Ingredient decoder

Salicylic acid: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Salicylic Acid

Acne verdict Acne helper

Helps acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Oil-soluble acid that exfoliates inside the pore.

  • Anti-acne
  • Antidandruff
  • Hair conditioning
  • Keratolytic
  • Masking
  • Preservative
  • Skin conditioning

Salicylic acid in plain English

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that loosens dead skin cells so they shed instead of building up. Because it dissolves in oil, it can get into pores and help clear blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores. US over-the-counter acne products use it at 0.5 to 2 percent. It can cause dryness or mild peeling, so start slowly if your skin is sensitive.

Is salicylic acid bad for acne?

No. Salicylic acid is on the helpful side for acne-prone skin and is not known to clog pores. Our checker groups it with the anti-acne ingredients. Like most acne actives, it can cause dryness or irritation at first, so start slowly.

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Also called

  • Salicylic Acid
  • Beta hydroxy acid
  • 2-hydroxybenzoic acid
  • Salicylic

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Frequently asked questions

Is salicylic acid comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for salicylic acid, and it is not known to clog pores. It is used in products made for acne-prone skin.

What does salicylic acid do in skincare?

In short: oil-soluble acid that exfoliates inside the pore. In formulas it is used for antidandruff, hair conditioning, keratolytic, masking, preservative and skin conditioning.

What else is salicylic acid called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, salicylic acid can also appear as Beta hydroxy acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid or Salicylic.

Sources