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If you’ve dealt with acne in any capacity, salicylic acid is one of the first ingredients people will throw your way. The BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is a classic and comes highly recommended by dermatologists and estheticians for many reasons. Namely, salicylic acid is “oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the pores to break down the build-up of dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities that can lead to acne or clogged pores,” explains Sofie Pavitt, an NYC-based celebrity esthetician and the founder of Sofie Pavitt Face. Basically, it doesn’t just work on the surface of your skin—it also clears out your pores, preventing future breakouts from rearing their ugly heads, whether on your face or on your body.
Our top picks for the best salicylic acid body sprays of 2025
Body acne, in particular, can be especially painful and difficult to treat since it often pops up on larger, harder-to-reach areas. Beyond acne body washes, salicylic acid body sprays are one of the most effective and convenient ways to fight back. Because you can spritz on the treatment, it’s easier to treat all the different parts of the body. The formulas often also have other ingredients that help to fade hyperpigmentation and exfoliate textured skin. Beyond acne, Desiree Stordahl, the director of applied research and education at Paula’s Choice, reports that salicylic acid sprays can also be effective on ingrown hairs. “Likewise, many people don’t realize that the keratosis pilaris (KP, or the little hard bumps that some people describe as ‘chicken skin’) on their buttocks, sides of thighs, and backs of arms can be kept at bay with a salicylic acid body spray,” she adds. “Just a spritz a day is enough to keep the bumps away for some.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover the five best salicylic acid body sprays for clearer skin in weeks or even days, as recommended by top skin experts and seasoned customers. We also included insights from Pavitt and Stordahl on the best way to apply the sprays, so stay tuned for that, too.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Can take time to see full results
Pavitt’s absolute favorite is the Soft Services Body Spray. “It’s a gentle yet effective body acne treatment featuring one percent salicylic acid and a blend of soothing ingredients,” she says. Plus, zinc PCA and niacinamide help balance sebum production and fade hyperpigmentation, which means the formula prevents acne, fights active spots, and treats whatever’s left behind post-breakout.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, zinc PCA
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Soft Services rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Soft Services reviewer says: “I bought this because I was starting to see a lot of body acne from hormonal imbalances in my body. I noticed after just the first night a huge difference in the inflammation and redness, and after regular use, the breakouts were totally gone. My husband also loves using the mist after intense workouts!”
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Mister isn’t as flexible as others
“This spray features two percent salicylic acid and is designed specifically for body acne,” shares Pavitt. “It’s fast-drying, non-greasy, and easy to apply.” The unscented formula can be sprayed on up to three times a day for those with especially resistant breakouts.
Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
Size: 5.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I like to use this on my back, especially in the summer when we get so sweaty here in Texas, where it is unbearably hot. It helps kill bacteria and keep the breakouts away. Wish I had this when I was younger. Sometimes it is tricky to spray it yourself on your back if you cannot keep the bottle upright, but overall, it is fine. Sometimes I will spray it on my hand or cotton and wipe it over areas if needed. I have used it on my face (close your eyes!) and chest as well— buttocks, too.”
Pros
- Works quickly
Cons
- Spray not as flexible as others
The Clear Acne Body Spray “is a fan-favorite due to its ease of use (with a 360-degree sprayer and quick-dry formula) and effective blend of two percent salicylic acid with additional skin-soothing agents,” Stordahl says. As a result, it soothes and treats existing breakouts while also preventing future pimples from cropping up.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I really really wish I had a good picture of my back from when I was struggling with breakouts. For the past year, I was having issues with my entire back breaking out, so I looked around for something to help it and found this. I used it every day once a day for a few months, and it cleared my back up completely. I will get a bump every now and then, but I haven’t been using it at all anymore since it cleared my back up, and I still haven't had breakouts like I was having.”
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Not TSA-friendly
Powered by salicylic acid, niacinamide, and zinc, this spray-on formula takes care of blemishes, dark spots, and blackheads. The blend also includes rosemary extract, which soothes the skin and has antimicrobial properties, and comes with a 360-degree spray so you can reach every inch of your body with ease.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc PCA, niacinamide
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Nécessaire rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nécessaire reviewer says: “I made a point to come back and write a review on this product. I had recently gotten off of birth control and was breaking out on my back and shoulders for the first time in eight years. They were big, painful, and red. My sister sent me this, and I figured I’d try it out. I genuinely saw my acne calm down within a week. Yes, it was still there, but it was healing! Now, two to three weeks in, my boyfriend is shocked at how much better my back looks. If you are on the fence, try one bottle! Yes, it is a bit sticky, but it doesn’t bother me after I let it fully dry and put clothes on.”
PanOxyl Acne Banishing Body Spray with 2% Salicylic Acid
Pros
- 360-degree spray nozzle
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
PanOxyl makes one of the most popular acne face washes out there, so we had to take a look at the salicylic acid body spray. It’s armed with two percent salicylic acid (the ideal dose, according to our experts), plus brightening vitamin C and soothing aloe.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel, aloe
Size: 6 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I had a little breakout on my back this summer, and this stuff cleared it right up! I have super sensitive skin, too. Highly recommend!”
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some may dislike scents
Excess sebum is one culprit in acne. Dermalogica’s spray combats this by including Moroccan argan oil, a completely non-comedogenic ingredient that soothes irritation and stabilizes the skin’s natural sebum production.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, Moroccan argan oil, witch hazel, tea tree oil
Size: 6 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a late 30s male, prone to bacne when I work out, and I’ve been doing TRT (testosterone shots) since March 2024. Initially had more bacne as a result. Acne [body] wash only helped a little—seemed hopeless. Ordered this spray, and it’s been down 95 percent no joke. Basically doesn’t exist. Definitely the cherry on top to use for successful results. Ordering more!”
Pros
- Easy-to-use packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers reported that nozzle can clog
Naturium prides itself on pH-balanced formulas that are effective but don’t disrupt the skin barrier. In fact, this formula also incorporates a blend of fermented ingredients designed to support the microbiome. Other notable ingredients include hydrating oat protein and brightening alpha-arbutin.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hydrolyzed oat protein, ethyl ascorbic acid, and alpha-arbutin
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I literally don’t skip a day. I live in humid Florida and get sweat pimples on shoulders, and this has completely gotten rid of it!”
Meet the Experts
Sofie Pavitt is an NYC-based celebrity aesthetician and the founder of Sofie Pavitt Face.
Desiree Stordahl is the director of applied research and education at Paula’s Choice.
How should you use salicylic acid body sprays?
Our experts agreed that using it once a day on clean skin is ideal. However, if you have sensitive skin, “start with every other day and gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance,” recommends Pavitt. Meanwhile, if you find that once a day isn’t enough, “ramp up to twice daily (once in the morning, once at night) to get things under control,” says Stordahl.
How do you use salicylic acid body sprays?
You should always spray them onto clean skin, and it’s even better if you’ve just stepped out of a warm shower. “Salicylic acid body sprays can also come in handy for the in-between times, like after a workout when you don’t have access to a shower right away,” Stordahl says. “Sweat mixed with oil and skin-tight workout clothes creates an ideal environment for breakouts, so showering as soon as possible is best, but if you’re unable to do so, spritzing on a salicylic acid body spray can help ward off breakouts in the interim.”
Each time you apply them, you should always let the liquid absorb before putting your clothes on. “Always follow up with a moisturizer to prevent dryness and use sunscreen if you’re applying it to areas exposed to the sun, as salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV,” Pavitt adds.
Why Trust Elle Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee consulted skin care experts, searched the internet for top-rated salicylic acid body sprays, perused sites for customer feedback, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
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