A creamy wash carrying salicylic acid at 2%, the concentration DermaQuest lists as its active. The rest of the formula is short and works quietly: sorbitol holds water in the skin, cetyl and stearyl alcohols keep the texture soft rather than squeaky, and tea tree leaf oil closes the list. It lifts oil and surface debris and helps clear the look of blackheads without leaving the face tight.

Best for oily and blemish-prone skin, at the second-cleanse step after an oil or balm. DermaQuest limits it to three times a week, which is worth respecting, because a 2% BHA used twice daily is where most people tip into flaking. Leaving it on for up to three minutes before rinsing is the brand's own option.