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Salicylic Acid

What Salicylic Acid is & what it does

A beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, so it penetrates pores to clear buildup, making it ideal for blemish- and blackhead-prone skin. It also exfoliates the surface and calms the look of redness.

What is Salicylic Acid and what does it do in skincare?

Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, so it can work inside pores as well as on the skin's surface. It exfoliates dead surface cells and clears the buildup inside pores, which is why it is popular for blemish- and blackhead-prone skin. In a sunscreen or moisturizer it is usually included at a low level for a gentle exfoliating and clarifying effect.

Is Salicylic Acid safe?

Yes, for most people at the levels used in cosmetics. It is one of the better-known skincare acids and is well tolerated when used as directed. Because it is an exfoliant, it can cause mild dryness or tingling for some, and it makes skin more sensitive to the sun, which is one reason it pairs well with daily sunscreen.

Does Salicylic Acid clog pores?

No, it does the opposite. Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble and works to clear buildup inside pores, so it is generally non-comedogenic and is widely used in products aimed at congested, breakout-prone skin. It is a clarifying ingredient rather than a pore-clogging one.

Does Salicylic Acid make you more sensitive to the sun?

It can. Like other exfoliating acids, Salicylic Acid removes dead surface cells, which can leave skin a little more sensitive to UV light. This is exactly why it is often combined with, or used alongside, a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.

What else is Salicylic Acid called on an ingredient list?

Salicylic Acid is the INCI name printed on the label, and it is commonly referred to as BHA, short for beta-hydroxy acid. You may see it grouped with exfoliating or anti-blemish ingredients on a product's description. It is the same ingredient under each of these names.

Sunscreens with Salicylic Acid

We rate 137 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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