What to Buy Skincare Products The 15 Best Salicylic Acid Products to Banish Blemishes, Dandruff, and More We consulted skin experts to find up the best face washes, serums, and toners to clear clogged pores. By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured in Health, Simply Recipes, VeryWell Fit, and more. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines Updated on August 6, 2023 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / David Hattan In the realm of skin care products, a formula is only as good as its ingredients. The best active ingredients for you depend on your skin type and any skin concerns or conditions you may have. For oily and acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is a top contender. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which is a fancy way of saying it’s a mild exfoliant that removes the buildup of dead skin cells. There are many topical exfoliants to choose from, but what makes salicylic acid so effective is that it’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deep into the pores where it binds to oil and clears congestion. Essentially, it unclogs pores, but it also reduces inflammation and even sebum production during the process. Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, notes that salycilic acid can also help manage skin conditions like keratosis pilaris, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. While salicylic acid is certainly a staple in skin care products for acne, it’s also beneficial in some hair products. It can improve conditions like dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp, says Nicole Negbenebor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Iowa City and Mohs Fellow at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dandruff shampoos often contain salicylic acid to exfoliate the flakes away, for example. To find the best salicylic acid products, we enlisted the help of board-certified dermatologists. We asked them for their recommendations and criteria when choosing from the sea of options. Their advice? Look for a 2% concentration of salicylic acid and pair it with ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. After researching dozens of options, these are the best we found. A dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the information in this article about salicylic acid and how it works for accuracy. Our Top Picks Best Overall: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Budget: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Serum: Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Blackheads: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best Toner: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Acne Treatment: Kate Somerville EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment at Amazon ($68) Jump to Review Best Face Wash: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Body: Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Spot Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Body Wash: Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best Overall CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Target $13 View On Ulta $14 Why We Like It Recommended by dermatologists, this cult favorite cleanser combines the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid with hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing ceramides. It's Worth Noting Salicylic acid isn’t listed as an active ingredient, so it may be used in a very low concentration. When we asked dermatologists for their preferred salicylic acid products, this CeraVe cleanser was the clear winner. Dermatologists raved about it for its mild yet effective formulation. “This is my favorite end-of-day face wash for acne-prone skin,” says Neil Farnsworth, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. He adds that, even if you don’t have breakouts, it’s a good way to remove the day’s grime before bedtime. It’s targeted to normal skin types, so though it’s an exfoliating cleanser, it’s gentle enough for daily use. Ceramides, CeraVe’s hero ingredients, help moisturize and support skin barrier function while hyaluronic acid draws in water. It also contains niacinamide, a B vitamin that soothes inflammation. Finally, it’s fragrance-free, which Dr. Jeffy loves for those with sensitive skin. If you’re new to salicylic acid, this cleanser may be a good place to start because it’s likely a low concentration. Salicylic acid isn’t listed as an active ingredient, which could signal it makes up less than 0.5% of the product. Product Details: Type: CleanserSize: 8 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamideRecommended Use: Massage cleanser onto wet skin and rinse Best Budget The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Sephora View On Amazon $10 View On Sephora $7 View On Ulta $7 Why We Like It It’s a lightweight yet concentrated serum that comes with a convenient dropper for easy application. It's Worth Noting It doesn’t contain any hydrating or soothing ingredients to balance out the acid, so it can be harsh if not used properly. Skin care doesn’t have to be expensive to work. A few of the dermatologists we spoke to recommended this salicylic acid serum from The Ordinary because it’s inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to apply. While the ingredients are simple, dermatologists like that. The formula is fragrance-free and it comes in a convenient dropped bottle, adds Dr. Negbenebor. It’s quite concentrated at 2% salicylic acid, which may not sound like much, but it’s the maximum amount allowed in over-the-counter (OTC) products. At this concentration, this serum is best suited for those who are familiar with salicylic acid and pair it with products that will soothe and hydrate since the active ingredient can be drying or irritating, Dr. Negbenebor says. