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9 salicylic acid products we love: from serums to shampoos
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byHeeral Patel
Ready to smooth, unclog and glow from head to toe? Salicylic acid isn’t just for breakouts, it’s in face wash, lotions and even conditioners. Here are some of our favourite products
Our top picks
Supports skin barrier
Super Facialist
Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Smooth & Clarify Exfoliating Toner 150ml
£11.25
Softens rough skin
Q+A
Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash 250ml
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price
£6.50
For blemish-prone, congested skin
Evolve
Evolve Salicylic Rescue Serum 30ml
£25.00
Searching for a brand-new beauty product that’ll unblock your pores and leave your skin feeling softer, cleaner and free of blemishes? Salicylic acid could be the one.
This skincare acid can have numerous potential benefits for your complexion, like helping with blemishes and improving skin texture. It’s a popular and key ingredient in lots of skincare products, including cleansers, serums, masks, body wash and even shampoos and conditioners.
So let’s take a look at what it is along with nine of our fave salicylic acid products that’ll leave your skin feeling great from head to toe.
What is salicylic acid and how does it work?
Let’s talk about salicylic acid – your skin’s best friend. This beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA if you’re into the science-y stuff) is naturally found in sources like willow bark and it’s famous for going deep into your pores.
While other ingredients might hang out on the surface, salicylic acid dives in to break up the ‘gunk’ that’s clogging things up. It’s kind of like a tiny skin detective, as salicylic acid helps tackle breakouts and stubborn blackheads.1
And what’s more, salicylic acid plays nice with most skin types, even blemish-prone ones. A small study2 found it can seriously improve congestion, which is why it's such a go-to in skincare routines.
When used consistently, salicylic acid gently exfoliates your skin, sweeping away dead cells and excess oil that can lead to clogged pores. It may also help calm redness and bring balance to your skin’s pH levels. That means fewer flare-ups and a more even skin tone.
The end result? Skin that looks clearer, feels smoother and glows a little brighter. Who doesn’t want that?
9 of our favourite salicylic acid products (and how to use them)
Breakouts? Clogged pores? Skin feeling a little... meh? Don’t worry, we’ve got just the thing. The Q+A Salicylic Acid Facial Serum is like a gentle superhero for your skin, swooping in to fight off blemishes.
This lightweight little bottle is powered by a trio of skin-loving ingredients. First up, salicylic acid – the go-to exfoliant that dives into your pores to unclog and clear out. Then there’s succinic acid, a clarifying champ that helps keep things fresh and balanced. And let’s not forget betaine, the hydration winner making sure your skin stays soft and happy.
What do we love most? While it works hard to clear your skin, it’s also packed with soothing ingredients that keep irritation at bay. So, whether you’re battling breakouts or just want a smoother, glowier complexion, this serum’s got your back (and your face). All you need to do is apply to clean skin before moisturising, morning and night.
If your skin tends to get oily, feels congested or is just having a bit of a moment, then this mask might be your new go-to. It’s a detoxifying treat designed to purify and balance without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
At the heart of the formula is a powerful blend of white clay and thermal mud, two ingredients known for their ability to draw out impurities and soak up excess oil. Add to that breakout-fighting salicylic acid and skin-loving niacinamide, and you’ve got a mask that not only helps prevent blemishes but also works to even out your skin tone and refine the look of pores.
And it’s not all action and no comfort. There’s a calming herbal complex in the mix to soothe irritated skin and nourishing avocado oil (packed with vitamins A, D, and E) helps to moisturise and rebalance, so your skin feels smooth and refreshed, not stripped.
The experience is just as lovely as the results, think fresh, citrusy bergamot with delicate floral notes of lily and a warm, grounding base of amber and smooth musk. It’s like a mini spa session in a jar.
Use once or twice a week, smooth a thin layer onto clean skin and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Simply rinse gently with warm water and pat your skin dry.
If your skin’s been feeling a little rough around the edges or playing host to some unwelcome visitors (we’re looking at you blackheads and blemishes), it might be time to bring in the big guns – with a gentle touch, of course.
This daily toner is like a mini reset button for your face. Lightweight, fast-absorbing and surprisingly mild, it’s designed to refine texture and support radiance without drying you out.
The magic? It’s all in the acids. A trio of salicylic acid to dive into pores, glycolic acid to lift away dull skin and leave things looking fresh as well as mandelic acid to smooth texture and help fade pigmentation.
But wait, there’s more! Niacinamide and glycerin are here too, supporting your skin’s barrier and keeping hydration levels in check. So while those acids are busy revealing a smoother, clearer complexion, your skin stays calm, balanced and glowing.
After cleansing, dampen a cotton pad and gently apply it to your face and neck (avoiding the eye and lip area). Use it daily for that “just-had-a-facial” feeling… with no appointment necessary. We also recommended to follow with a SPF prior to sun exposure.
If your skin is throwing a little tantrum in the form of breakouts or rough patches (especially on your back, shoulders or chest), Q+A’s Salicylic Acid Body Wash might just become your new shower staple.
