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What you might not know, however, is that it’s not exclusive to anti-acne skincare.
It all goes back to its exfoliating properties.
Getty Images/Graphic by Cristina Cianci
If these skincare benefits sound good to you (and why wouldn’t they?
Many products on this list combine salicylic acid with other actives for intense exfoliating and other benefits.
Check out the best salicylic acid products to use for softer, smoother skin.
Amazon
Salicylic acid-packed formulas range from body wash and shampoo to lotion and peels.
If your skin is sensitive, look for the cleanest formulas you might find to avoid potential irritants.
Products that are free of fragrance are well-loved by those with sensitive or reactive skin.
StackedSkincare
There’s a reason most acne washes contain salicylic acid, as explained by board-certified dermatologistDr.
This sudsy cleanser is recommended by dermatologists and contains a high percentage of the skincare compound to alleviate blemishes.
throw in:Cleanser |Active Ingredients:2% salicylic acid |Size:6 fl.
Amazon
“Of course, if the skin is actively inflamed, I do not recommend applying salicylic acid.”
jot down:Peel |Active Ingredients:Lactic, glycolic, phytic, and salicylic acids |Size:5 fl.
This cleanser contains physical and chemical exfoliants.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
If you’re new to the hero ingredient, board-certified dermatologistDr.
Howard Sobelsays to use it in small amounts at first.
However, I did leave it on for a couple of minutes in the shower.
Sephora
Simply press a cotton pad down on the pump and press it over your skin.
Based on before-and-after pictures and some glowing customer testimonies, we believe it.
pop in:Toner |Active Ingredients:0.5% salicylic acid, glycolic and lactic acids |Size:4.4 fl.
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
The brand’s toner uses a combination ofglycolic acidand salicylic acid meant to clear and smooth problem skin.
punch in:Toner |Active Ingredients:Salicylic acid |Size:6.8 fl.
oz |Cruelty-Free:No
Best Exfoliating Mask: Drunk Elephant T.L.C.
Amazon
Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask
Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacialis a cult-favorite product.
It combines glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids meant for an intensive exfoliating effect.
Because of this, it’s meant to be used only on occasiondefinitely not every day.
Sephora
The brand recommends using it once per week as a face mask.
It helps to reveal brighter, smoother skin after a few minutes.
bang out:Mask |Active Ingredients:25% glycolic acid blend, 2% salicylic acid |Size:0.5 / 1.7 fl.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
I use it two to three times per week.
After cleansing, I add a few drops to my palms and then press it against my skin.
“This can cause irritation and flaking especially in people with sensitive skin.”
Nordstorm
Plus, the glowy, smooth, and clear results have kept me a loyal fan.
bang out:Serum |Active Ingredients:Glycolic acid, sodium hyaluronate |Size:1 fl.
These are used in the same way.
Ulta
It’s oil-free, like the Origins pick, and has salicylic acid to keep acne at bay.
jot down:Moisturizer |Active Ingredients:1% salicylic acid |Size:2 fl.
It helps repair damage,while also adding much-needed volume and shine.
Ulta
Even if you don’t have obvious dandruff, it might help keep your scalp clean and healthy.
Look for it as an active ingredient in products like Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo.
It combines the dry skinbanishing acid with coconut oil meant to moisturize and hydrolyzed wheat protein meant to condition.
Kiehl’s
It’s another product that made the list of best anti-acne body washes.
If you struggle with body acne, you might’t go wrong choosing this drugstore classic.
throw in:Body wash |Active Ingredients:2% salicylic acid |Size:8.5 fl.
Target
It’s even fragrance-free and hypoallergenic for people with sensitive skin.
That’s why we don’t suggest incorporating all of these into your beauty routine at once.
bang out:Lotion |Active Ingredients:Salicylic and lactic acids |Size:8 fl.
Amazon
Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Yes.
Salicylic acid is often combined with other exfoliating acids for a peeling effect.
The combination of acids can be an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
Salicylic acid is keratolytic, meaning it breaks down the outer layer of skin, says Rabach.
Known for its ability to dissolve dead skin cells deep within pores, it’s an effective acne treatment.
Flaking typically occurs as it exfoliates dead skin cells.
Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives.
Arif T.Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765
Norsworthy J, Bhatti Z, George T.Topical Salicylic Acid Hypersensitivity.
2018 Sep/Oct;25(5):e568-e569.
2016 Mar;42(3):384-91. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000642.
