Salicylic Acid Skin Care Benefits:
All You Need to Know
Salicylic acid is an FDA approved skin care ingredient used for the topical treatment of acne, and it's the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used in skin care products. Perfect for oily skin, salicylic acid is best known for its ability to deep clean excess oil out of pores and reduce oil production moving forward. Because salicylic acid keeps pores clean and unclogged, it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from developing. Salicylic acid also exfoliates dead skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a prime ingredient for those with psoriasis. Salicylic acid naturally occurs in willow bark, sweet birch bark, and wintergreen leaves, but synthetic versions are also used in skin care products.
Salicylic Acid
INGREDIENT CATEGORY: BHA, Chemical Exfoliant, Comedolytic, Desmolytic
BEST FOR TREATING: Acne & Blemishes, Oiliness
SKIN TYPES FOR USE: Combination, Normal, and Oily
SAFETY: Salicylic acid is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 2% in skin care products
GHS TIP: It will take 6-8 weeks of consistent topical use before you begin to see results.
Top 5 Salicylic Acid Skin Care Benefits
✓ Cleans Excess Oil from Pores
GREAT FOR OILINESS
If you're struggling with oily skin, salicylic acid is a key ingredient to clean up excess oil today and reduce oil levels moving forward. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble meaning it exfoliates your pore lining and decreases oil buildup. Why does this matter? Because salicylic acid can actually get underneath excess oil and dead skin deep inside your pores compared to other ingredients that only skim what they can off the top of your pores. Not only does salicylic acid give a good deep cleaning, but salicylic acid also suppresses sebocytes from producing excess oil (ICYMI, sebocytes are cells that produce your skin's sebum/natural oil).
✓ Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells
UNCLOGS PORES
Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates skin cell renewal. Salicylic acid is a desmolytic meaning it loosens the bonds between corneocytes (the cells that make up the skin's outermost layer). As a desmolytic, salicylic acid is a gentler exfoliant than azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide which are both keratolytics. Keratolytics offer deeper exfoliation but can potentially be more irritating for sensitive skin. All three ingredients are comedolytic meaning they unclog pores and prevent future whiteheads and blackheads from developing.
✓ Prevents Future Acne
KEEPS PORES CLEAN
Salicylic acid is a comedolytic meaning it prevents future whiteheads and blackheads from forming. By keeping pores clean, whiteheads and blackheads won't develop from excess oil or dead skin cells nesting in your skin. FYI, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also comedolytics.
✓ Weakens Acne Bacteria
GREAT FOR ACNE & BLEMISHES
Acne bacteria does not like oxygen (the reason why it thrives under clogged pores where no fresh air blows). Because salicylic acid unclogs and exfoliates pores, fresh air gets into the skin and creates a more oxygen-rich environment that's less friendly to acne bacteria. It's important to note, however, that even though salicylic acid can weaken acne bacteria, it will not completely kill it.
The good news is other ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide, can literally murder acne bacteria if you're struggling with moderate to severe inflammatory acne (thank goodness). If you're dealing with cystic acne, see azelaic acid.
✓ Soothes Inflammation
GOOD FOR ACNE & PSORIASIS
Salicylic acid is naturally found in willow bark and contains a chemical called salicin. Related to aspirin, salicin has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated, inflamed skin. Regarding acne, this means reduced redness, soreness, and puffiness. Additionally, salicylic acid is a widely used topical therapy for psoriasis inflammation.
When to Use Salicylic Acid
SKIN CARE ROUTINE OPTION A:
An exfoliant with salicylic acid - use in evening only a few times a week
SKIN CARE ROUTINE OPTION B:
A toner and a targeted treatment with salicylic acid- use 2x a day
How to Apply Salicylic Acid
Work up to it
Always patch test before applying to your entire face! Apply a small amount of the salicylic acid product in the evening to a small area on your forehead (where your facial skin is thickest). If there's no irritation after 24hrs, apply a thin layer of the salicylic acid product to your entire face - use product as directed (how often you apply it varies on what kind product you have). If there is irritation within 24 hrs (redness, flakiness, peeling), consider trying another salicylic acid product with a lower concentration or try an alternative acne fighting ingredient such as azelaic acid or differin.
Apply to entire face
Salicylic acid works best when applied to your entire face (avoid eyes, lips, and mouth) because it removes dead skin cells from your pores and cleans out excess oil from pores. This helps prevent future breakouts.
Less is more
Only use a pea sized amount or less for your entire face. Too much can cause irritation.
