FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING OVER $120
HOME OF NASTY FREE BEAUTY
FREE SHIPPING OVER $70

Salicylic Acid

Suitable Skin Types

normal_icon_black_1

Normal Skin


dry_icon_black_1

Dry Skin


oily_icon_black_1

Oily & Acne Skin


combination_icon_black_1

Combination Skin


Mizon Goodbye Blemish Clear Patch with lab beakers and cotton swabs, highlighting acne care solution.

Highlights of Salicylic Acid

  • Acne treatment
  • Exfoliates dead skin cells
  • Unclogs pores and minimise enlarged pores
  • Reduces excess sebum (oil)
  • Anti- inflammatory – reduces redness and irritation related to breakouts
  • Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Bonajour Eggplant Daily BHA Toner with sliced eggplant on side, enhancing skin care benefits.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), can be synthetic or naturally sourced from the willow bark tree. This chemical exfoliant works wonders on oily and acne-prone skin. Unlike water-loving alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs), oil-soluble BHAs penetrate deep into pores, dissolving dead skin cells, excess oil, and debris that contribute to breakouts. This targeted cleansing action effectively treats blackheads, whiteheads, and other superficial blemishes.

What can Salicylic Acid do for your skin?

Exfoliant – salicylic acid eliminates dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover, it also promotes smoother, brighter skin. This exfoliating power extends to the scalp as well, making salicylic acid a helpful ingredient in dandruff treatments.

Acne treatment – an oil-soluble hero, it dives deep into pores to clear out congestion and prevent future breakouts. This BHA dissolves dead skin cells, excess oil, and debris that can clog pores and lead to blemishes. It even tackles whiteheads and blackheads at the source, while its astringent properties help minimise pore size for a smoother, clearer complexion.

Regulates sebum production – salicylic acid can reduce and control sebum production in the skin.1 This translates to cleaner pores, reduced breakouts, and a visibly minimised appearance of pores.

Anti-inflammatory – like aspirin, salicylic acid belongs to the class of drugs called salicylates. This shared heritage allows both to reduce inflammation and redness, making them effective in treating breakouts. breakouts.2

Anti- ageing – while primarily known for tackling blemishes, salicylic acid’s exfoliating prowess extends to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By eliminating dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, it can reveal smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.

Can you use Salicylic Acid when you’re pregnant?

While topical salicylic acid in low concentrations is generally considered safe, exercising caution during pregnancy is wise. Salicylic acid’s chemical structure is similar to aspirin, which has been linked to birth defects and miscarriages when taken orally during pregnancy. To prioritise your baby’s safety, it’s best to avoid salicylic acid during this time. For any concerns about incorporating new skincare ingredients while pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult a healthcare professional. They can offer personalised advice based on your unique health needs.
A sleek white jar of OOTD Snail Mucin Lifting Cream designed for advanced hydration and comprehensive skin recovery benefits.

How do you use Salicylic Acid?

With a history dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, has transformed from a treatment for inflammation to a modern hero for oily and acne-prone skin. Toners, serums, creams, masks – you’ll find salicylic acid in a variety of skincare products, often at concentrations up to 2% over-the-counter.

However, like retinol, a gradual approach is crucial. Start with twice-weekly use, slowly increasing frequency as your skin adjusts. This minimises side effects like dryness, tingling, itchiness, peeling, and redness that can occur. Remember, salicylic acid can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so always follow with SPF during the day. While allergies are rare, a patch test is recommended to ensure tolerance. If you experience severe reactions, discontinue use immediately.

With that being said, be sure to try SKIN1004’s Centella Poremizing Clear Toner combining pore-clearing salicylic acid with calming centella asiatica, leaving you with clear, soothed skin. Fight stubborn dandruff with The Powder Shampoo’s Exfoliating and Balancing Shampoo, achieving a refreshed, flake-free scalp in just a few washes. Finally, say goodbye to blemishes overnight with Mizon’s Goodbye Blemish Clear Patches – these easy-to-use patches effectively target breakouts for a smoother, clearer complexion by morning.

Sources

1 Lu, J et al (2019) Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes. Experimental Dermatology, Volume 28, Issue 7, pages 786-794. Link

2 Jacobi, A., Mayer, A., & Augustin, M. (2015). Keratolytics and emollients and their role in the therapy of psoriasis: a systematic review. Dermatology and therapy, 5(1), 1–18. Link
Home Search What's Hot Cart