves your complexion looking clearer and healthier. Its unique MicroClear technology ensures a thorough clean, while soothing ingredients like green tea and cucumber extracts provide a refreshing touch to your daily routine.

What We Like
Effectively clears spots
Unclogs pores
Gentle exfoliation
Soothing ingredients
Easy to use

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliating Scrub

98757-04568-01
White
150 ml (Pack of 2)
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliating Scrub Cover
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Scrub, Exfoliating Face Scrub, Salicylic Acid Face Scrub Enriched with Niacinamide to Unclog Pores and Refine Skin Textures, 150 ml (Pack of 2)

NIVEA Derma Skin Scrub is an effective solution for those struggling with blemish-prone skin. It helps reduce the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads, and other skin impurities, ensuring you enjoy effortlessly clear skin. The scrub refines your skin's texture by removing excess dead skin cells without causing dryness. Its concentrated formula, enriched with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, promotes the cleansing of pores and the removal of old skin cells, giving you a refreshed complexion. Use it two to three times a week for optimal results.

What We Like
Reduces blemishes effectively
Refines skin texture gently
Concentrated active ingredients
Easy application process
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid face scrub research, we found 83 salicylic acid face scrub products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 149,139 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salicylic acid face scrubs list. We found that most customers choose salicylic acid face scrubs with an average price of £4.60.

The salicylic acid face scrubs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of salicylic acid face scrubs, including NIVEA, Neutrogena, Nip+Fab, CeraVe, SHVYOG.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.