Best Salicylic Acid Face Scrubs of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

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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

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

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Face Scrubs

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

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

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

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 Acid Fix Face Scrub Extreme with Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera AHA/BHA Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Polish for Refining Pores Skin Brightening, 75 ml

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

Nip+Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Exfoliating Scrub

SKSALSRB
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Nip+Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Exfoliating Scrub Cover
cNip + 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

Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Face Scrub

BA-SF25471
Face Scrub
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Face Scrub Cover
Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Purify & Refresh Face Scrub - Face Wash for Acne Treatment & Blackhead Remover with Salicylic Acid & Vitamin B 3, Vegan Friendly, 150ml

The Super Facialist Face Scrub is a purifying exfoliator designed to cleanse your skin effectively. It helps to remove dead skin cells, oil, and makeup, promoting a clearer and more even complexion. The biodegradable scrub particles work wonders on congested skin, providing targeted spot treatment and blackhead removal. With its dermatologically tested formula including Vitamin B3 and Salicylic Acid, this scrub improves your skin tone while eliminating impurities and reducing acne appearance. Enjoy soft, glowing skin thanks to the added Elderflower extract and Grapeseed Oil, which soothe without causing irritation.

What We Like
Effective exfoliation
Reduces acne appearance
Soothes and softens skin
Vegan friendly ingredients
Pleasant citrus scent

Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Clear Skin

2010-02
Clear
118 ml (Pack of 1)
Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Clear Skin Cover
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - Face Exfoliating Peel Fights Blackheads & Enlarged Pores - for a Healthy Glow - with Salicylic Acid - Combination & Oily Skin - 118 ml

Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant is a fast-absorbing liquid that effectively removes dead skin cells, helping you achieve a clear, glowing complexion. With salicylic acid, it unclogs pores and fights breakouts, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types. By mimicking the skin's natural exfoliation process, it gently sheds extra layers without irritation. You can easily incorporate it into your routine by applying it with a cotton pad, ensuring your skin remains fresh and revitalised.

What We Like
Reduces blackheads and breakouts
Gentle on the skin
Fast-absorbing liquid texture
Suitable for daily use
Promotes a healthy glow

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 Scrub 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

1013-zkoee-2862
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
#TOP 9

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

Salicylic Acid BHA Exfoliant for Sensitive Skin

Salicylic Acid BHA Exfoliant for Sensitive Skin Cover
Salicylic Acid BHA Exfoliant for Sensitive Skin 100ml, Salicylic Acid Serum - Face Scrub Exfoliator - Face Exfoliator - Face Care - Organic Vegan Skin Care by Satin Naturel

The Satin Naturel Exfoliant is specially formulated for sensitive skin, providing a gentle yet effective exfoliation experience with the help of soothing Aloe Vera. You can say goodbye to dead skin cells and enjoy a smoother, more radiant complexion without irritation. This product also helps control blemishes by penetrating pores to break down excess oil, reducing the risk of acne breakouts. Additionally, it aids in fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even skin tone with regular use.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin
Reduces acne and blackheads
Fades dark spots effectively
Organic and vegan ingredients
High-quality German manufacturing
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid face scrub research, we found 94 salicylic acid face scrub products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 223,213 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 £9.00.

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 Neutrogena, NIVEA, Nip+Fab, Super Facialist, PAULA'S CHOICE.

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.