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 1 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acidRecommended Use: Apply a small amount in the evening Best Serum Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% Target View On Amazon $20 View On Target $21 Why We Like It It’s a concentrated salicylic acid serum that also contains ingredients to soothe and moisturize. It's Worth Noting It’s not intended for all-over application. Because it’s an acne-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid is commonly used in facial cleansers and body washes. But Dr. Negbenebor recommends using it in serums. In fact, it’s one of the best ingredients to look for in a face serum, she says. This one by Naturium is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. A 2% concentration of salicylic acid is the star to bust breakouts while maltobionic acid soothes irritation. It also contains konjac root extract for its moisturizing properties. Since it contains soothing ingredients, this serum can be used daily. However, it’s recommended for use only on areas with active acne. Product Details: Type: SerumSize: 1 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, maltobionic acidRecommended Use: Apply a thin layer to acne-prone areas daily Best for Blackheads Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Amazon View On Amazon $35 View On Sephora $13 View On Dermstore $32 Why We Like It It’s a lightweight exfoliant that improves acne, skin texture, and skin tone. It's Worth Noting It can be used up to twice a day, but you’ll need to wear sunscreen if you apply during the daytime. This Paula’s Choice exfoliant has more than 60,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. With a cult following like that, we’re not surprised that it’s also beloved by dermatologists, who say it can be used as an acne treatment but it’s also an option for smoothing out uneven skin texture. It’s particularly beneficial for blackheads since it clears out pores and reduces pore size, notes Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. A blackhead is a hair follicle clogged with sebum. Salicylic acid is the perfect solution for blackheads since it unclogs pores, dissolves sebum, and sloughs off dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is used at a 2% concentration in this product, but it’s still gentle enough for daily use. In fact, the manufacturer recommends using it up to twice per day but notes that it should be combined with SPF during the day. Product Details: Type: Leave-on exfoliantSize: 4 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green teaRecommended Use: Apply once or twice daily to clean skin Best Toner La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner Target View On Amazon $17 View On Target $17 View On Ulta $19 Why We Like It It helps balance skin’s pH, which is an underrated way to help clear up acne. It's Worth Noting Using AHAs and BHAs together can cause some irritation. Getting your skincare routine down pat is a science. Here’s a little chemistry reminder for you: When skin’s pH is too acidic, it increases the chances of dealing with conditions like acne. What can you do? Start your routine off with a toner. The main purpose of a toner is to balance the skin’s pH level. Toning also helps get rid of excess dirt and refreshes skin before applying the rest of your skin care products. This toner by La Roche Posay balances skin’s pH and uses salicylic acid to clear pores. It also contains glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates skin and gives it a nice glow, says Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine. Glycolic acid also has an anti-acne effect and is great for anti-aging since it boosts collagen and improves dark spots. There’s just one thing to be mindful of—you can combine AHAs and BHAs like in this product, but the combo can cause irritation in some. Product Details: Type: TonerSize: 6.76 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acidRecommended Use: Apply to clean skin up to twice daily, pairing with sunscreen during the day Best Acne Treatment Kate Somerville EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Sephora View On Amazon $68 View On Sephora $68 View On Dermstore $34 Why We Like It It’s specifically formulated to treat acne with 2% salicylic acid and retinol. It's Worth Noting Retinol could contribute to irritation and sensitivity to the sun. For those with more severe acne, Dr. Graf recommends this all-over acne treatment. It’s lightweight but contains a strong 2% concentration of salicylic acid to unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells. It