What is Salicylic Acid?

Source: Dr. Pimple Popper University

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which means that the hydroxy part of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms, as compared to an alpha hydroxy acid that is separated by one carbon atom. Salicylic Acid is derived from willow bark, and it belongs to a class of ingredients that are called salicylates. Therefore, Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, making it easier to penetrate into the pores of your skin.

Generally speaking, oil-soluble ingredients have a better penetration rate through the lipid layer of your skin cells compared to water-soluble ingredients. In addition to that, Salicylic Acid is one skincare ingredient that most dermatologists would recommend using if you need help with fixing your acne and blemish concerns. This is also due to the fact that this acid has a larger molecular size compared to any other acids. Also, it is one of the most gentle acids there are and it is proven to not cause irritation or inflammation to your skin.

What does Salicylic Acid do to your skin?

If you’re having trouble with skincare congestion like acne, whiteheads or blackheads, Salicylic Acid is your go-to miracle worker! This acid has a unique ability to “unglue” and dissolve the debris from your pores and getting rid of your skin’s blemishes. Not only that, this acid cuts right through the layers of your sebum to not only cleanse, but also purify your pores.

In addition to that, Salicylic Acid prevents blemishes from even forming on your skin in the first place. If you were to use the acid treatment all over your face, be sure to use it in lower dosages as it can dry out your skin. Also, another benefit of using Salicylic Acid is that it controls your sebum production. It helps slow the pace of oil production in your skin, which is an ideal product for those with oily skin.

What are some things to take note of when using Salicylic Acid?

One major detail to take note about the acid is that it tends to dry your skin out when it is used in high dosages. It is a known rule that you should only use one skincare product with Salicylic Acid in your daily skincare regime. If you have a face cleanser that is infused with the acid, you should definitely avoid using a toner that contains the acid too.

To add on, because the acid heals your skin on a molecular level, you should give the acid some time to work its magic. As there are other products that give you instant visible results, skincare with Salicylic Acid require about eight to 12 weeks before you can actually see the results. Hence, another key to using Salicylic Acid products is patience! 🤗

What are some of the best Salicylic Acid skincare products?

1. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

If you suffer from congested pores, a cleanser with Salicylic Acid might just do the trick to unplug all the nasties from your skin. The Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser by CORSRX works hard to remove any impurity and excess sebum while fighting pimples and blemishes, leaving your skin feeling clean but not tight. It’s highly effective at cleansing your face, yet it’s still very gentle. Suitable for all skin types, this is a must-have product to reduce breakouts.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
  • Affordable
  • Cruelty-free

Price: $15.05

Where to buy: Watsons

2. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Breakout Control Acne Treatment Facial Lotion (discontinued)

This facial treatment lotion not only helps you get rid of acne but it also helps prevent future blemishes. Diligent usage of this product will also help reduce the appearance of dullness and the uneven texture of your skin. Additionally, it is also formulated with acne-clearing salicylic acid and pine bark extract that calms and soothes the redness of the acne.

Why we love it:

  • Soothes redness and irritation
  • Prevents breakouts
  • Brightens the skin

Price: $80.00

Where to buy: Kiehl’s Singapore

3. Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Clear Anti-Acne Treatment

This acne treatment solution is formulated to fight acne and to leave your skin looking much younger and healthier after using it. Additionally, it works nine ways to help sooth, purify and clear you acne-prone skin. Not only that, this gentle formula also helps exfoliate, unclog your pores, control acne-causing bacteria, minimises oil, reduce redness, increases the oxygen level of the skin, retain the moisture and balances the pH and smooths your skin.

Why we love it:

  • Balances oil production
  • Controls acne-causing bacteria
  • Retains moisture in the skin

Price: $94.00

Where to buy: tryandreview.com

4. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

Using this product is as good as using a topical prescription from a dermatologist for clearing your acne. This daily treatment gel clears your blemishes as you apply it. Not only that, it also helps prevent the new ones from popping up. What’s more is that, this formula is formulated without the use of parabens and phthalates.

Why we love it:

  • Reduces blemishes and surface oils
  • Reduces irritation
  • Can be used gently

Price: $59.00

Where to buy: Sephora

5. Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel (discontinued)

This is a next-generation micro delivery Vitamin C peel-off mask that provides peptides to your skin as it simultaneously exfoliates your skin. Not only does it replenish your skin, but it also resurfaces your skin at the same time, which a new approach to skin rejuvenation. Most importantly, when you use this product, there is no downtime to it. All you have to do is use this peel once a week to see the magic it works!

