Salicylic Acid Cleanser Guide

If you’re curious how about the benefits of SA and how to incorporate it into your routine, then read on for our Salicylic Acid Cleanser Guide!

Skincare Acids

First things first, though.

You might be thinking, “Acid?”, “On my skin???”

Thankfully, these aren’t the acids you might have played around with in chemistry class.

Skincare acids belong to a much gentler class of acids, known for their ability to assist with exfoliation, dead skin cells and more.

These days, a range of acids have become skincare staples. You might have seen AHAs, PHAs, BHAs, and even hyaluronic acid on the shelves. While all have benefits for different skin types, some are particularly great for treating acne and breakouts.

Enter – salicylic acid.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA). This is an active ingredient that is perfect for treating acne. Being derived from willow bark, a type of tree, salicylic acid is also vegan friendly.

How Does Salicylic Acid Work?

A quick recap on how skincare acids generally work. As a general rule, skincare acids fall in one of two categories:

1. Water soluble (alpha-hydroxy acids/AHAs), which are good for surface exfoliation, and

2. Oil soluble (BHAs), which can dissolve oil, congestion and blockages.

Because salicylic acids are oil soluble, they’re good for breakouts and acne! The molecular structure is also larger than most, so it doesn’t aggressively penetrate your skin. This means it’s more focused on getting rid of the excess oil that lead to pimples, keeping your pores clear without irritation.

How Should I Use Salicylic Acid?

Less is More.

In terms of concentration and frequency, the appropriate amount of salicylic acid to use will depend on individual skin types. It’s best to begin with lower amounts and applying it once or twice a week, and scale accordingly for what works best for you.

If you’re using other acids like AHAs, remember that these can add up and increase the likelihood of irritation from overusing acids.

We recommend adding gentle, nourishing barrier-care products in at the next steps of your skincare routine. Try Dewy Glaze Toner to rehydrate and White Truffle Souffle Serum to cocoon and care for the skin. 

Want to read up more on skincare acids?

Try our guide to decoding the various different acids, as well as how to layer acids in your skincare routine.

Have you tried using an SA Cleanser in your routine? Let us know in the comments!

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