also contains ingredients that support the skin microbiome and reduce the dryness that can sometimes occur when you use exfoliants. What’s more, it also contains retinol, a powerful ingredient known for its anti-aging benefits that also reduces breakouts. Retinol helps get rid of congestion in the skin, so it can be used to treat acne while also targeting the signs of aging. Just be sure to introduce this product into your routine slowly since retinol can increase irritation or cause skin purging. You’ll also want to be extra diligent about wearing sunscreen daily when using retinol, AHAs, or BHAs because they can increase photosensitivity. Product Details: Type: All-over treatmentSize: 1 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, retinolRecommended Use: Apply to clean, dry skin at nighttime Best Face Wash SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel Dermstore View on SkinCeuticals View On Dermstore $45 View On Bluemercury.com $45 Why We Like It It uses an ultra potent form of salicylic acid along with glycolic acid to clear up congestion. It's Worth Noting It’s pricey for a cleanser. There’s no shortage of salicylic acid cleansers on the market, but SkinCeuticals is shaking things up with this LHA cleanser. LHA stands for lipo-hydroxy acid, and it refers to an ester of salicylic acid known as caproloyl salicylic acid. According to Dr. Farnsworth, LHA is about three times as potent as regular salicylic acid, making this a suitable choice for someone with a very oily complexion. In addition to LHA, it also contains regular salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Dr. Graf likes that this face wash delivers the active ingredients to the skin without stripping its natural oils, so it could be a gentle choice for those with sensitive skin. Product Details: Type: Cleanser gelSize: 8 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lipo-hydroxy acidRecommended Use: Apply twice daily to wet skin, then rinse Best for Body Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On Target $15 View On Revolve Why We Like It It’s a convenient solution for back acne. It's Worth Noting Salicylic acid shouldn’t be inhaled, so keep it away from your face when spraying. Acne most commonly appears on the face, but it can also occur across the body. Ever heard of “bacne,” for example? Back acne can be stubborn to treat because it’s hard to reach. This 2% salicylic acid body spray makes it easy to spray your own back. Simply hold the nozzle about a foot and a half from your body and let the solution sink into clean, dry skin for about a minute before getting dressed. The bottle sprays continuously, so it’s super easy to use. It also contains other anti-acne ingredients like tea tree oil and witch hazel. Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory, so it can help tame the redness that often accompanies breakouts. The kicker is that salicylic acid isn’t meant to be inhaled, so try not to breathe it in. Product Details: Type: Body mistSize: 3 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree oilRecommended Use: Spray onto clean, dry skin and let it sit for 30-60 seconds Best Spot Treatment Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Ulta View On Amazon $18 View On Target $18 View On Sephora $18 Why We Like It Salicylic acid and sulfur tag team active breakouts while calamine calms inflammation. It's Worth Noting It contains sulfur, so it doesn’t smell great. A pimple is essentially excess sebum mixed with dirt and a buildup of dead skin cells, so drying it out is often touted as a home remedy for acne. But you don’t want to dry out the rest of your skin in the process. A drying spot treatment does the trick. Dr. Graf recommends using this Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on an as-needed basis to dry out spots quickly. It reduces inflammation on blemishes and helps absorb excess sebum, she says. Just dab some on with a cotton swab and let the mixture of salicylic acid and sulfur do their thing. Salicylic acid unclogs while sulfur purifies. Together, the duo zaps zits while you sleep. It smells a little funky at first thanks to the sulfur, but the scent fades and it’s a small price to pay for clear skin. Product Details: Type: Drying solutionSize: 1 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, sulfur, calamineRecommended Use: Use a cotton swab to dab a small amount of product onto clean, dry skin, then rinse off in the morning Best Body Wash Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash Amazon View On Amazon $9 View On Target $9 View On Walmart $10 Why We Like It It treats body acne but is suitable for sensitive skin. It's Worth Noting The consistency is like a lotion, so don’t expect a rich lather. A salicylic acid body wash can keep body acne at bay, and this is an easy step to add to your shower routine. The dermatologists we spoke to like this Cetaphil formula for the maximum 2% salicylic acid content that targets acne on the back, chest, arms, and legs. It’s a gentle formula that pairs salicylic acid, which can be drying, with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil, Dr. Green says. She adds that it’s gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. To