We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Skincare Products The 10 Best Salicylic Acid Serums to Deeply Exfoliate Skin, Unclog Pores, Get Rid of Blackheads, and Prevent Breakouts Blackheads, breakouts and acne are no match for these effective, exfoliating serums. By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured on various well-known sites. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines Updated on November 27, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Review Process Our Experts What is Salicylic Acid, and How Does It Work? Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Blemish-Prone Skin Other Benefits of Salicylic Acid How to Use Salicylic Acid How long does it take for salicylic acid to work? Who We Are Health Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of exfoliating acid that removes the buildup of dead skin cells and treats acne. It’s particularly effective for unclogging pores because it’s oil-soluble, which allows salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into the pores where it binds to oil and clears clogged follicles. While it’s commonly used in facial cleansers, salicylic acid serums can be especially effective since they’re more concentrated and stay on the skin for longer. To find the best salicylic acid serums, we enlisted the help of board-certified dermatologists. We asked them for their recommendations and criteria when choosing. With expert insights, we researched dozens of options and found the best salicylic acid serums. A dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the information in this article about salicylic acid and how it works for accuracy. The Editor's Take As a journalist and writer, I've spoken to countless dermatologists, yet I thought I’d be done with pimples by 40. Unfortunately, I still struggle with breakouts sometimes. And, that's not uncommon thanks to the hormonal changes women experience as they age. That’s why I was elated to discover The Ordinary brand, and I am a devoted fan of many of their products. Their 2% Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Blemish Solution has the highest concentration you can get OTC (which rivals serums that cost $100+) for only $7, and it clears up breakouts quickly! I pair it with their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum and 100% Plant-Derived Squalane oil for budget-friendly, noncomedogenic, soothing moisture, which is always important when you’re using salicylic acid products but especially important if you have mature skin. (They also just came out with a Salicylic Acid Body Serum I can't wait to try!) —Nicole Cherie Jones, Editor Our Top Picks Best Overall: La Roche Posay Effaclar Pore-Refining Serum at Amazon $43 Jump to Review Best Budget: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution at Sephora $7 Jump to Review Best for Blackheads: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Brightening: Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum at Amazon $77 Jump to Review Best Acne Treatment: PCA SKIN Acne Gel at Amazon $65 Jump to Review Best for Beginners: SALE Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Treatment Serum at Amazon $15 $12 Jump to Review Best Anti-Aging: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum at Dermstore $110 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Spot Treatment: SALE Mario Badescu Drying Lotion at Amazon $18 $10 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Bubble Super Clear Acne Treating Serum at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Overall La Roche Posay Effaclar Pore-Refining Serum PHOTO: Amazon $43 at Amazon $43 at Target $43 at Ulta Why We Like It A good salicylic acid serum provides a concentrated dose of the BHA and combines it with other active ingredients, and La Roche-Posay’s salicylic acid serum does just that. It contains 1.5% salicylic acid, which is just under the maximum allowed amount in over-the-counter (OTC) products. Salicylic acid targets and prevents breakouts, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Since it’s less concentrated than some other serums, it may be more tolerable for beginners. It also contains glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates skin and gives it a nice glow, says Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Glycolic acid has an anti-acne effect and is great for anti-aging since it boosts collagen and improves dark spots. With niacinamide, this serum also minimizes the appearance of pores and soothes irritation. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that reduces skin dryness, making this serum a multi-functional and versatile step in skin care routines for acne and aging. It’s Worth Noting This serum contains both AHAs and BHAs, which can cause some skin irritation when combined. Start slow and work your way up to daily use if your skin can tolerate it. Product Details: Type: SerumKey Ingredients: 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamideRecommended Use: Shake well and apply a thin layer to clean skin one to three times daily. Best Budget The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution PHOTO: Sephora $7 at Sephora $7 at Nordstrom $7 at Ulta Why We Like It Skin care doesn’t have to be expensive to work. A few of the dermatologists we spoke to recommended this salicylic acid serum from The Ordinary because it’s inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to apply. While it has simple ingredients, dermatologists like that. The formula is fragrance-free, and it comes in a convenient dropper bottle, says Nicole Negbenebor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Iowa City and Mohs Fellow at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. It’s quite concentrated at 2% salicylic acid, which may not sound like much, but it’s the maximum amount allowed OTC. At