Don't scrub face
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant. It has the ability to loosen the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface without you having to scrub your skin to make it work (vs. a physical exfoliant that requires a little scrub-a-dub-dub). So don't scrub! Let the product soak in and do it’s thing.
Follow Up With...
Use an oil-free moisturizer twice a day to balance out the drying effects from your salicylic acid product.
Salicylic acid does not fight against UV rays. Limit your time in the sun and apply sunscreen daily.
Salicylic Acid in Products
Acne & Blemishes
Oiliness
Combo
Normal
Oily
Acne pads & patches
Chemical Peels
Cleansers
Creams/Gels
Masks
Serums
Toners
Over the Counter
Prescribed Medication
Professional Peels
Top 3 Salicylic Acid Skin Care Products
We’ve put together a GHS curated selection of our favorite skin care products that contain salicylic acid for fighting acne and controlling oiliness. We only link to products that we absolutely believe in. All the products we’ve chosen are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free. Remember - results won’t happen overnight. It will take 6-8 weeks of consistent topical use before you begin to see improvements, so stay consistent with your product usage.
Use in AM & PM
After cleansing and/or exfoliating, apply this toner 2x daily using a cotton ball and smoothing over entire face and neck. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams.
Price $
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Use in AM & PM
After cleansing and/or exfoliating, apply this toner 2x daily using a cotton ball and smoothing over entire face and neck. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams.
Price $$
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Use in AM & PM
After cleansing and toning, apply this serum 2x daily. Massage directly onto the skin and concentrate on areas with acne and pigmentation. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with moisturizer.
Price $$
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Check out all of our favorite salicylic acid products for fighting acne and oiliness.
GHS Tips
Consistency is key
Results won’t happen overnight. Consistency is key. It will take 6-8 weeks (and in some cases longer) of consistent topical use before you begin to see results. Be patient. If you're not seeing any improvements after 90 days, then we recommend trying a different salicylic product or another acne fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, or azelaic acid.
Tingling is normal
When salicylic acid is applied to the skin, tingling and slight burning is totally normal and will usually go away in less than 5 minutes. FYI this is not an indicator of product effectiveness - more tingle does not equal better. However, use your best judgment: if you feel like your face is on fire, then rinse it off.
Pair with Benzoyl Peroxide to fight breakouts
While salicylic acid weakens acne bacteria, benzoyl peroxide can kill acne bacteria. This makes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide a great team for fighting acne. Many cleansers contain both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, or if you prefer to have separate products for each ingredient, try a salicylic acid face wash and a benzoyl peroxide gel or cream. However you want to mix and match products, try this combo to double down on clearing acne.
Safety Tips
Salicylic acid is FDA Approved and it’s is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 2% in skin care products. However, professional treatments and chemical peels done by a dermatologist or esthetician can have higher concentrations of salicylic acid.
SIDE EFFECTS OF SALICYLIC ACID SKIN PRODUCTS:
- minor redness or irritation
- itching, peeling, mild dryness
- post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (sometimes)
- purging (worsening of acne) within first few weeks
✓ Wear sunscreen!
✓ Consider consulting a dermatologist - let them determine the right salicylic acid concentration for you
X Don't use on medium to dark skin tones - salicylic acid can cause brown or black skin spots (a.k.a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) on darker skin tones
FAQs about Salicylic Acid
Q. What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is an FDA approved skin care ingredient used for the topical treatment of acne, and it's the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used in skin care products. It is best known for its ability to deeply clean excess oil out of pores and reduce oil production moving forward, making it a great option for oily skin.
Q. What is salicylic acid used for in skin care?Salicylic acid is used to treat the following skin concerns:
- Acne & Blemishes
- Oiliness
Q. How does salicylic acid benefit my skin?The top 5 salicylic acid skin benefits are:
- Cleans excess oil from pores
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Weakens acne bacteria
- Prevents future acne
- Soothes inflammation
Q. What skin types is salicylic acid good for?Salicylic acid is best for oily, combination, or normal skin types.
Q. Is salicylic acid safe for my skin?Salicylic acid is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 2% in skin care products.
Q. What are common side effects from applying salicylic acid topically?Redness or irritation, dryness, itching, peeling, purging (worsening of acne) within the first few weeks, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be common side effects from applying salicylic acid topically. Always be sure to do a patch test on your skin before applying a new product to your entire face.
Q. How long does salicylic acid take to work topically?It can take 6-8 weeks of consistent topical use of salicylic acid before you begin to see improvements. Remember - consistency is key for optimal results. Results will not happen overnight.
