Salicylic Acid
Also known as BHA, beta hydroxy acid
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a BHA that dissolves in oil, so it can get inside your pores. It breaks up the mix of oil and dead skin that causes blackheads and pimples, and it calms redness. Products you can buy without a prescription use 0.5% to 2%.
Best forAcne
Blackheads
Oily skin
Clogged pores
Products with salicylic acid
Shop all 41
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum
$44.99
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum
$115.00
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
$185.00
Revision
Revision Skincare Pore Purifying Clay Mask
$79.00
Pairs well with
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Benzoyl peroxide (at a different time of day)
Use with caution
- Retinol on the same night
- AHAs in the same application
- Aspirin allergy
- Dry or eczema-prone skin
Salicylic Acid FAQs
Start with three times a week. Oily skin can often build up to once a day.
Salicylic acid is better for blackheads and clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide is better for red, swollen pimples.
You can use a 2% product daily if your skin isn't dry or tight. Cleansers are gentler than leave-on treatments.
Give it four to six weeks of steady use. Breakouts can look worse for the first two weeks as pores clear.
Related reading
This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.
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