Salicylic acid products for skin should certainly be on your radar, even if your skin isn’t oily or acne-prone because this incredible ingredient can do a lot for just about anyone. Since not all BHA products were made equal, in this article, you’ll get some intel on the best salicylic acid products to help you navigate the saturated skincare market. These are the best salicylic acid products on the market that will give you a more radiant look, from face oils to lotions, and more! Enjoy!
1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Skin Perfecting Gel Exfoliant
Paula Begoun’s blog is home to some of the most detailed information about salicylic acid, and she is known for being a huge supporter of the ingredient. It is no surprise that her brand includes BHA in all manners of textures and percentages. We chose the gel for this list because the texture is unique and easy to use and it contains a wealth of skin-soothing ingredients. But you truly can’t go wrong with any of her products. You can buy it through Dermstore.
2. CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
I love me some niacinamide, so seeing it paired with BHA and willow bark extract is so exciting! This K-beauty product contains 4% BHA in the form of the gentler betaine salicylate. It will help to resurface the skin and clarify acne, but it should also help prevent premature aging and fight redness. This salicylic acid product is perfect for women of all skin types. You can pick it up from Ulta.
3. Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil
There is a running theme with this BHA product. Someone gets a sample of it, tries it out, falls in love with it, and then cries when they realize the price point. This is one of the best salicylic acid products because it’s extremely effective, very gentle, and it comes in a very innovative formula.
It is one of the few face oils that include exfoliating acids, so it also keeps the skin lightly moisturized. This formula fights acne on multiple fronts and it also contains skin-clarifying cumin and tea tree oils. It can be purchased from Sephora.
4. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Perfect for all skin types, this potent little salicylic acid serum from The Ordinary is infused with witch hazel to effectively remedy blemishes and breakouts. In tandem with its clarifying properties, it works to eradicate dull skin by improving tone and texture. We love this BHA product because it is vegan, and formulated without alcohol, oils, fragrances, or parabens, making it the perfect choice for women with sensitive or inflammation-prone skin. It’s available at beauty retailer Sephora.
5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This storied serum is famous in skincare circles and beyond and is one of the best selling luxury salicylic acid products on the market. Legions of fans are not wrong about this intoxicating blend – it truly works wonders. Just one drop is sufficient to dry out blackheads and whiteheads, making this a vital tool in your fight against blemishes.
Formulated with calamine, Badescu’s Drying Lotion should be applied with a Q-tip directly on the blemish after cleansing the skin. It is most effective for evening use. This is one of our favorite BHA products for women with breakout-prone skin. It’s available at Nordstrom and Amazon.
6. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer
This BHA product boasts a lightweight moisturizing formula that comes packaged in a fresh and vibrant little tube. This smooth moisturizer is perfect for women who want the one-two punch of blemish removal and deep hydration. The formula helps to prevent breakouts before they form and imparts skin with clarifying and balancing moisture.
The formula includes antimicrobial properties, which work to begin purging pores of bacteria and dirt instantly. We’re not done yet though: this hard-working salicylic acid cream also controls oil production, leaving you with a lusciously matte finish. It’s available at Sephora.
7. Skin Laundry Acne Face Wash With Salicylic Acid
One of the best salicylic acid products for acne comes from Skin Laundry, promising to even out your skin texture and promote a clear, healthy-looking skin you have been dreaming of. While the BHA contained exfoliates the skin to eliminate the clogged pores and remove any dirt, the lilac stem cells calm inflamed skin, at the same time controlling sebum production. This magic BHA product can be picked up from Ulta.
8. Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Get maximum refining, refreshing, and re-hydrating action with this high-voltage salicylic acid gel formula from Drunk Elephant! Resurface your skin by using this BHA product to gently dissolve dead skin cells and improve texture and facial clarity. Blended with raspberry extracts and a power pairing of AHA and BHA actives, this formula works hard and fast to exfoliate the skin.
White tea and horse chestnut extracts are infused into the blend to soothe the skin during the exfoliation process. Large pores, oily texture, and fine lines are all targets of this salicylic acid serum, which will leave you with vibrant skin overnight! It’s now available at Sephora and Amazon.
9. Peter Thomas Roth AHA/ BHA Acne Clearing Gel
Clinical skincare guru Roth brings us this fabulous blend of AHA and BHA acids in a sleek and stylish bottle. Designed to rapidly eliminate whiteheads, blemishes, and fine lines, this powerful number helps to clear skin and impart youthful clarity all at once.
The synergistic action of the two actives creates results quickly. Frequent use will decrease the incidences of breakouts over time and will support the regulation of healthy cell turnover. This salicylic acid product is now available at Nordstrom.
10. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Blemish Patrol Pads
Prevent breakouts before they form with these delightfully user-friendly miracle workers. The formula contains acne-fighting tea tree oil, which works to decrease oil production and improve the clarity of the skin. Willowbark extract soothes and relaxes the skin and helps to mattify the skin surface. This salicylic acid product is ideal for women with combination or blemish-prone skin. It’s available at Ulta and Amazon!
11. Colleen Rothschild Beauty Salicylic Acid Treatment Complex
Refine blemished skin with this powerful and decadent salicylic acid formula. The rich BHA cream eradicates blemishes and helps to prevent new breakouts before they form. Willowbark and niacinamide work harmoniously to improve skin texture and decrease the size of pores. Rosemary extract limits oil production. Allow the cream to absorb before applying additional products. This salicylic acid product is now available at Neiman Marcus.
12. CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion
This salicylic acid lotion is intensely moisturizing and will hydrate even the driest of skin profiles. MVE technology penetrates the pores and releases ceramides that keep the skin protected and supple throughout the day. Vitamin D improves skin texture and helps to sustain a more vibrant and luminous complexion.
This BHA product is perfect for women who want gentle blemish control and intense moisture. This salicylic acid product is designed for use on the entire body, and it’s available at Dermstore!
13. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme
These hard-working acid pads don’t mess around! They contain three of the most sought-after compounds in skin care for heavy-duty skin refinement. Glycolic acid (AHA) reduces pigmentation and the appearance of scarring, which leads to a more consistent and vital skin tone. Salicylic acid cleanses the pores of dirt and oils. Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin with an infusion of intense moisture. This salicylic acid product is now available on Amazon.
Photos via Sephora, Nordstrom