Hydroxy Cleanser

A soap-free, lightly foaming cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. It combines salicylic acid (a BHA) with glycolic and lactic acid (AHAs) at pH 4.5 to 5, and can be used on the face, neck, chest and back.

A wash-off cleanser that contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which is why it is the usual acid in cleansers for oily, congested and blemish-prone skin. Because a cleanser is rinsed off within a minute or so, it is a gentle way to bring an acid into a routine.

It is made for oily and acne-prone skin. ESK positions it for oily, acne-prone and teenage skin. A cleanser is a supporting step: it keeps oil and build-up down and leaves skin ready for the leave-on products that do the heavier work. Painful, widespread or scarring acne needs more than a cleanser, so speak to your GP or pharmacist, or book a skin assessment.

There is no single best one. The right cleanser is one your skin tolerates twice a day, that does not leave it tight or stinging, and that fits the rest of your routine. For oily and acne-prone skin a soap-free cleanser with salicylic acid is a sensible starting point. For very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, a non-acid cleanser such as Calming Cleanse is usually the better choice.

Yes, for most people. The cleanser is rinsed off before the retinol or retinal goes on, so the two are not left on the skin together. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, use Hydroxy Cleanser in the morning only and a gentle cleanser on your retinoid nights until your skin settles.

Yes. ESK's instructions are morning, night or both. If you are new to acids, start once a day for the first week, then move to twice a day if your skin is comfortable.

Wet your face with warm water, massage 2 to 3 pumps into a light lather over the face and neck, then rinse thoroughly. Do not scrub. Pat dry and follow with moisturiser, and with SPF in the morning.

It can if it strips or irritates the skin, if you scrub, or if you wash more than twice a day, because irritated skin can break out more. A true purge is more typical of leave-on retinoids and stronger acids than of a wash-off cleanser. If you get stinging, redness, or new spots in areas where you do not usually break out, stop and message us.

A mild tingle for a few seconds can happen with acid cleansers, especially on freshly shaved or dry skin. Burning, stinging that lasts, or redness afterwards is not normal. Rinse it off, pause, and switch to a gentler cleanser.

Yes. ESK says it can be used as a body wash on the chest and back. Massage it over the area in the shower and rinse well.

It is a good fit for skin that gets blackheads, because salicylic acid is oil-soluble and the AHAs give a mild surface exfoliation. Give it several weeks of regular use as part of your routine before judging how your skin looks. Squeezing tends to leave marks, particularly on deeper skin tones.

Yes. ESK lists normal to oily skin first. It is soap-free and sulphate-free, so it removes excess oil without the squeaky, stripped feeling that can leave oily skin feeling tight.

Yes. ESK's own positioning names men alongside oily, acne-prone and teenage skin. If you shave, wait until any shaving nicks have settled, and wash rather than scrub over the beard area.

Yes. ESK positions it for teenage and young skin. It is a simple first step for a teenager with oily skin or breakouts. A teenager on prescription acne treatment should check with their prescriber first.

Yes. It is suitable for all skin tones, including deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick V to VI). On deeper skin, irritation can leave dark marks that last longer than the spot, so introduce it gradually, do not scrub, and stop if it stings.

That is not its job. A cleanser is on the skin too briefly to do much for marks. For the look of post-inflammatory marks, leave-on steps and daily SPF matter more. See the Golden Pigmentation Duo, or book a skin assessment if marks are your main concern.

Not usually. ESK says it may not be tolerated by very sensitive skin, and AHAs can irritate rosacea-prone skin. ESK suggests Calming Cleanse or Soothe & Melt Cleansing Balm instead.

ESK does not publish pregnancy guidance for this cleanser. Salicylic acid and AHAs are ingredients many people are advised to check before using while pregnant or breastfeeding, so ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist first.

Ask your prescriber first. Treatments such as isotretinoin, tretinoin, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide often leave skin dry and sensitive, and a non-acid cleanser may be advised while you are on them.

Hydroxy Cleanser contains AHAs and a BHA, which give it a mild exfoliating action on top of cleansing, and it foams lightly. Calming Cleanse is a non-foaming, acid-free cream cleanser for sensitive skin, including eczema and rosacea.

Pharmacy salicylic acid washes vary a lot in strength, base and pH, so compare the label: the acids, the cleansing agents, and whether it contains soap or sulphates. Hydroxy Cleanser combines salicylic acid 0.5% with glycolic acid 2% and lactic acid 1% in a soap-free, sulphate-free base at pH 4.5 to 5. Which suits you depends on your skin, not on the strongest number.

It contains natural essential oils, including rose, lavender and geranium, and lists the fragrance allergens linalool, citronellol, citral and geraniol. If you react to fragrance or essential oils, patch test first or choose another cleanser.

The 150ml full size lasts around 3 to 4 months. The 15ml travel size lasts around 3 to 4 weeks.

Yes. ESK states that Hydroxy Cleanser is cruelty free and vegan.

Yes. Melatone Skin Clinic is an authorised ESK stockist. Stock comes directly from ESK, so every item is genuine and traceable, and it is the same product we use in clinic.

Yes. Message us on WhatsApp with a description of your skin, or book a skin assessment at the clinic in Battersea.

Tracked UK delivery is £3.49, or free over £65, and usually arrives in 2 to 4 working days. Sealed, unopened items can be returned within 60 days for a refund.