maximize the anti-acne effects, Dr. Negbenebor recommends leaving the product on your skin for 5 minutes before rinsing. If you like a body wash with a rich lather, you might not love this one. While it doesn’t foam up easily, it will get the job done. Product Details: Type: Body washSize: 20 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, shea butter, lactic acidRecommended Use: Massage cleanser onto wet skin and rinse Best Mask Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque Amazon View On Amazon $56 View On Ulta $56 View On Dermstore $56 Why We Like It Kaolin and bentonite clays draw out excess sebum to keep oily skin under control. It's Worth Noting It contains triclosan, which can kill acne-causing bacteria but some people avoid it when possible. A skin care routine doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. Is a face mask a necessity? No, but it’s nice to have. For acne-prone and oily skin, clay masks are especially helpful. They have a slight drying effect on the skin, which is an effective way to soak up all that excess sebum that could lead to future breakouts. While clay does its thing, other acne-fighting ingredients go to bat for your skin. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates away the grime while niacinamide reduces inflammation and shrinks your pores. This face mask also contains triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that has been shown to be more effective at killing acne-causing bacteria than benzoyl peroxide. Since triclosan was recently banned in the use of toothpaste products, some consumers are still hesitant to knowingly use it. Product Details: Type: MaskSize: 2.5 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, clay, triclosan, niacinamideRecommended Use: Leave on clean skin for 10 minutes, then rinse; Use three times a week on clean skin Best for Sensitive Skin Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Sephora $19 View On Dermstore $19 Why We Like It The low concentration of salicylic acid is a good way to introduce the ingredient to sensitive skin. It's Worth Noting It’s not as potent as other options, so it’s likely best for mild uses. Contrary to popular belief, you can use salicylic acid if you have sensitive skin—with a few caveats. Before using a new active ingredient, remember to perform a patch test. In all skin types, salicylic acid has been known to cause dryness, irritation, and sensitivity to sunlight. To reduce these side effects, start slow and stay on top of using your moisturizer and SPF. This Paula’s Choice cleanser contains just 0.5% salicylic acid, so it’s a great choice for beginners or those worried about irritation. The formula is enhanced with arginine, an amino acid that soothes sensitive and irritated skin. It also contains a vitamin to soften and hydrate the skin. While it’s not the most potent product, the low concentration is ideal for those prone to irritation. Product Details: Type: CleanserSize: 6 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, arginine, provitamin B5Recommended Use: Massage cleanser onto wet skin and rinse Best Scrub Differin Acne Clearing Body Scrub Amazon View On Amazon $9 View On Target $9 View On Walgreens $14 Why We Like It The combination of AHAs and BHAs helps unclog pores throughout the body. It's Worth Noting It’s scented, so it may not be a good choice for those with sensitive skin. There are two types of exfoliators—physical and chemical, and the latter is more gentle. Still, using a scrub is satisfying and makes your skin feel instantly smoother and softer. Dr. Graf recommends this Differin scrub to anyone dealing with body acne. It contains a high concentration of 2% salicylic acid with 1% glycolic acid, so you reap the pore-purifying benefits of BHAs and AHAs, respectively. While some scrubs can be too abrasive on the skin, this one uses vitamin E exfoliating beads to gently buff away dead skin cells that could contribute to clogged pores. Shea and cocoa butters counteract dryness, and the formula is oil-free, but we wish it was fragrance-free. Product Details: Type: ScrubSize: 8 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, shea butter, glycolic acid, vitamin ERecommended Use: Massage scrub onto wet skin and rinse Best Shampoo Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $15 View On Vitacost Why We Like It It’s free of fragrance and harsh sulfates, which can sometimes dry out the scalp or cause irritation. It's Worth Noting Though it doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, it has a strong smell. “Avalon is one of my favorite brands because of the clean ingredients,” says Dr. Negbenebor, who recommends this 2% salicylic acid shampoo for dandruff. She points out that the first ingredient is aloe vera, so it’s less likely to dry out your scalp and hair, which salicylic acid can sometimes do. Many shampoos contain harsh sulfates or strong scents, so this one is a nice alternative free of those potential irritants. In addition to treating acne, salicylic acid can help control the flaking, scaling, and itching associated with dandruff, Dr. Green explains. It can also be beneficial for those with an oily scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis. Salicylic