Is sunscreen giving you body breakouts? These are the best salicylic acid cleansers to smooth skin

If you've been struggling with body acne or rough skin this summer, you're definitely not alone. With muggy temperatures and the constant use of sunscreen, your skin is bound to get a bit irritated.

While SPF is non-negotiable (especially in summer), it can sometimes clog pores, especially on your back, chest, and shoulders, leading to those annoying body breakouts.

However, the solution may be as simple as switching out a few products in your shower routine. By this, we mean incorporating some salicylic acid formulas.

Salicylic acid cleansers are gentle exfoliators that dive deep into pores, clearing out oil and irritants before they can cause spots.

Whether you’re dealing with the odd bump or full-on 'bacne,' these hardworking body washes can help smooth and clear your skin without stripping it. We've rounded up our top three tried-and-tested formulas that actually get the job done.

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Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Priced at £18 here

Naturium's SA Body Wash is a gentle yet effective exfoliating cleanser that clears pores and smooths skin, without drying it out. And that's a hugely important factor to me. Acids can often lead to dry and flaking skin, so finding one that effectively clears problem areas while still maintaining a level of moisture is no mean feat. And that's why Naturium's offering is one of my favourites.

Packed with encapsulated salicylic acid, it gradually maintains a healthy skin pH while helping to prevent breakouts. Plus, the formula is fragrance-free and gentle enough to use every day (and even on your face!).

Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Priced at £6.50 here

This is the body wash I always recommend to friends and family members struggling with body blemishes. It's so affordable, feels nourishing on the skin, and most importantly, gets the job done. The salicylic acid in the cleanser works deep into pores to exfoliate, brighten, and smooth your skin, while a calming blend of white willow bark, aloe vera, and green tea keeps things soothed.

The wash also gets a few bonus points for being 95% natural, vegan, cruelty-free, made in the UK, and packaged in recyclable material that’s kind to the planet.

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

Priced at £14.50 here

CeraVe's gel-to-foam formula has been developed with dermatologists to target rough, bumpy, or dry skin, making it perfect for seasonal body breakouts or more long-term conditions like keratosis pilaris.

It combines salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation with skin-loving ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier. And thanks to CeraVe’s patented MVE Technology, hydration is locked in for a full 24 hours, so again no fears of too much dryness after use.