Our hot and humid climate often makes most of us struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. And if these skin concerns sound familiar to you, it’s time to introduce one ingredient into your skincare routine: salicylic acid.
How Does Salicylic Acid Work?
Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which is a carbon-based organic compound commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and willow bark.
Being fat-soluble, it can penetrate deeply into the pores, effectively unclogging them and eliminating blackheads. This sets it apart from alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), which are water-soluble and primarily work on the skin’s surface.
When you use salicylic acid on your skin, it breaks down the bonds between skin cells, helping to reduce congestion and improve clarity.
In addition to clearing out pores and blackheads, salicylic acid is also effective in treating skin at a deeper level and minimizing inflammation. If you struggle with acne-prone skin, this ingredient could become your go-to skincare ally.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid?
- It controls excess oil: Salicylic acid not only penetrates deeply into your skin to eliminate excess sebum from your pores, but it also helps to lower the overall oil production, leading to clearer and more balanced skin.
- It fights acne: In Malaysia’s hot climate, breakouts can be a frequent issue. Salicylic acid is effective at unclogging pores and minimizing sebum production, so with regular use, you can expect to see fewer breakouts.
- It calms inflammation: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid can help soothe skin irritation. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with redness caused by breakouts.
Is Salicylic Acid Suitable for All Skin Types?
Salicylic acid is an excellent ingredient for individuals with oily, acne-prone skin, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have rosacea, which leads to redness and visible blood vessels on the face, using salicylic acid could exacerbate your condition, so it’s best to avoid it. Understanding your specific type of acne is crucial before opting for products containing this ingredient.
Additionally, we advise against using salicylic acid if you have dry or highly sensitive skin, as it can further dehydrate your skin and lead to irritation. It’s also not recommended for those with damaged or broken skin, or conditions like eczema. If you’re uncertain about a potential allergy to salicylic acid, consider doing a patch test on a small area of your neck or jawline to check for any reactions, such as itching or swelling, after 24 hours.
Best Salicylic Acid Products To Try
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This liquid exfoliant from Paula’s Choice is an essential for those with oily, acne-prone skin, and for a good reason. Infused with salicylic acid, the formula removes dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and within the pore.
Combined with anti-inflammatory green tea leaf extract, this helps to reduce blemishes and blackheads for a more clarified complexion. It also boosts hydration levels, soothes, and protects.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (118ml) retails for RM185 at Paula’s Choice website.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Bumpy Skin
If you’re struggling to smooth out rough and bumpy skin, try this salicylic acid-infused cleanser. It gently exfoliates the skin while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier with every wash. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid as well as ceramides to hydrate the skin effectively.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser Bumpy Skin (236ml) retails for RM66.90 at Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap into the link to see updated price.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary is quite popular among Malaysians, and it’s especially known for its salicylic acid range. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is known for its deep cleansing abilities thanks to the key ingredients, charcoal and clay, found in the formula. Use it twice a week for clearer, brighter skin, or as a spot treatment to reduce inflammation instantly.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque (50ml) retails for RM155 at Sephora.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3
For smoother and clearer skin, add Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 to your skincare routine. Ideal for combination and oily skin, this lotion exfoliates and remove impurities, dirt or grime. With the help of witch hazel, it also reduces inflammation and redness.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 (200ml) retails for RM238 at Sephora.
Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
Ideal for those with acne-prone skin, this foaming cleanser helps control sebum production and minimises pores, resulting in clearer and smoother-looking skin. It uses salicylic acid, AHA, polyhydroxy acids (PHA) to gently exfoliate the skin with every cleanse. Plus, it contains Truecica™ and calamine to soothe the skin.
SOME By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam retails for RM65.76 at Shopee. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap into the link to see updated price.
Hada Labo AHA+BHA Oil Control Face Wash
After a long, sweaty day, reach for this Hada Labo cleanser to purify and protect your skin from environmental pollution. Formulated with rare alpine plant extract, bentonite clay, as well as salicylic acid and AHA, this cleanser helps control oil production while it washes away impurities and dead skin cells.
Hada Labo AHA+BHA Oil Control Face Wash (130g) retails for RM40 at Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap into the link to see updated price.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash
Developed by dermatologists, this gel cleanser from La Roche-Posay targets excess oil, acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. It contains salicylic acid to breakouts, revealing clearer skin. Lipo-hydroxy acid in the formula also helps to remove impurities without harsh scrub particles that may irritate the skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash (200ml) retails for RM62 at Shopee. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap into the link to see updated price.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
This multitasking cleansing exfoliant revitalises the skin by gently polishing away dullness with salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. It reveals younger-looking skin by using jojoba beads to buff away dry patches, while hydrating sodium PCA attracts water to the skin and retains plumpness and elasticity.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser retails for RM248 at Zalora.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Using salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this gentle cleanser from K-beauty brand COSRX cleanses and exfoliates the skin to combat blemishes and remove excess oil. It also soothes redness and irritation as it prevents blackheads and whiteheads for fresh, clean skin.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml) retails for RM54 at Watsons. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap into the link to see updated price.
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Made with natural ingredients, Caudalie’s Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser works to minimise the appearance of pores as it reduces sebum production and blemishes. The grape seed polyphenols and essential oil complex offer antioxidant and antibacterial properties while grape and organic rose water help to promote a healthy glow.
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser (150ml) retails for RM119 at Sephora.
Sephora Collection Smoothing Cleanser
A smoothing, exfoliating, foaming cleansing gel, Sephora Collection’s Smoother Cleanser contains salicylic acid and AHAs to exfoliate your skin – the vital first step to a smoother, more radiant and visibly more beautiful skin. The unscented rinse-off gel exfoliates the skin and makes it more radiant, right from the very first time you use it.
Sephora Collection Smoothing Cleanser (125ml) retails for RM76 at Sephora.
Featured images credit: @larocheposayus, @theordinary, @paulaschoicesg on TikTok.
