Salicylic Acid

Topical Keratolytic
Compare To Other Treatments

What Is It?

Widely available in over-the-counter skin care products in 0.5 – 2% strength, salicylic acid helps shed skin cells as well as reduce inflammation in the skin.

It’s generally recommended to apply a salicylic acid-containing product 1-2 times per day, depending on your skin’s tolerance and the product type.

Results

Results
Strength of Evidence: Weak
Average 55% reduction in acne after 4 weeks
▸ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
▾ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
  1. Zheng, Y. et al. Efficacy and safety of 2% supramolecular salicylic acid compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide/0.1% adapalene in the acne treatment: a randomized, split-face, open-label, single-center study. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 38, 48–54 (2019).
  2. Zheng, Y. et al. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of an antioxidant optimized 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) cream in the treatment of facial acne: an open, baseline-controlled clinical study. Skin Res Technol 19, 125–130 (2013).
  3. Eady, E., Burke, B., Pulling, K. & Cunliffe, W. The benefit of 2% salicylic acid lotion in acne a placebo-controlled study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 7, 93–96 (1996).

Side Effects

Side Effects
Low side effects and adverse reactions

Acne.org's Real World Take

Easy to find and with low side effects, but don’t be surprised if you are left wishing for better results after using it for a while. Any acid on its own is unlikely to dramatically clear acne.

Reviews

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3.6
6049 Reviews

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