This gel-based wash is designed to gently exfoliate and smooth without stripping your skin. Formulated with salicylic acid (the breakout-fighting MVP), it helps clear pores, sweep away dead skin and leave your skin looking brighter and feeling softer.
But it’s not all about exfoliation. Think calming aloe vera, antioxidant-rich green tea extract and white willow bark to help keep your skin balmy and looking beautiful.
And can we talk about the scent? A refreshing blend of juicy watermelon and sweet agave nectar makes every shower feel like a mini escape.
Whether you’re battling body blemishes or just want smoother, clearer skin from head to toe, this body wash will have you feeling skincredible. So, sing your favourite shower song and massage gently into your skin before rinsing off.
Say hello to your new post-shower bestie. The Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Lotion is here to help tackle those pesky body breakouts, rough patches and uneven texture without skimping on hydration or comfort.
Formulated especially for stressed-out skin, this multitasking lotion blends breakout-busting salicylic acid with calming and caring ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, white willow bark extract and hyaluronic acid. Translation? It helps clear up blemishes, smooth things out and keeps your skin feeling soft, soothed and seriously moisturised.
A delicious combo of juicy watermelon and sweet agave nectar brings a fresh and sweet scent, perfect for perking up your skincare routine. This lotion has you covered - literally. All you need to do is massage into clean, dry skin.
Got oily, combination or breakout-prone skin? Whether you're dealing with the occasional flare-up or more persistent congestion, this artisanal skin serum is designed to bring balance, clarity and calm.
Crafted with a unique Amazonian blend of acai and copaiba, it works to help visibly reduce the appearance of blemishes and enlarged pores, all while helping your skin feel refreshed and comfortably matte.
To level things up, it’s also infused with willow bark, a natural source of salicylic acid, helping to gently exfoliate and leave your complexion feeling smooth and healthy-looking.
Perfect for anyone looking to hit reset on their skin, this rescue serum delivers the goods. Use one pump on your face and neck, or just dab it straight onto any trouble spots. Follow up with your favourite moisturiser and use it morning and night for best results.
If your skin leans on the side of oily, blemish-prone or just feels a little congested, this refreshing gel cleanser might be exactly what your routine’s been missing. Say hello to this Purifying Cleansing Wash – a bestseller for a reason.
Formulated with salicylic acid and multitasking niacinamide, this cleanser works hard to target blemishes, balance skin oil and visibly improve skin texture. Plus, there’s elderflower extract to help soothe so your skin feels calm and cared for.
It gently dissolves makeup, pollution and daily grime, leaving your face feeling super clean, soft and refreshed with a scent of fresh citrusy bergamot top notes with delicate lily and a warm base of amber and musk.
Simply cleanse daily morning and night, apply generously to your fingertips and use circular movements to tenderly massage it into your face, neck and décolletage. Rinse with lukewarm water or with a flannel dampened in warm water and pat skin dry.
Our scalps don’t always get the love they deserve. Between styling products, excess oil and everyday grime, things can get a little... congested up there. That’s where Q+A’s Clarifying Shampoo steps in to save the day (and your roots).
This rebalancing shampoo is like a gentle reset for oily or product-heavy hair. It’s powered by salicylic acid, a superstar exfoliant that clears away build-up and impurities without messing with your scalp’s natural barrier.
To keep things feeling calm and balanced, there’s oatmeal to absorb excess oil and soothe. The result? Hair that feels lighter, fresher and truly clean from root to tip. It’s your go-to for when your scalp needs a little extra TLC.
Has your hair been looking a little lacklustre lately – dry, dull or just in need of a pick-me-up? Q+A’s Clarifying Conditioner is here to bring the bounce (and the shine) back.
This lightweight yet nourishing formula is all about helping restore moisture without the heaviness. It smooths and brightens your lengths, reviving tired strands and leaving your hair feeling refreshed, light and silky.
What’s inside? A clever blend of salicylic acid to gently clarify, oatmeal to soothe and condition and prebiotics to help support scalp and hair appearance. It’s like a mini spa treatment for your hair, perfect for using post-clarifying shampoo or whenever your locks need a little extra love.
The result? Blow dry quality, shinier and healthier-looking hair that feels as good as it looks.
The final say
Whether you’re dabbing on a serum, slathering on a body lotion or lathering up in the shower, salicylic acid is basically your skincare Swiss Army knife. It’s got the range, the science and let’s be honest – the glow-up potential.
And as with any active ingredient, it’s about balance. Choose the right formulation for your needs, stay consistent and don’t forget to follow up with hydrating and protective products like moisturisers and SPF.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Salicylic Acid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Internet]. www.sciencedirect.com. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/salicylic-acid
2. Zheng Y, Wan M, Chen H, Ye C, Zhao Y, Yi J, et al. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of an antioxidant optimized 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) cream in the treatment of facial acne: an open, baseline-controlled clinical study. Skin Research and Technology. 2013 Jan 19;19(2):125–30.
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