acid clears the buildup of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles, and it can also replace your clarifying shampoo since it helps remove product buildup. Product Details: Type: ShampooSize: 14 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, aloe vera, tea tree oilRecommended Use: Lather onto wet hair and rinse; Use at least three times per week Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatment CeraVe SA Moisturizing Cream Amazon View On Amazon $21 View On Target $24 View On Walmart $26 Why We Like It It calls on salicylic acid and lactic acid to smooth out bumpy skin (aka chicken skin). It's Worth Noting The concentration of salicylic acid isn’t listed, so it’s likely used in small amounts. Salicylic acid is a mouthful, so it’s often referred to as a BHA. It’s also a keratolytic agent, Dr. Farnsworth says. This means that it helps remove the excess buildup of dead skin cells that contribute to skin conditions like keratosis pilaris (KP). KP is caused by a buildup of the protein keratin, which plugs hair follicles and causes a rough, bumpy texture. There’s no cure, but topical products can help soften and smooth skin texture. This CeraVe cream comes recommended by the dermatologists we spoke to because it contains a cocktail of ingredients that can help improve KP, including salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation, ceramides to support skin barrier health, and lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cells. If you get those pesky bumps on the backs of your arms or thighs, Dr. Farnsworth says to use this cream twice a day. Just remember to wear sunscreen while using it. Product Details: Type: CreamSize: 19 ozKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, lactic acidRecommended Use: Apply to skin as needed How We Selected To find the best salicylic acid products, we started by talking to board-certified dermatologists. We got their expert opinion on who could benefit from salicylic acid, what types of products are best, and what concentration and active ingredients to look for. The dermatologists shared their favorite brands and products, and we used their advice to conduct our own research. We first cast a wide net and looked at dozens of different products across all categories—cleansers, serums, shampoos, and so on. We narrowed down the search by prioritizing formulas with 2% salicylic acid and active ingredients that pair well with salicylic acid, such as niacinamide, per dermatologist suggestions. The following experts helped us with our selection: Neil Farnsworth, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona Nicole Negbenebor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Iowa City and Mohs Fellow at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine What to Know About Salicylic Acid Products What is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, for short), which is often confused with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both AHAs and BHAs gently exfoliate the skin through a chemical process, but they work a little differently. AHAs are water soluble and work on the surface to remove dead skin cells, thereby improving the signs of aging. BHAs are oil-soluble, so they’re able to travel deeper to unclog pores, which is why they make for better acne treatments, notes Dr. Jeffy. Salicylic acid falls in the latter camp, and it’s derived from the bark of willow trees, explains Dr. Negbenebor. Benefits of Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid is most well-known for its acne-related benefits. “It’s a gold standard ingredient for fighting acne,” Dr. Green says. It’s extra effective for treating acne because it’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deeper into the pores to remove bacteria and debris as a way to deeply cleanse acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it can soothe the inflammation and redness that tend to accompany acne. Many of the benefits of salicylic acid can be attributed to its exfoliating properties. As a type of BHA, it’s a chemical exfoliant that facilitates skin cell turnover, sloughing off dead skin cells to make room for new ones, explains Dr. Green. Exfoliating is key for acne prevention because it gets rid of the buildup of dead skin cells that could lead to breakouts. Routine exfoliation also smooths and brightens the complexion, Dr. Jeffy adds. As a keratolytic agent, salicylic acid can bust the buildup of excess keratin, which leads to the formation of bumps on the skin’s surface. Dr. Farnsworth recommends salicylic acid creams for managing keratosis pilaris symptoms. Aside from skin, salicylic acid is beneficial in hair products. Many of the exfoliating and purifying benefits of salicylic acid that make it so popular in skin care products also apply to the scalp and hair follicles, says Dr. Green. It’s particularly effective for controlling scalp oiliness, reducing flaking and inflammation, and improving conditions like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. How to Use Salicylic Acid There’s a learning curve to using salicylic acid, but it’s simple once you learn a few ground rules. First, the concentration matters. In OTC products, you can expect to