Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid extracted from the bark of willow trees. Commonly used in skincare products and professional chemical peels for the treatment of mild acne-prone skin, salicylic acid works by exfoliating dead skin cells - helping to unclog pores and keep them clear. The exfoliating benefits also extend to improved skin surface texture by reducing bumpy skin, and enhanced radiance.

Dermatologists and other healthcare professionals often recommend salicylic acid as an ingredient suitable for mild acne-prone skin because of its gentle exfoliating effect. By facilitating the shedding of dead skin cells, salicylic acid helps prevent clogged pores; one of the key factors contributing to blemish formation. The exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid can also help improve the look and feel of skin by addressing other skin concerns such as rough surface texture, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and dullness.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that's especially beneficial for those with an oily skin type. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it's able to penetrate pores and mix with sebum (the natural skin oils) found both there and on the surface of the skin. However, all skin types can benefit from salicylic acid and the gentle exfoliation it provides, helping to smooth surface texture, promote a more even skin tone, and increase radiance.

Salicylic acid can be found in a range of different skincare products, including SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Cleansing Gel and LHA Blemish + Age Toner. These products form an ideal part of any skincare routine designed to address excess oil and promote exfoliation, and can also help prepare the skin for other treatment products that follow.

SkinCeuticals also offers products that combine salicylic acid with other ingredients to help improve the appearance of visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Blemish + Age Defense is one of those - a serum that combines salicylic acid with dioic, lipo-hydroxy, glycolic, and citric acids for gentle yet effective exfoliation to help visibly improve discolouration and other signs of ageing.

Discover the ideal SkinCeuticals salicylic acid products to suit your skin type and get advice about how to use them. Use our online Routine Finder, or visit one of the SkinCeuticals Authorised Australian clinic locations.

Yes. All SkinCeuticals products containing salicylic acid have been tested and proven to be well-tolerated when used on the face.

Because the use of salicylic acid results in exfoliation of dead skin cells, your skin can become more sensitive to the harmful UV rays of sun exposure. Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every morning

Although excellent for oily and acne-prone skin, salicylic acid may not be as appropriate for sensitive or excessively dry skin. However, SkinCeuticals offers a wide array of other results-driven products that don't contain salicylic acid to help improve specific skin concerns. A SkinCeuticals skincare professional can recommend a customised regimen of at-home skincare and professional treatments tailored for the unique needs of your skin.

Salicylic acid skincare products are recommended for those with oily and blemish-prone skin.