Salicylic Acid: Benefits and How to Use

Salicylic acid (or SA) is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating properties. A stronger chemical exfoliant, salicylic acid works by penetrating the skin to break down bonds between dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Topical salicylic acid is often used to help manage blemish-prone skin as it penetrates deeper layers of the skin.

Salicylic acid works by gently exfoliating the skin, breaking down dead skin cells deep within the pores. This BHA is oil soluble, so it’s better able to penetrate the skin and unclog pores while managing excess sebum production. Salicylic acid also helps to promote skin cell turnover to reveal smoother, brighter skin, making it suitable for blemish-prone skin and rough or bumpy skin.

One of the biggest benefits of salicylic acid is its ability to penetrate the skin to deeply exfoliate, clearing away dead skin cells and excess oil that cause blemishes. Salicylic acid is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t exacerbate clogged pores. While being a stronger exfoliant to other chemical exfoliants, salicylic acid is still gentler on the skin compared with physical exfoliants, so it won’t compromise the skin moisture barrier. Salicylic acid is also oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the pores to prevent pimple-formation.

Salicylic acid is a type of BHA that can be formulated in a number of skincare products and come in different concentrations. Potent salicylic acid serums allow for increased absorption into the skin for faster and more significant improvements. Salicylic acid is also found in cleansers for daily use and in moisturising creams and lotions that exfoliate and hydrate at the same time. Products with SA are usually formulated as an exfoliating product that addresses pimples and breakouts or helps with rough, bumpy skin texture.

This will depend on the specific product you’re using and your skin type. Salicylic acid can be found in cleansers, serums, moisturisers and other skincare formulations designed specifically for blemish-prone skin, rough or bumpy skin and oily skin types. Oily, rough and blemish-prone skin can add salicylic acid formulas to their skincare routine as often as twice daily. Salicylic acid may be too strong for dry or sensitive skin types, and should be used in moderation. For regular exfoliation, you might only need to use it twice a week, or you might find a gentler alpha hydroxy acid, like glycolic acid or lactic acid, suits your skin better. When using salicylic acid products, follow the directions labelled on your specific product. Avoid contact with eyes, inside the nose and other mucous membranes.

You can use salicylic acid with a number of other ingredients to both enhance and complement its skin benefits. We recommend pairing your salicylic acid product with other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and vitamin C.

Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to combine with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid does dry out the skin, and following your topical salicylic acid with a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturiser helps balance out this side effect to strengthen the skin moisture barrier.

Salicylic acid and niacinamide

Salicylic acid and niacinamide are a great skincare duo for smoother skin and a more even skin tone. Combined, these two ingredients support each other in promoting skin cell turnover, clearing out and tightening pores, and visibly fading dark spots and surface level hyperpigmentation.

Salicylic acid and ceramides

Ceramides are an essential lipid making up the skin's protective moisture barrier. Incorporating salicylic acid with ceramides allows for a gentle chemical exfoliation without compromising the skin moisture barrier.

Salicylic acid and vitamin C

Salicylic acid and vitamin C support each other in promoting brighter, more radiant skin. Vitamin C protects the skin from harmful free radicals, while salicylic acid promotes skin cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin. But it's important to alternate between these two ingredients, as they may cause skin irritation when used in unison. Use a vitamin C serum in the morning to protect from free radicals and add your salicylic acid product to your evening routine to remove impurities and dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid and other hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid)

Some topical salicylic acid preparations will combine hydroxy acids to enhance the exfoliating benefits. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are two types of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) often used in combination with salicylic acid to increase skin benefits to blemish-prone skin. Our Blemish Control Gel is formulated with a BHA/AHA blend to target both surface layers and deeper layers of the skin to manage both existing pimples and the formation of future pimples.

Overusing salicylic acid, or using in combination with other strong, skin-drying ingredients, can lead to over-exfoliated skin, manifesting as skin irritation, discomfort and dry or reddened skin. This is more likely in sensitive and allergy-prone skin. Salicylic acid also increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure, which is why you should always incorporate a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen in your morning routine. Stop using salicylic acid if you notice an unusual or allergic reaction.

Depending on the product, sensitive skin types should avoid using high concentrations of topical salicylic acid. Make sure to patch test your product before adding to your regular routine and stop using the product if you notice irritated skin or signs of an allergic reaction. Avoid using salicylic acid if you're using another topical solution for blemishes, like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. Speak to a board certified dermatologist for guidance on whether salicylic acid is right for you.