find salicylic acid at concentrations between 0.5% and 2%. It can be even higher in prescription-strength products and professional treatments like chemical peels. Dr. Negbenebor recommends a 2% concentration for most people but notes that irritation is more likely to occur at higher strengths, so it may be too potent for those with sensitive skin. Second, salicylic acid is safe to use daily, but dermatologists suggest gradually increasing the frequency. Dr. Green recommends starting out slow by using salicylic acid 2-3 times per week and slowly increasing the frequency until your skin can tolerate it daily. If you dive right in and overuse it, you run the risk of over-exfoliation, she says, which could contribute to dryness and irritation. Choosing the right type of salicylic acid product is also important. There are plenty to choose from, such as cleansers, serums, creams, scrubs, and more. Dr. Negbenebor says a simple face wash or serum is a good way to incorporate salicylic acid because it leaves room in your skin care routine to moisturize afterwards. Following up with a moisturizer is also a great way to get ahead of dryness or irritation caused by salicylic acid. If you’re unsure how to use salicylic acid, check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a dermatologist. Key Ingredients There are some ingredients that salicylic acid pairs well with and others that should be used separately. When we asked dermatologists what ingredients to look for in a salicylic acid product, niacinamide was the overwhelming recommendation. It’s a B vitamin that promotes collagen production, evens out skin tone, and reduces inflammation, Dr. Farnsworth says. Niacinamide is also known for reducing the appearance of pores. Other ingredients that play nice with salicylic acid include hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, Dr. Green explains. One of the downsides of salicylic acid is that it can contribute to dryness, and humectants help counteract that effect. If you use other active ingredients like retinol and AHAs, proceed with caution. These ingredients can also have a drying effect on skin, which could lead to dryness, flaking, and irritation. These ingredients also increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen daily and reapply as needed. Skin Type It’s no surprise that salicylic acid is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types. These skin types tend to overproduce sebum, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts. Using salicylic acid regularly regulates oil production and cleanses pores, allowing for clear skin with the right amount of shine. Dry and sensitive skin can use salicylic acid but should do so with caution. Dryness is a side effect of salicylic acid, so those with dry skin may experience some discomfort. The ingredient may also be too harsh for those with skin conditions like eczema. Your Questions, Answered How much do salicylic acid products cost? Salicylic acid is an affordable way to treat acne. Our picks average $24 per product, and we found options as low as $7. How long does it take for salicylic acid to work? Salicylic acid works quickly to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, so skin may feel smoother quickly. However, it can take several weeks for salicylic acid to treat acne. Using salicylic acid regularly can prevent future breakouts once acne is under control. Should I use 1% or 2% salicylic acid? The maximum concentration of salicylic acid in OTC products is 2%, and that’s the strength recommended by dermatologists. Those with particularly sensitive skin may opt for lower concentrations. Can I use salicylic acid every day? Salicylic acid is safe to use every day. To prevent irritation and over-exfoliation, gradually increase the frequency. Dermatologists recommend using salicylic acid 2-3 times a week at first and slowly working your way up to daily use. Who We Are Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer who specializes in skin health. Her career in content marketing began at a small beauty brand where she learned the ins and outs of skin types and active ingredients. Since then, she has interviewed dozens of board-certified dermatologists on various skin care topics, including the best practices for using salicylic acid products. As someone who experiences the occasional breakout, she keeps the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant on hand for a quick but effective acne treatment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 5 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cleveland Clinic. Facial acids: Know what you need in your skin care routine. Venosa, A. Is your beauty routine making you photosensitive? Skin Cancer Foundation. Cheon D, Kim J, Shin HC, Kim Y. Target proteins of phloretin for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities against propionibacterium acnes-induced skin infection. Molecules. 2019;24(7):1319. doi:10.3390/molecules24071319 Weatherly LM, Gosse JA. Triclosan exposure, transformation, and human health effects. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B. 2017;20(8):447-469. doi:10.1080/10937404.2017.1399306 American Academy of Dermatology. Keratosis pilaris: Self-care.