What are the Benefits of Salicylic Acid?
Due to its exfoliating properties, this ingredient is great for anyone who needs good, consistent exfoliation. If you suffer from oily skin, acne, congestion, and uneven skin tone, Salicylic Acid products could help soothe your problems.
A Salicylic Acid cleanser could help clear up unwanted acne and give skin a smoother, more even-looking appearance. Acne products containing Salicylic Acid work to gently remove impurities and keep your skin looking clear.
Other Names that Salicylic Acid Might go by in Ingredients Lists
The most common names that Salicylic Acid might go by in ingredient lists are:
BHA. Although Salicylic Acid is just one type of BHA, in the beauty world, if it says ‘BHA’, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be Salicylic Acid.
Salicin, as this is what Salicylic Acid is derived from.
Salicylates. This is an umbrella term for salicin, Salicylic Acid, etc.
Willowbark. Salicylic Acid is naturally found in this plant.
Is Salicylic Acid Good for Cystic Acne?
While a pimple can seem like the most frustrating skin issue, cysts and cystic acne can linger under the skin’s surface, causing trouble for days. The little, hard areas under the skin can grow over time, becoming unsightly and uncomfortable. Unlike whiteheads and blackheads, cystic acne is hard to pop. And if you do pop a cyst, you could be left with a nasty scar. Unfortunately, you don’t just get cystic acne on your face. It can pop up anywhere on the body.
There are treatments out there that can help. Salicylic Acid for skin will help clear congestion and get to the heart of your cyst issue. We’ve found a great Salicylic Acid cream that will really help clear up your skin, so we’ve listed it below for you!


Can Salicylic Acid Get Rid of Acne Scars?
Salicylic Acid is a naturally forming compound that’s great at helping clear up your skin. Acne products containing Salicylic Acid will help clear away debris and reduce any swelling that might occur in the area. Great at helping reduce the appearance of scarring, a good Salicylic Acid face wash or acne pads with Salicylic Acid will help improve the general appearance of your skin.
What Percentage of Salicylic Acid is Good for Acne?
Salicylic Acid is the perfect ingredient for mild acne. It will help clear away any whiteheads or blackhead on the skin and prevent future breakouts. But how much Salicylic Acid for acne is needed? Well, it all depends on the kind of solution you use. A Salicylic Acid toner or solution needs approximately 0.5% to 2% of the ingredient included to work. A Salicylic Acid body wash or soap needs approximately 0.5% to 5% to be effective.
Can I use Salicylic Acid if I am Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
There’s evidence that suggests that ingested forms of salicin could cause harm to a foetus, although it’s unclear whether the ingested form passes into breast milk. Topical use of Salicylic Acid hasn’t been proven to cause harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding. But most companies will err on the side of caution and recommend clients to not use skincare with this ingredient when with child or nursing.
If you want to use Salicylic Acid pregnancy products (as a lot of new or expectant mothers experience breakouts), check out the ingredients list of the product you’re looking at, and consult a doctor first.
If you’re sick and tired of bad skin and want to experience the Salicylic Acid benefits that everyone raves about, we’ve picked out the products to get you started. Plus, renowned skin expert Tegan Mac from TEGANMAC.SKIN has recommended her Salicylic Acid favourites for you!