Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a chemical compound widely used in skincare products, especially for its ability to help unclog pores, and it’s exfoliating properties as a skincare ingredient.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which is a naturally occurring compound derived from the bark of the willow tree, sweet birch, and wintergreen leaves.
This beneficial skincare ingredient belongs to the wider family of hydroxy acids, which are also called fruit acids, and has been used in skincare products for a very long time. As like all BHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate through skin oils and deeper into your skin.
Salicylic acid benefits
Because salicylic acid is an oil-soluble acid, it can penetrate deep into your pores, making it a useful skincare ingredient for people with oily and acne-prone skin. This ability has been shown in studies to help clear pores and help to prevent the development of breakouts, which include the formation of whiteheads, blackheads and other blemishes.
Your skin can benefit from salicylic acid by using Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser, which contains 2% salicylic acid acne treatment. This acne focused cleanser starts working immediately to unclog blocked pores and to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. In a Galderma 12-week clinical study, 95%* of users said this cleanser left their skin feeling refreshed
Salicylic acid promotes natural exfoliation by facilitating the shedding of skin cells and effectively removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer, preventing their accumulation.
If you’re looking for a targeted salicylic acid skin product, try Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Serum that contains 0.5% salicylic acid and removes dead skin cells to help improve the appearance of breakouts in just 3 days.
Note to client: Product name needs to localized and. Internal link will need to be changed based on country-specific localization.
Salicylic acid is widely used in skincare formulas for a gentle, daily approach to manage bumpy or acne-prone skin - both for your face and body.
Salicylic acid has been shown to improve skin texture by removing the bonds between cells in the top layer of skin and promoting cell turnover, leading to a smoother, more even complexion.
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer with 0.5% salicylic acid, hydrates your skin for 48 hours and improves skin tone and texture while helping to absorb excess oil and providing a matte finish for softer, smoother skin.
Note to client: Product name may need to localized, for example to Cetaphil Gentle Celear Mattifying Blemish Moisturizer. Internal link will also need to be changed based on country-specific localization.
What does salicylic acid do for the skin?
Salicylic acid has many beneficial properties for the skin, particularly in exfoliating the skin and reducing the appearance of blemishes. It also helps with clogged pores and oil in the skin
How to use salicylic acid
When used regularly as part of a skincare routine, salicylic acid can lead to clearer, smoother, and healthy-looking skin. Salicylic acid is beneficial in many product forms, such as salicylic acid cleansers, moisturizers, serums and body washes, which can be used as part of daily skincare routines in combination with other skincare products.
* Self-assessment in use test, N=40.
.png?sw=450&sh=450&sm=fit&q=85 "Acne Relief Body Wash")
_GC_Treatment_Serum_1oz_Tube-Front.PNG?sw=450&sh=450&sm=fit&q=85 "Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum")
References
- US Food and Drug Administration. Beta Hydroxy Acids. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/beta-hydroxy-acids Accessed 10 May, 2023.
- Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;26;8:455-61. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S84765.
- Moghimipour E. Hydroxy Acids, the Most Widely Used Anti-aging Agents. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2012;7(1):9-10. PMID: 24624144.