Ingredient glossary
Salicylic acid (BHA)
On your shelf ✓What Salicylic acid (BHA) does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Salicylic Acid · Also: BHA
In short: Salicylic acid (BHA) delivers anti acne and exfoliation, suits combination and oily skin best, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Anti acne, exfoliation
- Best for
- Combination, Oily skin
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is calming breakouts and congestion, Salicylic acid (BHA) delivers, and the research properly backs it up. Introduce it gently, and pair it with something soothing if your skin runs sensitive.
— Maya
What it does
- anti acne
- exfoliation
strong evidenceLong history and strong evidence for treating comedonal acne and reducing blackheads at 0.5–2% in cosmetic products.
On a label: works best above 0.5%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- oily
- acne prone
- combo
Approach with care
- very sensitive
- compromised barrier
- pregnancy high
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DryNeutral
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveTake care
Often chosen for acne prone. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: compromised barrier, pregnancy (in high amounts).
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
Salicylic acid (BHA), answered
Is Salicylic acid (BHA) safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. Salicylic acid (BHA) is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid Salicylic acid (BHA)?
Approach Salicylic acid (BHA) with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive, compromised barrier, and pregnancy (in high amounts). Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Salicylic acid (BHA) actually works?
Research tends to show Salicylic acid (BHA) starts pulling its weight above 0.5%. If a brand prints the percentage, that is the number to look for.
During pregnancy
Treat Salicylic acid (BHA) as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
Commonly confused with
- Glycolic acidSalicylic is oil-loving and works inside the pore (a BHA). Glycolic works on the surface (an AHA).
- Benzoyl PeroxideBoth fight breakouts, differently. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria; salicylic acid unclogs the pore.
Compare Salicylic acid (BHA) with
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