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In this article, we will be introducing the latest addition to your skincare routine and the most recent buzzed-about ingredient: salicylic acid. It has been widely regarded as something of a holy grail for those with acne problems or oily skin. But is it really a miracle cure in a bottle?
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid and has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin and dissolve dead skin cells and sebum from your pores. This makes it ideal in reducing blackheads and whiteheads as well as eliminating acne and blemishes due to its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties.
It is typically used to reduce blackheads, prevent breakouts, and minimize pores; therefore, it is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. For this reason, those with dry or sensitive skin should try to avoid using it as it could potentially strip their skin of moisture. Pregnant and lactating women should also avoid using salicylic acid as it is considered a blood thinner.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that occurs as a natural compound in plants. It has direct activity as an anti-inflammatory agent and can act as a topical antibacterial agent due to its ability to promote exfoliation. It is oil soluble, so it is ideal to use for oily skin types as a mild exfoliant.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Just because salicylic acid is noted to be beneficial for unclogging your pores and removing deep-seated dirt, does not mean you should just slather it all over. Take note of your skin concern and then choose which product you would most benefit from.
If you want a product that you can apply all over your face then facial wash is ideal, as it can cover a lot of surface area and is useful in preventing acne. The inclusion of salicylic acid as an ingredient also ensures it cleans your pores and decongests your skin.
This is ideal if you want to remove all the built-up dirt and grime from your skin that has accumulated during the day without the use of harsh scrubbing. If you’re not yet sure about incorporating salicylic acid in your skin care routine, start with cleansers, as the concentration is not that potent and you can wash it off.
Cleansers containing salicylic acid are ideal for those with acne because they have low concentrations of salicylic acid and are washed off immediately, thus minimizing skin irritation. They are also ideal for hard to reach areas like the back for those who have truncal acne ("bacne").
A toner’s purpose is often misconstrued; there have been thoughts that it should be harsh and abrasive to really get the gunk out of your skin. If it isn’t tingling, it isn’t working is a common theme, but all it does is irritate your skin, dry it out, and make you more prone to breakouts.
Toner is ideal for removing excess sebum, controlling oil production and regulating your skin’s pH balance. Salicylic acid in toner is also good for preventing minor pimples from forming; think of it as a preventive measure to ensure you don’t get breakouts.
Toners containing salicylic acid are useful as mild chemical exfoliants. They can also lessen the excess sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores. Take note that these exfoliating toners are not meant to be used on a daily basis because too frequent usage can damage your skin barrier and lead to increased redness, scaling, or irritation.
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and drying properties, which can speed up the healing process for acne and blemishes as it exfoliates your skin and promotes new cells. This is ideal if you have the occasional mild acne popping up every now and then.
Instead of picking at it, treat it with salicylic acid instead. It will remove your skin’s redness and dry it in about a day or two.
Salicylic acid can also be used as a spot treatment for acne but only for short-term use since there are other topical anti-acne medications that are more effective. It's best to consult your board-certified dermatologist for individualized management of your acne.
Did you know that salicylic acid can be used to treat scalp concerns? As previously mentioned, salicylic acid can exfoliate dead skin cells and it does this by dissolving the layer of keratin and regulates skin cells.
This makes it useful for treating scalp conditions such dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterized by inflamed skin with a flaky and itchy scalp.
Salicylic acid in shampoo is also useful for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff responds to more frequent shampooing or a longer period of lathering. Shampoos may be used on the scalp, beard, and chest for cases of seborrheic dermatitis.
If you have problem skin, you can use lotion infused with salicylic acid. This helps you soften rough bumps in your skin such as your elbows and knees. This is also an effective mild exfoliator if you want to get rid of blemishes or dark spots.
Body lotions containing salicylic acid are useful for rough skin and those with skin conditions called keratosis pilaris since salicylic acid at low concentrations can cause shedding of scales that eventually result in smoother and softer skin.
If you have oily skin, then salicylic is a good match for you. Having salicylic acid in your moisturizer allows you to treat blocked pores and acne while still delivering a dose of hydration, so you don't dry out your skin and cause breakouts.
Serums, on the other hand, reduce excess oil and prevent your face from getting shiny and removes blackheads - tightens your pores in the process.
Moisturizers and serums containing salicylic acid are useful for those with oily skin and they can also help in minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. Make sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist before using these skincare ingredients especially if it's your first time.
Ideally your skincare products should contain around 0.5 – 2% concentration of salicylic acid, which is effective for treating blackheads and acne, though some have noted how 1% is the golden standard. You might think that it does not sound like much, but acids should be used sparingly.