Q. What’s the difference between salicylic acid and AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid?Both salicylic acid and AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are chemical exfoliants that promote faster cell turnover and cell regeneration. However, the way they exfoliate your skin is different.
Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) meaning it's oil-soluble and comedolytic (a fancy way of saying salicylic acid can get underneath and around the oil that sits in your pores to exfoliate dead skin deep within your pores). Because salicylic acid exfoliates deep into pores, it's a preferred ingredient to treat acne and prevent future whiteheads and blackheads from developing.
On the other hand, glycolic acid and lactic acid are AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), meaning they are water-soluble. Since oil and water don't mix, AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid cannot get under the oil in your pores and will only exfoliate the surface of your skin, not the dead skin deep inside your pores. That doesn't mean AHAs are not amazing exfoliants--they are widely celebrated for their anti-aging properties (i.e. treating fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation), and every skin type can benefit from AHAs whereas salicylic acid is best used for acne prone skin only.
Q. Should I use both an AHA and BHA product to get the best results?No, it is not recommended to use an AHA product and a BHA product at the same time. Since AHAs (like glycolic acid or lactic acid) are low pH exfoliants, combining an AHA with a BHA (another low pH exfoliant) can harmfully over exfoliate your skin leading to severe skin irritation: redness, dryness, flakiness, peeling, stinging, & burning. Nothing good. If you’re an overachiever and want to use both AHAs and benzoyl peroxide in your skin care regimen, you can test using a BHA in the morning (like a salicylic cleanser) and an AHA at night (like a glycolic acid serum), BUT proceed with caution. We can't overemphasize enough that you do not want to over exfoliate your skin (besides the discomfort, this can also lead to the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles). If you're considering using both ingredients at the same time, it's best to consult your dermatologist or esthetician.
Q. Is salicylic acid safe to use everyday?Yes! Salicylic acid is safe to use everyday, especially if you're working on clearing up existing acne. Once your acne has cleared, you may want to continue using salicylic acid if you have acne-prone skin. Continued use of salicylic acid will ensure your pores stay clean and prevent future breakouts.
Q. Is tingling from salicylic acid normal?Yes, don't panic; salicylic acid can make your skin feel tingly or even a slightly irritated for a few minutes after application. This is totally normal. We promise, it's nothing bad at all, so don't be afraid (any wax or threading is worse). Slight tingling, stinging, or pinkness is normal, and you may feel this the first few times using salicylic acid. However, if you have severe burning or itching, try another salicylic acid product with a lower concentration or another ingredient for the same desired effects.
Q. Are salicylic acid peels safe?Yes, salicylic acid peels are very safe. But one word of caution: depending on the strength of the treatment as well as your skin's reaction to the salicylic acid, your face could be slightly red for a few days after application (worst case scenario if used as directed). Basically, don’t get your first peel before any events or photo-ops.
Q. How do salicylic acid peels work?Salicylic acid peels exfoliate the outermost layer of skin. As a desmolytic, salicylic acid weakens the bonds between skin cells on the skin's surface. Because weakened bonds allow dead skin cells to shake free, the result is all your dead skin will shed or peel off your lovely face. The result? Fresh, vibrant, smooth skin. Exfoliation from salicylic acid peels reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and strengthen the skin's ability to retain hydration. Salicylic acid peels range in strength. If interested in a professional salicylic acid peel, consult a dermatologist or esthetician on the strength of peel that's right for your skin and how to prepare your skin for this treatment.
Q. Can salicylic acid burn your skin?Stronger, professional salicyclic acid peels can cause your skin to burn. We're talking worst-worst case scenario, so don't let this freak you out. The good news is that with help from a dermatologist or esthetician, most of the time the burn is only a temporary reaction post peel.
Q. Can salicylic acid lighten your skin?No, salicylic acid is not a skin lightening (as in whitening) agent and therefore, it cannot lighten your skin. However, since salicylic acid has the ability to exfoliate your skin’s surface and remove dead skin cells, it can help give your skin a brighter more even complexion. If hyperpigmentation is a top concern for you, we recommend trying a product with arbutin, azelaic acid, AHAs (i.e. glycolic acid) or vitamin C.
Q. Can salicylic acid peels cause hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots)?Yes, but only on darker skin tones. For the medium to deep skin toned beauties that tan easily and rarely burn, you're at risk of developing dark spots from using salicylic acid. Think darker Mediterranean, Latina, African-American skin tones (we're sorry to call out races explicitly here, but we do want to be clear so you know what's up...we don't want anyone to try salicylic acid and then get dark spots on their face without any warning. All of out love.
