2 min read
Salicylic acid: a beta hydroxy exfoliant for clear, healthy skin
11/17/2025
What it is:
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores to exfoliate from within¹.
What it does:
- Dissolves pore-clogging debris by breaking apart intercellular bonds¹.
- Unclogs pores and reduces blackheads and whiteheads¹,².
- Smooths skin texture by lifting away dead surface cells¹,².
- Reduces acne inflammation thanks to mild anti-inflammatory action¹,³.
- Improves skin tone and fades post-acne marks over time through consistent exfoliation¹.
- Penetrates more deeply than AHAs due to oil solubility, enabling internal pore exfoliation¹.
Tips for use:
- Avoid overuse, which may cause dryness or peeling³.
- Patch test first if sensitive.
- Moisturize and wear sunscreen, as exfoliation increases sun sensitivity.
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate into oily pores1, where it loosens and removes built-up dead skin cells and excess sebum by dissolving the intercellular “cement” holding cells together1. This deep pore-level exfoliation enables salicylic acid to effectively unclog pores and reduce acne lesions such as blackheads and whiteheads1,2, which is why it is widely used in cleansers, toners, and exfoliants—including daily-gentle formulas like Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. Because salicylic acid works within the pore lining rather than only on the surface, it provides targeted exfoliation ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Regular use of salicylic acid removes dull surface cells to reveal smoother, softer skin and improve overall texture1,2. By clearing pore-clogging debris, it prevents new breakouts while its mild anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness in inflamed blemishes1,3. This consistent exfoliation also brightens the complexion and reduces post-acne marks over time, leading to a more even skin tone1. Compared to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate only on the skin’s surface1, salicylic acid’s oil solubility allows it to dive deeper into pores1, making it uniquely effective for those needing thorough pore cleansing. Sensitive skin users should introduce it gradually, as overuse may lead to dryness, peeling, or irritation3.
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