Remember that this acid is rather potent, so you should not aim for more in hopes of it being more effective. Anything higher must be consulted with a dermatologist or doctor, as it exceeds the spectrum of home use and over-the-counter classification and falls under professional use.
Salicylic acid with concentrations of 2% or less can be used as a mild chemical exfoliant. This is useful for those with oily skin and acne.
In concentrations of 3% to 6%, it causes shedding of scales by softening the skin's outermost layer, dissolving the intercellular matrix, and loosening connections between skin cells. In concentrations greater than 6%, salicylic acid is already destructive to tissues and should only be used under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Type | Salicylic Acid Percentage | ||||||
1 | Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | ₱615 Low Mid | Powerful Formula Infused With Salicylic Acid and Green Tea, Perfect for Oily Skin | Leave-on Exfoliant | 2% | ||
2 | CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser | ₱1,350 Mid | Gentle Cleanser for Exfoliating and Hydrating Rough and Bumpy Skin | Face Cleanser | 2% | ||
3 | The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | ₱559 Low Mid | Fade Acne Scars and Blemishes With 2% Salicylic Acid | Serum | 2% | ||
4 | CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin | ₱1,299 Mid | Skin Smoothing Lighweight Lotion for Rough Skin | Body Lotion | unknown | ||
5 | COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser | ₱354 Low | Your Gateway to Salicylic Acid Products | Face Cleanser | 0.5% | ||
6 | Nacific Origin Red Salicylic Acid Serum | ₱653 Low Mid | A Wash-Off Serum Infused With White Rice Extract for Excessive Sebum and Dead Skin Cells | Peeling Solution | unknown | ||
7 | Fenty Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask With Salicylic Acid And Charcoal | ₱2,430 High Mid | Fragrance-free Clay Mask for Blackheads | Clay Mask | unknown | ||
8 | Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo-Scalp Build-Up Control | ₱1,118 Mid | Dermatologist-Recommended Shampoo for Scalp Build-Up | Shampoo | 3% | ||
9 | Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | ₱6,220 High | Raspberry-Infused Vegan and Cruelty-Free Serum for Improving Skin Tone, Fine Lines, and Pores | Serum | 1% | ||
10 | Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads | ₱2,106 High Mid | Soothing Chamomile and Green Tea-Infused Peel Pads for All Skin Types | Peel Pads | unknown |
If you're looking for something that can help you combat dull and congested skin, Paula's Choice has something for you. This exfoliant contains salicylic acid that does an excellent job of removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, leaving you with a more even complexion and smoother skin.
It also comes with green tea extract that helps soothe irritations. Plus, its sodium hydroxide inclusion balances your skin's pH levels. Users appreciate the product as well for its ability to improve skin texture and tone, with some noting its gentle, non-irritating nature, too.
Product Type | Leave-on Exfoliant |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 2% |
CeraVe's Renewing SA Cleanser can help address various skin concerns. Apart from working as a cleanser that washes out accumulated dirt and grime, you can also use it as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. It is infused with salicylic acid that helps unclog pores for smoother and softer skin.
It also comes with ceramide that aids in restoring and maintaining your skin's barrier to lock in moisture and shield it from environmental stressors. Another plus is that it has a non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formula, which suits various skin types, including those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Product Type | Face Cleanser |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 2% |
Those who have acne-prone skin often suffer from blemishes and scars; therefore, exfoliating is one of the best ways to go about reducing their appearance. The Ordinary’s 2% Salicylic Acid Solution removes dead skin cells and lightens them to improve the appearance of scars.
Exfoliation also helps prevent pores from clogging, which can contribute to breakouts. For best results, it is recommended to use this product at night as a spot treatment or all over the face for general use. However, if your skin is extra sensitive or easily prone to redness and peeling, this product might be too potent for you.
Product Type | Serum |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 2% |
CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin is formulated with salicylic acid and lactic acid, providing a gentle exfoliating effect. It also has a trio of essential ceramides that restores your skin’s natural protective barrier. With its lightweight and non-greasy formula, it moisturizes and refines your skin’s texture, leaving it soft and supple.
This is a dermatologist-developed solution that is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free. It also has all-day hydration due to its MVE Technology, so you are sure that your skin is moisturized all day long! For gentle exfoliation and acne scar reduction, check out this product.
Product Type | Body Lotion |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | unknown |
Salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients to treat acne, which is commonly associated with oily skin. Besides exfoliating the deeper layer of your skin to remove sebum, dirt, and other bacteria that cause flare-ups or breakouts, it also reduces the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Now, you can get all that and more with this face wash cleanser by COSRX.
