Pimples are the least of your concerns, now that these formulas are here.
Acne, blackheads, breakouts, and clogged pores are undeniably pesky, but the best salicylic acid products tackle them all. After all, salicylic acid maintains a consistent presence in ingredient lists for its ability to dissolve dead, pore-clogging skin tissue, speed up cell turnover, reduce the chances of future breakouts forming, and even soothe/treat conditions like scalp psoriasis.
Allow Yunyoung Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, to break it down for you. “Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities,” she explains. “It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin.” Salicylic acid also plays an important role in the acne-healing process (both in the short and long term), acting as “an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps red, inflamed pimples and pustules go away faster,” Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, previously said.
Now, you might be wondering about the differences between alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid, and their counterparts, BHAs. “Generally, oil-soluble ingredients [like salicylic acid] penetrate through the lipid layers between the skin cells more readily,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, previously explained to Allure. In comparison, their water-soluble counterparts (AHAs) stick to the skin’s surface.
That’s also why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a higher maximum percent for over-the-counter (OTC) products for alpha hydroxy acids — 10% for leave-on products and 30% for rinse-off treatments — but, more on that in the next section.
It’s important not to overdo the salicylic acid-spiked treatments, especially for those with dry, sensitive, and generally irritable skin. “I recommend starting with a lower concentration of salicylic acid, like 0.5 or 1%, to see if you tolerate it before jumping to 2% [the maximum amount the FDA allows in OTC products],” Dr. Chang tells us. She also endorses kicking off with salicylic acid once a day or once every other day and monitoring your skin — before you work your way up to twice daily (morning and night).
Additionally, you have to consider the products you’re pairing with salicylic acid. While you should be using moisturizer and especially sunscreen on a daily basis anyway, both products are vital in combating potential irritation associated with the acid. “I recommend using [salicylic acid] alongside skin-repairing and soothing moisturizers,” Dr. Chang says, highlighting those formulated with barrier-repairing ceramides and calming ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, Centella asiatica (also know as cica), and aloe. Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California, agrees and calls out fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizers like EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer.
Dr. Chang strongly advocates for sun protection after using any exfoliant, not just salicylic acid. “While salicylic acid may not directly increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it’s always important to protect your freshly exfoliated skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation,” she tells us.
Like we already touched upon, Dr. Chang confirms that potential side effects include skin tingling, stinging, itching, redness, peeling, and irritation. Salicylic acid is a definite no-no for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well. When it comes to combining salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids, just be cautious of excess dryness or irritation that may occur. As with any skin-care product, dermatologists like Dr. Chang recommend performing a spot test before going all-in. Better safe than sorry (and red all over), as they say.
Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has become a modern classic for its fluid-like feel and skin texture-refining formulation. This gentle yet effective leave-on treatment contains 2% salicylic acid to visibly unclog pores and fade the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars without causing undue irritation. Additionally, ingredients like soothing green tea leaf extract and moisturizing butylene glycol contribute to a dewier, more radiant complexion.
Best Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment: Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
Got a particular spot you’re trying to address? According to Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment will do just the trick, thanks to its potent 2% salicylic acid-powered formula — no wonder it won an Allure Best of Beauty Award. “Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment contains salicylic acid and witch hazel in a lightweight gel-cream formula with skin soothing extracts of oat, pine and thyme to reduce irritation,” she says. Sure, it contains the highest percentage of the active ingredient allowed on the market, but don’t expect its ultra light formula to dry out your skin, thanks to all of the irritation-soothing and moisture-replenishing additives spiked in its gel formula.
Best Salicylic Acid Body Acne Treatment: Glytone Acne Back & Chest Treatment Spray
If body acne is a concern of yours, don’t sweat it, because Dr. Murphy-Rose says the Glytone Acne Back & Chest Treatment Spray will tackle any form of breakouts on your body to leave skin feeling smooth and bump-free. “This spray delivers the breakout-fighting benefits of salicylic acid in a spray form that’s especially useful for treating hard to hard-to-reach, acne-prone areas like the back,” she says. Dr. Murphy-Rose also loves that Glytone recently updated the spray’s packaging to enable spraying when the bottle is upside down, so expect all your hard-to-reach areas to be covered.
Best Salicylic Acid Moisturizer: Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream
All we’ve ever wanted is a moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration without leaving a heavy, greasy finish or noticeable shine in its wake. Korres’ Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream does this and more — you have Santorini grape extract to thank for its pore-blurring abilities. This lightweight gel moisturizer is almost like a filter in a tub, which is clutch for days you can’t be bothered to wear makeup (or just don’t care to). Of course, there’s also salicylic acid and willowherb extract to flush out your pores and heal active blemishes. Add your sunscreen of choice, which layers seamlessly on top of this formula, and you’re ready to face the day.
Best Salicylic Acid Toner: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Not only is Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner housed in a gorgeous, abstract-like glass bottle, but it’s also chock-full of hydrating ingredients like cactus water, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid to replenish and lock in moisture. The thicker, syrupy texture absorbs into skin surprisingly quickly and creates less mess — in theory — than a more watery formula.
In total, the BHAs (salicylic acid, willow bark, and betaine salicylate) and PHAs tally up to 6%, which is a fairly potent concentration of sebum-dissolving acids that promote clearer, brighter skin. If you weren’t aware, PHAs stand for polyhydroxy acids, which have larger molecules that penetrate the skin more slowly and are more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
This is the second time Dr. Chang has recommended La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, so you know it’s a staple, tried-and-true product. She describes it a no-fuss, 2% salicylic acid face wash that targets excess oil and clears breakouts while glycerin, a humectant, helps hydrate the skin.
Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, is another fan of this formula that she says is best for those with acne-prone skin. “A small amount goes a long way and the salicylic acids cut right through those pimple-causing oils,” she explains. And, in case you’re looking for complementary products conveniently packaged together, we’d like to give a special shoutout to the three-step, Best of Beauty-winning Effaclar Acne Treatment System.
Best of Beauty Winner: St. Ives Tea Tree Acne Control Spot Treatment
Priced under $10, St. Ives’ Tea Tree Acne Control Spot Treatment was a no-brainer pick for a 2021 Best of Beauty Award in the Steals category. Antimicrobial tea tree reduces bacteria-causing acne and “redness caused by acne pustules,” as Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, previously explained. 2% salicylic acid is, however, the star ingredient that clears blemishes and prevents new blackheads and whiteheads from forming. Lastly, menthol adds a cooling dose of relief.
Best Salicylic Acid Peel: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Our readers know what skin-care products are most worth your buck, which is why The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution garnered a 2021 Readers’ Choice Award. As one of the most popular, TikTok-viral offerings from the affordable Canadian-founded brand, this blood-red chemical exfoliator mimics the effects of a professional peel for under $10. Just use with utmost caution if you have sensitive-ish skin, because the high concentrations of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acid are not messing around. But the refined, smooth texture and ensuing glow you get aren’t, either.
Soothing Moisturizer: Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer
As the sister brand to Peach & Lily, Peach Slices serves up affordable, drugstore-friendly products infused with high-quality ingredients that have been proven to be effective at treating almost any skin issue you’re facing. Take the Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer, which has a mild, 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid to dispel existing acne and prevent future breakouts over time. To help balance out the exfoliating component, there are various weights of hyaluronic acid, cica, allantoin, and cucumber to quell signs of inflammation and dehydration.
And if you like this moisturizer, there’s a complimentary, acne-focused cleanser, toner, and pack of pimple patches waiting for your perusal.
Best Non-Drying Formula: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
When we were sourcing recommendations from dermatologists, two CeraVe cleansers got upvotes. First up is the Renewing SA Cleanser (pictured above), which Dr. Evans says is ideal for drier, acne-prone skin — since she says the formula’s nourishing ceramides (of which there are three) “balances out the drying effect of the salicylic acid.”
If you feel more assured with a clear percentage, Cerave’s Acne Control Cleanser is listed out as containing 2% salicylic acid. Dr. Chang says the formula “contains oil-absorbing technology to reduce oil and visible shine” and also packs in three types of ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Tried-and-True Formula: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Chances are, you’ve probably picked up a bottle of Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash from your local drugstore aisle at some point, and were here to remind you that its more than deserving of a spot in your skin-care routine. The oh-so-classic cleanser comes at the recommendation of Dr. Evans. The 2% concentration of salicylic acid “exfoliates the skin by transcending the oil in the skin and removing [dead] cells that block the pores,” Evans explains.
Best Korean Beauty Pick: Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
For less congested and more even-toned skin, Dr. Chang reaches for Benton’s Aloe BHA Skin Toner. The nourishing treatment is spiked with salicylic acid and a blend of soothing aloe, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and beta-glucans to simultaneously hydrate and exfoliate your complexion. As such, there should be fewer chances of irritation. We love that this formulation has a dense, yet still fluid-like, texture that instantly absorbs into skin.
Best Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Blemishes
Meet the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Blemishes, which always play offense for you in the match against acne. These innovative pimple patches feature tiny, dissolvable needles — 173, to be exact — doused in 0.5% salicylic acid and tea tree leaf oil to stop early-stage or hidden pimples in their tracks. These patches are a tad thicker than the usual acne patches you might be familiar with, so we recommend wearing these during nighttime and not when you’re out and about.
For more developed pimples, check out the Best of Beauty-winning Mighty Patch Invisible+ Patches.
Readers Love It: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
In the arena of pimple patches, Dr. Chang calls out Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, which simply don’t disappoint when it comes to spot-treating zits that pop up without any warning. (Oh wait, that’s most of them.) The Readers’ Choice Award-winning hydrocolloid dressing forms a protective layer over your pimple and barricades the breakout from your prying fingers, which Chang says can cause worse-off scarring. These round, uniformly-sized dots then use a mild concentration of 0.5% salicylic acid, soothing aloe, and vitamin A to heal acne lesions and promote clearer, healthier skin, Chang adds.
Best Salicylic Acid Serum: Cocokind Probiotic Acne
Inside Cocokind’s Probiotic Acne Serum, you’ll not only find 1.5% salicylic acid working hard to decongest pores and clarify your complexion, but beta-glucan and postbiotics as well to draw moisture and soothe skin. The postbiotic in question is lactobacillus ferment, a non-living postbiotic produced during fermentation that helps reduce redness, supports your microbiome (a buzzier-than-ever term), and protects skin against environmental stressors. Gently pat two to three drops day and/or night after cleansing and toning for the best results.
Best Under-$15 Pick: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
For a no-frills, lightly foaming gel cleanser that’ll leave your complexion feeling refreshed but not totally stripped, The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser is the way to go. Its 2% salicylic acid that’s accompanied by anti-inflammatory zinc, irritation-soothing allantoin, and conditioning vitamin E, so your pores stay happy, healthy, and — most importantly — clear and unclogged. Since its formula contains a slew of skin-enhancing ingredients, this cleanser is great for just about any skin type, even those with sensitive complexions.