Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an organic compound originally derived from willow bark and now made synthetically for skincare. What does salicylic acid do? It helps regulate sebum production, reduce breakouts, and fade post-acne marks.

How to use it

Apply salicylic acid for skin 1-2 times a day as part of your routine, for example during toning or as a serum. Concentrations up to 2% are considered effective.

Always use sun protection when using salicylic acid. It’s not recommended for children, during pregnancy, or if you have sensitive skin.

Suitable for

Oily skin, combination skin, and skin prone to acne or post-acne marks.

Things to know

Don’t use salicylic acid at the same time as other exfoliating acids, retinol, or high doses of vitamin C, as this may cause strong irritation.

Evidence

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Ingredient Overview

INCI name Salicylic Acid

Function Anti-seborrheic, hair conditioning, keratolytic, fragrance, preservative, skin conditioning

CAS number 69-72-7

Chemical formula HOC₆H₄COOH

Common use Face care, body care, hair care

Salicylic Acid alternatives

Azelaic Acid Retinol Glycolic Acid

FAQ

1. What percentage of salicylic acid is best?

In cosmetics, an effective concentration of salicylic acid is around 2%. At the same time, 0.5% salicylic acid is used as a preservative.

2. Does salicylic acid make skin more sensitive to the sun?

It's usually not considered a photosensitizing ingredient at approved concentrations. However, salicylic acid is often used for conditions such as acne and hyperpigmentation, where it's necessary to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

3. How long does it take to see visible results from salicylic acid?

It depends on the goal. If the goal is to reduce blackheads (one of the key salicylic acid benefits), it usually takes at least 2-3 weeks of regular use. For breakouts, salicylic acid can help reduce swelling within a few days, but post-acne marks take much longer. However, in the first days, there may be a slight worsening, as pore cleansing can temporarily increase breakouts.