this concentration, this serum is best suited for those who are familiar with salicylic acid and pair it with products that will soothe and hydrate, Dr. Negbenebor says. It’s Worth Noting It doesn’t contain any soothing ingredients to balance out the acid, so it can be harsh if not used properly. Product Details: Type: Solution serumKey Ingredients: 2% salicylic acidRecommended Use: Apply in the evenings to the affected area or the whole face. Best for Blackheads Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant PHOTO: Health / Elena Garcia $35 at Amazon $35 $14 at Sephora $35 at Paulaschoice.com Why We Like It This Paula’s Choice exfoliant has more than 60,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. With a cult following like that, we’re not surprised that it’s also beloved by dermatologists, who say it can be used as an acne treatment, but it’s also an option for smoothing out uneven skin texture. It’s particularly beneficial for blackheads since it clears out pores and reduces pore size, notes Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. A blackhead is a hair follicle clogged with sebum. Salicylic acid is the perfect solution for blackheads since it unclogs pores, dissolves sebum, and sloughs off dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is used at a 2% concentration in this product, but it’s still gentle enough for daily use. In fact, the manufacturer recommends using it up to twice per day but notes that it should be combined with SPF during the day. It’s Worth Noting It can be used up to twice a day, but it can increase sun sensitivity during the day. Product Details: Type: Leave-on exfoliantKey Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, green tea extractRecommended Use: Shake onto your hands or cotton pad and apply to clean skin up to twice daily. Best Brightening Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum PHOTO: Amazon $77 at Amazon $77 at Sephora $77 at Dermstore Why We Like It Salicylic acid is most commonly associated with improving acne—which it does—but it can also benefit skin in other ways. In this Dermalogica serum, salicylic acid is harnessed for its anti-acne, brightening, smoothing, and anti-aging benefits. Ultimately, salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant. It accelerates skin cell turnover, which can even out pigmented skin and smooth out textured skin. Packaged in a convenient dropper bottle, the formula goes on clear and weightless. It doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and it plays well with other products in your regimen. Skin soaks up this serum like a drink of water as it promotes a bouncy, bright, and clear complexion. It’s Worth Noting The formula is non-comedogenic, but it’s not oil-free. This could be a deal breaker for those with very oily skin seeking oil-free formulas. Product Details: Type: SerumKey Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, niacinamideRecommended Use: Apply a thin layer and allow it to dry before moisturizing. Best Acne Treatment PCA SKIN Acne Gel PHOTO: Dermstore $65 at Amazon $65 at Dermstore Why We Like It For those with more severe acne, Dr. Graf recommends an all-over acne treatment with a strong 2% concentration of salicylic acid. This gel treatment from PCA skin is potent and formulated with a fast-acting delivery. It works quickly to calm active breakouts and prevent new ones when applied all over the face or as a spot treatment. It also contains other ingredients that support acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with mandelic acid, an AHA associated with improving acne, hyperpigmentation, and skin firmness. This gel treatment also features ethyl linoleate, a fatty acid that has been shown to lighten pigmented skin. Not only will this treat acne, it may also lighten acne marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. It’s Worth Noting It may be too strong for those with sensitive skin. Product Details: Type: Gel treatmentKey Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, mandelic acid, ethyl linoleateRecommended Use: Apply to clean skin as a spot or full-face treatment before your moisturizer or sunscreen. Best for Beginners Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Treatment Serum PHOTO: Amazon $15 $12 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $18 at IHerb Why We Like It OTC products can contain up to 2% salicylic acid, but more isn’t always better. If you’re new to salicylic acid or concerned about the potential side effects—BHAs can be drying or irritating—it’s a good idea to start slow. This milky-gel serum has just 0.5% salicylic acid, which is low compared to others but enough to get you started. When starting any new product—especially if you have sensitive skin—be sure to perform a patch test and introduce the product gradually. This will help your skin adjust to the new ingredients and catch any negative reactions early. Fortunately, this treatment has a mild formula and is suitable for sensitive skin. It’s packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients, so while salicylic acid fights your breakouts, niacinamide and prebiotics support overall skin health. It’s Worth Noting This formula has a low potency of salicylic acid, which may not work for moderate-to-severe acne. Product Details: Type: Treatment serumKey Ingredients: 0.5% salicylic acid, niacinamide, prebioticsRecommended Use: Apply a thin layer to clean skin one to three times per day as tolerated. Best Anti-Aging SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum PHOTO: Dermstore $110 at Dermstore $110 at Skinstore.com $110 at Ecosmetics.com Why We Like It Acids in skin care may sound scary, but they’re some of the best active ingredients for skin concerns like acne and the visible signs of aging. Acids are chemical exfoliants that work by unclogging pores and increasing