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Salicylic Acid (BHA)

BHA exfoliant - unclogs pores

What it does

An oil-soluble acid that dives into pores to dissolve the buildup behind blackheads and pimples, with gentle surface exfoliation as a bonus. The classic strength is 2%.

How to use it

In a face wash or as a leave-on toner. Cleanser contact is short and gentle; leave-ons are stronger - schedule those away from your other strong actives.

What not to mix it with

retinoids (same session) - see Retinoid + BHA
vitamin C (same session) - see Vitamin C + BHA
AHAs (same session) - see AHA + BHA
copper peptides - see Copper peptides + BHA

What it gets along with

Fine with hydrators like hyaluronic acid and with niacinamide - a sensible pairing for oily, congestion-prone skin.

Extra flag: salicylic acid is a salicylate - if you have a salicylate/aspirin allergy, skip it and anything with willow bark or wintergreen.

Worth clearing with your doctor during pregnancy or nursing.

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