Having earned quite a reputation in the skincare industry for its powerful breakout-banishing properties, salicylic acid is a must-have ingredient for anyone with oily, acne-prone or even combination skin. It’s a hard-working BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that exfoliates, smoothes and clears your complexion of any dead skin cells and built-up debris. The results? Fewer breakouts, a softer complexion and minimised pores.
You can use it in a cleanser (we love CeraVe’s Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin), to sweep away the day’s oils and grime. Grab a spot treatment, such as the La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. Breakout Corrector, for a potent breakout-clearing solution. And even apply a serum formula like The INKEY List’s C-50 Serum to buff your skin overnight.
Because it’s so powerful, salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation if overused, so it’s best to use it 2–3 times a week to start with and then build up your skin’s tolerance. And the same applies to those that have sensitive skin. But don’t be put off, salicylic acid is a great addition to your skincare regimen, and a must-have for those with oily, breakout-prone complexions.
Salicylic Acid Skincare
Recommended Retail Price: £14.50Current price: £10.15
Recommended Retail Price: £8.00Current price: £5.60
Recommended Retail Price: £215.00Current price: £150.50
Recommended Retail Price: £150.00Current price: £105.00
Recommended Retail Price: £14.10Current price: £10.58
Recommended Retail Price: £20.90Current price: £14.63
Recommended Retail Price: £6.10Current price: £4.58
Recommended Retail Price: £8.90Current price: £6.68
Recommended Retail Price: £14.50Current price: £10.15
Recommended Retail Price: £9.00Current price: £6.30
Recommended Retail Price: £18.00Current price: £12.60
Recommended Retail Price: £15.50Current price: £10.85
Recommended Retail Price: £25.00Current price: £18.75
Recommended Retail Price: £16.50Current price: £11.55
Recommended Retail Price: £12.00Current price: £8.40
Recommended Retail Price: £29.00Current price: £20.30
Recommended Retail Price: £45.00Current price: £31.50
Recommended Retail Price: £13.00Current price: £9.10
Recommended Retail Price: £43.00Current price: £30.10
Recommended Retail Price: £18.00Current price: £14.40
Recommended Retail Price: £26.00Current price: £18.20
Recommended Retail Price: £14.50Current price: £10.15
Recommended Retail Price: £31.00Current price: £21.70
Recommended Retail Price: £32.00Current price: £22.40
Recommended Retail Price: £22.50Current price: £15.75
Recommended Retail Price: £40.00Current price: £28.00
Recommended Retail Price: £29.00Current price: £20.30
Recommended Retail Price: £65.00Current price: £52.00
Recommended Retail Price: £44.50Current price: £31.15
Recommended Retail Price: £38.00Current price: £26.60
Recommended Retail Price: £9.99Current price: £6.99
Recommended Retail Price: £20.50Current price: £14.35