Why we love it:

  • Brightens the skin
  • Gently exfoliates
  • Leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth

Price: $109.00

Where to buy: Sephora

6. SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser is a targeted exfoliating cleanser that has a 12% concentration of key ingredients like lip-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, glycerin and sorbitol to remove the excess makeup and oil that are congesting your pores. Using this cleanser will brighten your skin and unclog your pores. Additionally, this cleanser is also formulated for those with ageing-prone skin.

Why we love it:

  • Unclogs congested pores
  • Brightens the skin
  • Formulated for mature skin

Price: $72.00

Where to buy: Amazon

7. Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment

This spot treatment is a maximum strength treatment that has 2% of Salicylic Acid infused in it. It helps reduce the blemishes on your skin, extra sebum and cleans out your pores. Not only that, but the pine and thyme extracts infused in the formula also fights irritants while preserving your skin’s healthy balance. What’s more, is that it works perfectly under makeup without peeling. It is also formulated without the use of parabens, sulphates and phthalates, which makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Fights acne and breakouts
  • Works well under makeup
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive

Price: $38.50

Where to buy: Amazon

8. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment

This underrated product is a powerful gel that was formulated with a breakthrough technology. It dissolves the surface oil on your skin as it is applied, and with the oil gone, this gel then penetrates your pores and clears out your acne with the infused 2% of Salicylic Acid. With diligent use of this product, your pimples will reduce in size, along with the swelling and redness.

Why we love it:

  • Reduces acne-causing bacteria
  • Fights acne and breakouts
  • Oil-free

Price: $34.45

Where to buy: Shopee

9. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

This Salicylic Acid solution is perfect to be used on all skin types. Infused in the solution is witch hazel that helps in effectively getting rid of blemishes as well as breakouts. Not only that, but it also eradicates your dull skin by improving the texture and the tone of your skin. Additionally, this solution is a BHA product that is vegan and formulated without oils, alcohol, fragrances, as well as parabens, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Free from oils, alcohol, fragrances, and parabens
  • Suitable for all skin types

Price: $14.00

Where to buy: Sephora

10. Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Get maximum refreshing, refining and rehydrating effects with this high-voltage Salicylic Acid serum. With the use of this serum, your skin will resurface by gently dissolving the dead skin cells and improving the texture and the clarity of your skin. Additionally, with the raspberry extracts, AHAs and BHAs in this formula, it also exfoliates your skin. Not only that, but there is also white tea and horse chestnut extracts found in this serum that will soothe your skin during the exfoliation.

Why we love it:

  • Resurfaces and exfoliates the skin
  • Improves skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores
  • Soothes the skin

Price: $135.00

Where to buy: Sephora

11. Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel

This clearing gel has an amazing blend of BHA and AHA acids packaged into a stylish bottle. This formula is formulated to eliminate whiteheads, fine lines and blemishes rapidly while clearing your skin leaving it youthful. To add on, when this gel is used frequently, your breakouts tend to disappear over time due to the infused Salicylic Acid.

Why we love it:

  • Prevents future breakouts
  • Formulated with AHA and BHA
  • Prevents formation of blackheads and whiteheads

Price: $55.00

Where to buy: Zalora

12. Vichy Normaderm Toner

Formulated with Vichy’s proprietary Vichy Volcanic Water, not only does the Normaderm Toner work to improve the skin’s texture, it also works to strengthen the skin barrier, preventing future breakouts. This toner also protects the skin from external stressors, such as UV rays and pollution to further prevent acne. Plus, it’s also formulated with Glycolic Acid, which helps to refine and smoothen the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Improves skin texture
  • Protects the skin
  • Prevents future breakouts

Price: $32.00

Where to buy: Guardian

13. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micropeeling Gel Cleanser

If you suffer from acne or bacne, you absolutely need this product. The Effaclar Micropeeling Gel Cleanser by La Roche-Posay is a gentle yet intensive cleanser which effectively purifies oily skin. It works to deeply cleanse the pores as well as reduce excess sebum, which in turn reduces breakouts. It’s also great for persistent and cystic acne, as it penetrates really deeply into the pores. It has a gel texture, and doesn’t strip the skin from its natural oils. Your skin will feel squeaky clean but not tight with this cleanser.

Why we love it:

  • Deeply penetrates the pores to purify
  • Controls shine
  • Leaves skin feeling soft

Price: $58.90

Where to buy: Watsons

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