It contains a 0.5% salicylic acid solution—an amount that is effective yet gentle enough to prevent damaging the skin barrier. It is also formulated with tea tree oil bark that has antibacterial and calming properties, and willow bark and Saccharomyces to moisturize the skin. Lastly, reviewers love this product because it does not sting or cause itchiness and drying.
Product Type | Face Cleanser |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 0.5% |
Nacific's Origin Red Salicylic Acid Serum is a wash-off serum that addresses skin issues by unclogging the pores and removing excess sebum. Its non-comedogenic formula is ideal for acne-prone skin as it gently removes dead skin cells while calming the skin.
It also features the patented ingredient DERMA-CLERA™ derived from white rice extract, renowned for its skin-soothing properties, making sure that you can exfoliate without irritating your skin. This serum washes away your skin concerns for a softer and smoother complexion.
Product Type | Peeling Solution |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | unknown |
Product Type | Clay Mask |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | unknown |
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is a dermatologist-recommended formula designed to clear scalp build-up while relieving itching and flaking associated with various scalp conditions. Infused with 3% salicylic acid, a clinically proven active ingredient, this shampoo excels at breaking down and eliminating scalp build-up.
In addition to providing soothing relief from itching and flaking, the salicylic acid in this shampoo also controls the symptoms of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Users confirm its effectiveness in treating flakes; although it may not completely clear up the condition, it significantly reduces the condition's severity.
Product Type | Shampoo |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 3% |
Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum is an AHA/BHA night serum crafted to rejuvenate congested skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells for improved skin tone and texture. Its potent formula reduces excess oil to bring out your natural glow! This works deep in your skin to reveal a clearer complexion that is more effective in soaking up products.
This has a fast absorption formula that works effectively to reduce the visibility of fine lines and uneven skin tone. Moreover, this serum is vegan and cruelty-free, free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrances. Users commend its efficacy in delivering visible and transformative improvements in skin texture.
Product Type | Serum |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | 1% |
The Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads feature a 20% exfoliating complex comprised of phytic acid, salicylic acid, and sodium lactate. This effectively reduces the appearance of skin concerns like uneven skin tone, textures, and fine lines. Additionally, these pads provide essential nutrients and antioxidants to help smooth and calm the skin.
Product Type | Peel Pads |
---|---|
Salicylic Acid Percentage | unknown |
Despite its holy grail status, salicylic does have its negative points. Here's how to ensure you're getting the most out of it without harming your skin.
Yes, there is actually too much of a good thing. In this case prolonged use of salicylic acid can irritate your skin and lead to peeling and skin purging, which is when your skin breaks out because of the rapid exfoliation process.
If it is your first time using it, gradually introduce it to your skin. Use it for about 2-3 times a week and make sure to do a patch test first to know if your skin has any harsh or allergic reactions to the product.
Products containing salicylic acid are not meant to be used daily since it can increase the chances of skin irritation, especially if it is a leave-on product (toners, serums, lotions, moisturizers).
Salicylic is considered an active ingredient, which means it is responsible for producing the desired effect in a skin care product. This means it can have a rather potent effect on your skin.
If you mix it with other exfoliants such as retinol, which has drying properties, you’re likely to dry out your face because you are getting twice the amount or dosage.
Skincare products with salicylic acid should not be used with other actives like alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids, and Vitamin C because doing so can lead to more skin irritation or damage to your skin barrier.
This is because salicylic acid is an exfoliant and makes you more prone to photosensitivity and potentially burns your skin when exposed to UV rays. Try to use salicylic acid at night.
If you can’t avoid it, let’s say you’ve got a rather nasty zit or breakout that you need to zap, then remember to use sunscreen. This will ensure your face is protected as you go about your day.
Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed skin not covered with clothing because salicylic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Stay away also when the sunlight is the most intense and use other means of photoprotection like sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and UV protective clothing when applicable.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison.
Acne scars can either be atrophic (depressed) or raised (hypertrophic). Salicylic acid will not be able to remove these types of acne scars. It is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan which consists of various procedures such as microneedling, lasers, subcision, fillers, chemical peels, intralesional steroid injections, etc to address these scars.
Salicylic acid can remove warts at high concentrations. Consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance on how to use salicylic acid for wart removal.
Yes, it can cause purging, but not all individuals will experience this. This is due to increased skin cell turnover caused by retinoids and chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid.
Sure salicylic acid is all the rage right now, but let’s not forget to get back to the basics. Check out these products for a foolproof skincare routine.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Paula's Choice |Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
No. 2: CeraVe|Renewing SA Cleanser
No. 3: The Ordinary|Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
No. 4: CeraVe|SA Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin
No. 5: COSRX |Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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