Exfoliants & acne actives· in 6 products

Salicylic acid

Also listed as BHA (beta hydroxy acid), Betaine salicylate and Willow bark extract (contains salicin, not salicylic acid)

Moderate evidence 0.5–2% OTC; 20–30% professional peels

Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pore, making it a staple for blackheads and breakouts. In the US it is an approved over-the-counter acne drug at 0.5–2%.

Shop 6 with salicylic acid All ingredients

6SaSalicylic acidExfoliants & acne actives

What it does

The short version.

Because it dissolves in oil, salicylic acid can travel into sebum-filled pores and loosen the plug of dead cells and oil that forms blackheads and whiteheads. It also exfoliates the surface and has mild anti-inflammatory activity related to aspirin. Cleansers deliver brief contact; leave-on toners, serums and spot treatments deliver more.

Moderate evidence

Widely used and FDA-monographed for acne, but a Cochrane review found that much of the trial evidence for salicylic acid in acne is low quality; clinical experience and peel studies support its use for blackheads and oily skin.

In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 6 products we review, most often exfoliants & masks and cleansers. Those products are mostly built for smoothing, clogged pores and pore refining. In formulas, it most often shares the label with hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and niacinamide.

Reach for it for

Blackheads Clogged pores Acne Oil control Pore refining Smoothing Dandruff

Usually a good fit for

Oily skin Acne-prone skin Combination skin

How to use it

Getting it right.

Use a cleanser daily or a leave-on product once a day or a few times a week, starting slowly. Follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer and daily sunscreen.

Layering

Friends & frenemies.

Pairs well with

Niacinamide Hyaluronic acid Ceramides Benzoyl peroxide Azelaic acid Glycerin

Go slow with

Glycolic acid Lactic acid Mandelic acid Retinol Retinal Adapalene

Not forbidden — just easier to over-do. Alternate nights or separate morning and evening.

Before you start

Can cause dryness and peeling. The FDA advises sun protection with BHA products. People with aspirin allergy should ask a clinician first, and large-area or high-strength use is not recommended in pregnancy without medical advice (small amounts in cleansers are generally considered low risk). Rare serious allergic reactions to OTC acne products warrant stopping use and seeking care.

References

Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.