Q. Can salicylic acid smooth deep fine lines and wrinkles?No. Over-the-counter salicylic acid products and even most doctor's-office peels cannot smooth deep fine lines and wrinkles. If your focus is smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, check out glycolic acid, lactic acid, or retinol.
Q. Can salicylic acid shrink pores?No, salicylic acid cannot physically shrink pores (pore size itself is genetic and cannot be altered), but salicylic acid can make enlarged pores appear noticeably smaller. When pores are clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, or makeup, they are stuffed and stretched out--this is what makes them appear larger. Salicylic acid both unclogs pores and cleans them out. When pores are clean, they will naturally contract and appear smaller.
It's important to know that any improvement in "pore size" promised by masks, astringents, or exfoliators is temporary. Pores will continue to refill with gunk, so consistent use of ingredients like salicylic acid is the longterm way to keep pores clean, tight, and small. If you're looking for a quick-fix outside of skin care, there are plenty of makeup primers and "pore perfecting" balms that help reduce the appearance of large pores, but these products will never get to the root of the issue. Also, when wearing makeup, remember to cleanse thoroughly to avoid further clogging and risking pores looking even bigger.
Q. Does salicylic acid cause purging? Yes, salicylic acid can cause purging. Salicylic acid speeds up your skin cell turnover rate - this makes microcomedones turn into acne and blemishes more quickly, causing a sudden rush of breakouts on your face. Surprisingly, this is not a bad thing (no, we aren't joking). It actually means your salicylic acid product is working. However, if the product is causing you to break out in places you don’t normally break out, or your acne has become inflamed, then this is a negative reaction. In this case, you should discontinue using the product because it’s irritating your skin.
Q. How long does the “purge” time period last?Purging should only last up to a month - if your skin isn’t getting better after 6-8 weeks using the product, than ditch it.
Q. What is the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are fantastic skin care ingredients when it comes to fighting acne, but there are three main differences between the two:
- Acne Bacteria: Benzoyl peroxide is a stronger when it comes to fighting acne bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide has the ability to kill acne bacteria while salicylic acid only weakens acne bacteria.
- Oil Control: Salicylic acid is better for oil control. Salicylic acid both cleans out excess oil from pores and balances the production of new oil.
- Peeling Agents: Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are peeling agents, but they vary in strength. Salicylic acid is weaker and benzoyl peroxide is stronger. Salicylic acid is a desmolytic meaning it loosens the bonds between the outermost layer of cells for exfoliation. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic meaning it exfoliates deeper layers of skin. For those with sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide may irritate the skin more than salicylic acid.
- Prevent Whiteheads and Blackheads: Here's one where they are the same! As both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are comedolytics, they both prevent the formation of future whiteheads and blackheads with consistent use.
Q. Can salicylic acid be used with retinol?Yes, but use with caution. If you would like to use retinol in your skin routine with salicylic acid, test applying the ingredients at different times of the day. Use a cleanser or toner with salicylic acid in the morning, and a retinol product in the evening - do not use during the same time of day because it can cause skin damage and irritation. To be safe, consult your dermatologist or esthetician.
Q. Do salicylic acid care products expire?Yes. Look for the expiration date or a POA (prescribed period after opening) which tells you how long the product is good after it’s been opened. When in doubt, toss it out - the following are signs that your product has expired:
- The product has changed color or texture
- There is a strange scent coming from the product
- If you have swipe on pads, they will begin to dry out
- If you have peels or masks, they will begin to feel more irritating on your skin
Q. What are common names used to identify salicylic acid on an ingredient list for skin care products?
- Salicylic Acid
Q. What professinal skin care brand products contain salicylic acid?
- Akurza
- DuoPlant
- Hydrisalic
- Salex
Q. Can salicylic acid treat flat facial warts caused by HPV?Yes, salicylic acid has been studied to clear flat facial warts caused by HPV when used in combination with glycolic acid. In a study of a new therapy for facial flat warts using 15% glycolic acid plus 2% salicylic acid, all the patients were clinically cured within eight weeks with no noticeable adverse effects to the skin. If you have HPV and are experiencing facial warts, consult your dermatologist for the proper treatment.
Related Pages
Salicylic Acid Products for Acne and Oily Skin
How to Treat Oiliness - Causes, Treatments, & Top Ingredients
10 Best Oil Control Products for Treating Oily Skin
10 Best Cruelty-Free Products for Treating Oily Skin
How to Treat Acne - Causes, Treatments, & Top Ingredients
10 Best Acne Fighting Products
10 Best Cruelty-Free Acne Fighting Products
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