Salicylic acid – what it is and the skincare products to stock up on

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Inflammation? Clogged pores? Breakouts? Meet the wonder ingredient that can banish them all

The word acid doesn’t necessarily sound like something you’d happily slather onto your face. But chemical exfoliants, like salicylic acid, are actually super beneficial for your skin.

Applying acids to acne and inflammation sounds kind of counter-intuitive. But salicylic acid is a great anti-inflammatory agent and blemish treatment – which is why you’ll find it in many of the best spot treatments and skincare products for oily skin.

But what exactly is it, where does it come from, and how exactly does it help skin? Read on to find out all about it.

What is salicylic acid?

‘Salicylic acid is a natural plant hormone that helps fend off environmental nasties,’ explains Mark Curry, co-founder of The Inkey List. ‘However, we can use this to remove dead skin cells and sebum from our skin and pores.

It’s effectively an exfoliant, removing old skin cells and debris, like sebum and oil, and ensuring new skin cells can thrive. It therefore supports acne-prone skin and helps it look more evenly toned.’

How does it work?

One of the biggest benefits of this ingredient is its ability to de-clog pores, making light work of blackheads and blemishes over time.

‘Unlike AHAs – alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid – BHAs or beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid are oil-soluble,’ Mark explains. ‘This means that they are able to get deeper into the skin and remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and oil that are the primary cause of breakouts and issues.

‘Alongside this, salicylic acid is also able to calm our skin, as it kick-starts cells to produce anti-inflammatory products at the same time.’ Redness and irritation, be gone.

If you’re using acids for the first time your skin might feel a little tingly, but over time it’ll get used to them. ‘Our Salicylic Acid Cleanser can be used morning and night to wash the day away, and our BHA serum can be used as a leave on product to ensure a more lasting effect, either morning or night.’

Remembed that if you’re using exfoliating acids in the morning, you should always follow up with an SPF. Keep reading for the Marie Claire-approved list of BHA products below.

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