skin turnover. They slough off dead skin cells to reveal a fresh layer of new (and arguably younger-looking) skin. This SkinCeuticals serum is packed with them—three different kinds, to be exact—for a medley of anti-acne and anti-aging benefits. It contains salicylic acid, of course, at a moderate 1.5% concentration to dissolve sebum in plugged follicles. In addition to the BHA, it contains two AHAs—glycolic and citric acids, which target fine lines, dullness, and texture. Finally, a lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) called capryloyl salicylic acid deeply exfoliates the pores to decongest skin. What’s more, LHA can penetrate deeper than BHA, making it potentially more effective at treating acne. It’s Worth Noting Though high-performing, this serum is pricey. Product Details: Type: SerumKey Ingredients: 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acidRecommended Use: Dispense 4–5 drops and apply to the affected area up to twice daily. Best for Sensitive Skin Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% PHOTO: Target $20 at Amazon $21 at Target Why We Like It Because it’s an acne-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid is commonly used in facial cleansers and body washes. But Dr. Negbenebor recommends using it in serums. In fact, it’s one of the best ingredients to look for in a face serum, she says. Serums can be more effective at targeting specific concerns, such as acne, because they’re more potent. They also stay on the skin longer than products you rinse off. This serum by Naturium is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin. A 2% concentration of salicylic acid is the star ingredient to reduce breakouts, while maltobionic acid soothes irritation. It also contains konjac root extract for its moisturizing properties. Though potent, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use. Salicylic acid has been known to dry out or irritate skin, but this serum is formulated to treat acne without disrupting the skin’s balance. It’s Worth Noting It’s not a full-face treatment, so apply only to areas with active acne. Product Details: Type: SerumKey Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, maltobionic acid, konjac root extractRecommended Use: Shake well and apply a thin layer to affected areas only. Best Spot Treatment Mario Badescu Drying Lotion PHOTO: Ulta $18 $10 at Amazon $18 $10 at Target $18 at Sephora Why We Like It A pimple is essentially excess sebum mixed with dirt and a buildup of dead skin cells, so drying it out is often touted as a home remedy for acne. But you don’t want to dry out the rest of your skin in the process. A drying spot treatment does the trick. Dr. Graf recommends using this Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on an as-needed basis to dry out spots quickly. It reduces inflammation from blemishes and helps absorb excess sebum, she says. Just dab some on with a cotton swab and let the mixture of salicylic acid and sulfur do their thing. Salicylic acid unclogs while sulfur is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, plus absorbs excess oil. Together, the duo zaps zits while you sleep. This could be a more suitable option for those prone to irritation or sensitivity because it’s applied in small amounts only to breakouts. It’s also formulated with calamine, a long-time remedy for itching and discomfort. It’s Worth Noting It smells a little funky at first because of the sulfur, but the scent fades. Product Details: Type: Clarifying solutionKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, sulfur, calamineRecommended Use: Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount to active acne in the evening and rinse it off in the morning. Best for Dry Skin Bubble Super Clear Acne Treating Serum PHOTO: Amazon $18 $16 at Amazon $17 at Ulta $36 $16 at Walmart Why We Like It Oily skin and acne go hand-in-hand, but people with dry skin can experience breakouts, too. When skin lacks moisture (aka water), it can overcompensate by producing more oil (aka sebum), which leads to congested skin. At the same time, salicylic acid can increase skin dryness—unless it’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients like in this Bubble serum. A potent 2% concentration of salicylic acid dissolves clogged pores while humectants and emollients preserve skin moisture. Glycerin attracts water into the skin and squalane improves dryness. When skin is hydrated, it can yield a more plump appearance and help acne by balancing water and oil. It’s Worth Noting It’s not oil- and alcohol-free, which could be a deal breaker for some who avoid certain ingredients. Product Details: Type: SerumKey Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, squalane, glycerin, colloidal oatmealRecommended Use: Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening. Our Review Process To find the best salicylic acid serums, we started by talking to board-certified dermatologists. The dermatologists shared their favorite brands and products, and we used their advice to conduct our own research. We spent hours researching dozens of options but narrowed down our final list based on the following attributes: Product type: You’ll find salicylic acid in a variety of OTC products, such as facial cleansers, body washes, creams, shampoos, and more. We narrowed our search to serums and leave-on treatments because they’re highly concentrated and remain on the skin for longer.Concentration: Salicylic acid is available at different strengths, but in OTC products, it’s capped at 2% concentration. We included options as low as 0.5% for beginners and as high as 2% for those familiar with salicylic acid. Ingredients: Some ingredients pair well with salicylic acid. Niacinamide was a popular recommendation among the dermatologists we spoke to because it reduces inflammation and pore size. Hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are also beneficial alongside salicylic acid because they can counteract dryness, Dr. Green explains.Ease of use: BHAs like salicylic acid aren’t difficult to use, but there are some best practices when using them. We prioritized products that didn’t further complicate things.Skin type: People with oily and acne-prone skin typically fare best with salicylic acid, though anyone can use it. It can sometimes be too drying for dry skin and too irritating for sensitive skin, but we included formulas suitable for a variety of skin types. Our Experts The following experts helped us with our research and product selection: Neil Farnsworth, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona Nicole Negbenebor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Iowa City and Mohs Fellow at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine What is Salicylic Acid, and How Does It Work? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, for short), and it’s derived from the bark of willow trees, explains Dr. Negbenebor. It’s a chemical exfoliant that’s commonly used to treat acne. Because it’s an oil-soluble ingredient, salicylic acid penetrates deeply into the hair follicles (aka pores) to dissolve the buildup of dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells clogging them. Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Blemish-Prone Skin Here are some of the reasons you should consider using salicylic acid in your skin care routine if you struggle with breakouts: Unclogs pores: Salicylic acid is a gold standard ingredient for fighting acne, Dr. Green says. It’s extra effective for treating acne because it’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deeper into the pores to remove bacteria and debris as a way to deeply clarify acne-prone skin. Reduces inflammation: Salicylic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it can soothe the inflammation and redness that tend to accompany acne.Exfoliates skin: Many of the benefits of salicylic acid can be attributed to its exfoliating properties. As a type of BHA, it’s a chemical exfoliant that facilitates skin cell turnover, sloughing off dead skin cells to make room for new ones, explains Dr. Green. Exfoliating is key for acne prevention because it gets rid of the buildup of dead skin cells that could lead to breakouts. Other Benefits of Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid is most well-known for its acne-related benefits, but that’s not all it’s good for. Here are some of the reasons you might consider using salicylic acid in your skin care routine even if you don’t have acne: Improves keratosis pilaris: In addition to acne, salicylic acid can improve other skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris (KP), says Dr.Neil Farnsworth, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. As a keratolytic agent, salicylic acid can bust the buildup of excess keratin, which leads to the formation of bumps on the skin’s surface. Smooths out texture: Thanks to its exfoliating properties, using salicylic acid can lead to smoother skin, says Dr. Jeffy. By increasing skin cell turnover and softening keratin, salicylic acid helps shed dead skin cells and bumpy skin, leading to smoother skin overall. How to Use Salicylic Acid There’s a learning curve to using salicylic acid, but it’s simple once you learn a few ground rules. Here are some tips dermatologists shared with us to use salicylic acid safely and effectively: Choose the right concentration: In OTC products, you can expect to find salicylic acid at concentrations between 0.5% and 2%. Dr. Negbenebor recommends a 2% concentration for most people but notes that irritation is more likely to occur at higher strengths, so it may be too potent for those with sensitive skin. Perform a patch test: Salicylic acid is generally well tolerated, but it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test when using a new ingredient or product. Gradually increase the frequency: It’s safe to use daily, but if you’re new to salicylic acid, dermatologists recommend starting slow to avoid over-exfoliation. Start by using it 2–3 times per week and slowly increase the frequency until your skin can tolerate it daily, Dr. Green says. Apply to clean, dry skin: Wash your hands and face, and pat it dry before using a salicylic acid serum. It can be used after a toner, but allow the toner to dry first. Use a moisturizer: Following up with a moisturizer is a great way to get ahead of dryness or irritation caused by salicylic acid. Allow the serum to dry and apply a gentle moisturizer. Wear sunscreen: BHAs like salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity, so it’s often used as part of a nighttime routine. When used during the day, always apply sunscreen as the final step of your skin care regimen. How long does it take for salicylic acid to work? Salicylic acid works quickly to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, so skin may feel smoother quickly. However, it can take several weeks for salicylic acid to treat acne. Using salicylic acid regularly can prevent future breakouts once acne is under control. Who We Are Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer for Health who specializes in skin health. Her career in content marketing began at a small skin care brand where she learned the ins and outs of skin types and active ingredients. Since then, she has interviewed dozens of board-certified dermatologists on various skin care topics, including the best practices for using salicylic acid products. As someone who experiences the occasional breakout, she keeps the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant on hand for a quick but effective acne treatment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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