The best salicylic acid serums and treatments to unclog your pores

Infused with the oil-soluble chemical exfoliant, these picks will also help address concerns of acne, blemishes and textured skin

It doesn’t take a beauty connoisseur to be apprised of salicylic acid. The chemical exfoliant is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which basically means it has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and decongest pores. Needless to say, it functions through chemically exfoliating the skin, or sloughing away rough, dead skin. It then passes as one of the most potent antidotes for acne-prone and overly oily skin.

“It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed the skin cells,” New York-based dermatologist Dr Ellen Murmur toldByrdie, explaining the BHA’s advantage for oily skin. Thus, there’s at least one salicylic acid treatment in every celebrity and beauty editor’s arsenal, whether it’s in the form of cleansers, toners, serums, creams or masks. 

If you’re open to giving this ingredient a shot or simply looking for new options to invest in, give the below round-up of salicylic acid products a read. 

 

Pigmentbio C- Concentrate, Bioderma: The best salicylic acid serum for dull & pigmented skin 

Trust this serum from Bioderma to aid with any and every sign of unevenness on your skin. The brand’s LumiReveal technology is designed to alleviate hyperpigmentation associated with ageing, acne and sun exposure. The efficacy of this product is courtesy of the high-performance blend of ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamins C and E, licorice root extract and more. It has a peeling-like effect; however, it doesn’t really peel the skin in real-time (like polishes do). Instead it brightens and corrects an imbalanced skin tone. 

Priced at ₹2,799

Shop here

 

 

Daily Liquid Exfoliant, Gunam Beauty: The best salicylic acid treatment for sensitive skin 

If you don’t take 10-step skincare routines for an answer, give this multi-active treatment essence a shot. Its formulation boasts active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and fruit acids along with botanical heroes like rose, chamomile, vetiver, green tea and aloe vera to gently exfoliate the skin, boost hydration and glow and protect it from impurities, congested pores and an unhealthy appearance. It’s apt enough for daily use, allowing you to cut yourself some slack with respect to single-ingredient serums and tonics. It’s also suitable for every skin type and abides by the Credo Clean Standard.

Priced at ₹2,000

Shop here

 

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Paula’s Choice: The most potent salicylic acid treatment 

Loved by the likes of Kaia Gerber and Kaci Walfall, this product is one of the most sought-after salicylic acid treatments. This one’s been in the market for nearly 22 years with one bottle selling every 7 seconds across the globe. It claims to be skin-perfecting—you’ll notice a reduction in the occurrence of acne and zits and the appearance of dark spots and blemishes over regular use. It also refines the texture of the skin, to give a healthier and brighter complexion. 

Prices start at ₹1,200

Shop here

 

Salicylic Acid Cleanser, The INKEY List: The best salicylic acid face wash for all skin types

If you’re sceptical about using a high-octane salicylic acid treatment, consider using a face cleanser infused with the BHA. The foaming cleanser aids oily and acne-prone skin that is vulnerable to blackheads and blemishes. The gel-based cleanser creates a gentle foam, effectively taking off all the acne-causing dirt and debris sitting on the epidermis. It can give enlarged pores a shrunken appearance, albeit temporarily.

Priced at ₹1,607

Shop here

 

Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel, Clinique: The best salicylic acid spot treatment 

This acne-healing leave-on treatment scores a spot amongst the bestsellers of the brand. With ingredients like salicylic acid and witch hazel extract, the oil-free, gel-based solution addresses acne, post-acne hyperpigmentation, blemishes and spots while regulating sebum production and preventing further breakouts. With a straightforward formulation, it works for every skin type. However, we’d strongly recommend layering a really good moisturiser on top to avoid irritation. 

Priced at ₹2,350

Shop here

 

3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster, 111skin: The best salicylic acid serum for mature skin 

“I created the 3 Phase Anti-Blemish Booster to provide a 360-degree solution for blemish-prone skin,” says Dr Yannis Alexandrides, founder, 111Skin. Don’t let the size of this booster serum’s bottle fool you—it’s packed with powerful ingredients like salicylic acid, kojic acid, citric acid, sodium hyaluronate and colloidal sulphur that effectively targets hyperpigmentation and acne scars. It also provides relief in case of inflammation, making it a great option for agitated skin.

Priced at ₹13,350

Shop here

 

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, The Ordinary: The best clay mask with salicylic acid 

Salicylic acid doesn’t always have to be experienced in the form of a potent tonic; sometimes, you can also endow your skin with a multi-action product infused with the BHA that does more than just tackle acne and sebum. This charcoal- and clay-based face mask with 2 per cent salicylic acid crops up as the perfect remedy for oily skin and the many struggles that it goes through (greasiness, clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads) by detoxifying it. It’s got squalane too, so don’t fret about dryness, albeit, leave it on the skin for no longer than 10 minutes.

Priced at ₹1,100

Shop here