Whenever the skincare conversation turns to acne and acne-related imperfections, such as pimples, blackheads, or enlarged pores, salicylic acid is sure to come up. And for good reason: salicylic acid is one of the best ingredients to use on acne-prone skin, due to its exfoliating properties. In this post, we’ll explore some of the main benefits of salicylic acid, its best skincare applications, and the best salicylic acid serums to use if you want to reduce acne-related imperfections.
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Is salicylic acid right for you?
After this glowing introduction to salicylic acid and its benefits for acne-prone skin, you might be thinking, “there are many exfoliating acids out there, what’s so special about this one?”
The answer: salicylic acid is lipophilic. This means, in other words, that salicylic acid dissolves in lipids rather than water. This allows it, for example, to dissolve in the oil and sebum present in clogged pores and exfoliate them from the inside out, thus helping reduce blackheads.
To better understand if salicylic acid is right for you, here are some scenarios that indicate you might benefit from this ingredient:
- You have acne-prone skin;
- You have multiple blackheads on your nose and forehead (and/or other body parts);
- You have enlarged or dilated pores;
- You experience acne breakouts that seem to synchronize with your hormonal cycle.
If any of these situations apply to you, it may be worth adding a product with salicylic acid to your routine! We’ll guide you through some of our favorites below.
Our favorite salicylic acid serums
ISDINCEUTICS Renew Salicylic Renewal Serum
ISDINCEUTICS Renew Salicylic Renewal Serum
Science and research are key when developing complex formulas that combine multiple powerful actives. In this formula, launched in 2024, ISDIN blends exfoliating glycolic, lactic, and hyaluronic acids, which stimulate collagen and elastin production, hydrate and fight visible signs of aging, and salicylic acid, which exfoliates and refines the skin, reducing the appearance of pores.
Each application of this supercharged serum contributes to balance the skin, reduce excess oil, and protect against external aggressions. As a result, the skin appears more even, refined and rejuvenated day after day.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum
The newest member of the Effaclar family is especially formulated for those who suffer from acne in adult life. Besides reducing the appearance of imperfections, its unique formula also provides an antiaging action.
With a powerful formula that combines exfoliating acids, including 1.5% salicylic acid, and niacinamide, this serum targets persistent imperfections and helps refine and renew the skin, all the while reducing the discomfort and irritation of acne-prone skin.
Esthederm Intensive Propolis+ Salicylic Acid Concentrate Serum
Esthederm Intensive Propolis+ Salicylic Acid Concentrate Serum
This localized treatment tackles the appearance of imperfections and enlarged pores. The tube features a precision tip that dispenses a small amount of product at a time, ideal to apply onto target areas or onto the T-zone.
Ideal to target imperfections such as blackheads, enlarged pores and imperfections, Esthederm Intensive Propolis+ Salicylic Acid Concentrate Serum combines propolis extract, which provides the skin with soothing and purifying properties, and our star ingredient, salicylic acid, which works overtime to minimize spots and imperfections.
Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
With a formula composed of 97% naturally derived ingredients, the Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum is a gentle and effective solution to minimize imperfections in acne-prone skin.
With a fluid gel texture, this serum combines salicylic acid, niacinamide, grape polyphenols, and gluconolactone (PHA) in a formula that helps reduce all sorts of acne-related imperfections (like pimples, blackheads, or enlarged pores) without disrupting the skin barrier.
Vichy Normaderm Acne-Prone Skin Probio-BHA Serum
Specifically created for adult acne, the Vichy Normaderm Acne-Prone Skin Probio-BHA Serum is all about correcting imperfections associated with hormonal acne.
The formula combines glycolic acid to renew the surface of the skin, salicylic acid to provide in-depth exfoliation, and probiotic fractions to promote skin regeneration and recovery. Clinically tested, this serum has been shown to reduce the appearance of acne breakouts and red spots with daily use.
Bioderma Sébium Serum Anti-Imperfection Smoothing Concentrate
The Bioderma Sébium Serum Anti-Imperfection Smoothing Concentrate is a 2-in-1 anti-imperfection and anti-aging serum.
Developed according to the principles of ecobiology, which is all about respecting the skin’s ecosystem, this serum combines exfoliating salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid with the patented Fluidactiv™ technology; together, these ingredients target acne-related skin imperfections and excess sebum, all the while helping minimize early signs of aging, such as fine lines.
And there you have it, our best salicylic acid products: all very different, but all with the same star ingredient in common. We hope these products will help you tackle your skin concerns with ease!
