Salicylic acid is one of the most popular anti-acne ingredients for a reason. This beta-hydroxy acid works hard, and by that we mean it works deep within the skin to lift away dirt, sebum, and dead skin to prevent them from becoming everyone's worst skin nightmare—acne. Plus, unlike other exfoliating acids, it's actually one of the easiest to incorporate into your skincare routine. It's in everything—from cleansers, to masks, to serums, down to moisturizers! And if your pores are in need of a dose, here are some salicylic acid-infused picks for you to try:
1. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
This light foaming cleanser has the zip-zapping combination of saliyclic acid and zinc to help lightly exfoliate without overdrying the skin.
THE INKEY LIST Salicylic Acid Cleanser, P700, Beauty Bar
2. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
For oily skin that needs a thorough cleanse, try this K-beauty favorite that washes off excess sebum sans the overly-stripping feel.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, P540, Watsons
3. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Even out your skin tone and texture by exfoliating with this water-activating powder—with rice extract, salicylic acid, and enzymes—that gently sloughs off the top layer of your skin.
DERMALOGICA Daily Microfoliant, P3350, Rustan's
4. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
If you know your skin loves BHA, use it in serum form to amp its effects. This one from The Ordinary contains 2%, which is potent enough to unclog pores but gentle enough not to cause irritation.
THE ORDINARY Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, P599, Beauty Beat
5. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer
This clinical-strength serum does the job of two products in a single pump. It prevents breakouts with salicylic acid and fades the scars they leave behind using vitamin C.
CLINIQUE Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer, P3550, Rustan's
6. Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Serum
This product's name is as straightforward as it can get. It stops acne from forming with BHA and thyme extract so you can stay blemish-free for longer.
MARIO BADESCU Anti-Acne Serum, P1550, Rustan's
7. Avene Cleanance Mask
Leave this clay mask on for a few minutes to cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify your complexion in one step. The glycolic acid (4%) will help resurface your skin and improve its texture, while the monolaurin and zinc gluconate soothes redness.
AVENE Cleanance Mask, price unavailable, SM Makati
8. Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin
When you need to calm down your breakouts but have no time for a facial, this 10-minute clay mask should temporarily do the trick. It uses zinc oxide, sulfur, and camphor to absorb the excess oils on your skin as the salicylic acid swiftly lifts impurities!
ORIGINS Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin, P1250, Lazada
9. VMV Hypoallergenics ID Anti-acne Toner: Face + Body Clarifier
This astringent toner resurfaces acne-prone areas on both the face and body with witch hazel, salicylic acid, and rice phytic acid. It's quite potent, so don't forget to moisturize after!
VMV HYPOALLERGENICS ID Anti-acne Toner: Face + Body Clarifier, P990, SM Makati
10. Kiehl's Breakout Control Acne Treatment Facial Lotion
You can use this salicylic acid-infused lotion as an all-over moisturizer or a targeted treatment to prevent blemishes or zap any active breakouts. Meanwhile, aloe vera will calm down irritation and niacinamide will work to fade pigmentation.
KIEHL'S Breakout Control Acne Treatment Facial Lotion, price unavailable, Greenbelt 5
