Salicylic Acid
살리실릭애씨드
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores to treat acne and improve skin texture.
What is Salicylic Acid?
CAS Number
69-72-7
Formula
C7H6O3
Molecular Weight
138.12 g/mol
Also known as: 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, BHA, Beta Hydroxy Acid
What does Salicylic Acid do for skin?
Lipophilic beta hydroxy acid that penetrates sebum-filled pores. Dissolves intercellular lipid bonds between corneocytes (desmolytic action), promoting exfoliation within the follicle. Anti-inflammatory via COX inhibition (structurally related to aspirin). Comedolytic at 0.5-2%, keratolytic at higher concentrations.
Typical concentration: 0.5-2% (OTC max in US), up to 30% for peels
Is Salicylic Acid safe?
FDA-approved OTC acne ingredient at 0.5-2%. May cause mild stinging and dryness. Not recommended during pregnancy at high concentrations. CIR Expert Panel: safe up to 2% in leave-on products.
What does the research say about Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent
Arif, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015
Comparative efficacy of salicylic acid vs glycolic acid for acne
Kessler et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008
Regulatory Info
Can I mix Salicylic Acid with other ingredients?
Retinoids and BHA (salicylic acid) together can overdry skin and damage the moisture barrier. Use on alternate nights instead.
Using AHA and BHA together is aggressive exfoliation that can strip the skin barrier. Use on alternate nights for best results.
General guidance
BHA can increase sun sensitivity. Make sure SPF is in your morning routine.
Vitamin C and BHA together may be too acidic. If your skin tolerates it, it's fine. Otherwise, separate into AM/PM.
Peptides
BHA's acidic pH may reduce peptide effectiveness. Consider using in separate routines (acids AM, peptides PM).
Growth Factors
BHA's low pH may reduce growth factor effectiveness. Consider using in separate routines for best results.
Benzoyl peroxide and BHA both target acne but together can be very drying. Consider alternating AM and PM.
Azelaic acid and BHA together may be too drying for some skin types. Monitor for tightness and scale back if needed.
Niacinamide + salicylic acid is a power duo for oily and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide calms any irritation from the BHA.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is pH-stable and safe to combine with BHA (salicylic acid). No need to separate them the way you would with retinol.
Read all ingredient interaction guides for layering order and science-backed advice.