Salicylic Acid

In the battle against acne, there are a few ingredients you should know about. Salicylic acid is the one ingredient that should be in your skin routine if you struggle with breakouts.

Here is everything you need to know about it, including the best Korean salicylic acid skincare products we curated for you.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark, and it belongs to a class of ingredients called salicylates.  It is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHAs) and like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) it is an acid with exfoliating properties.

Furthermore, alpha and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin, but AHAs are water-soluble, while BHAs are oil soluble. So let’s talk about those a little bit more.

What are the differences between an AHA and a BHA?

AHAs and BHA are acids impact skin condition in a different way. AHAs are water-soluble acids and they work on the surface of the skin. They remove dead skin cells revealing more radiant skin. BHA is oil-soluble has the ability to remove dead skin cells but also go deeper and dissolves impurities and excess sebum that leads to breakouts.

What does salicylic acid do for the skin?

Salicylic acid for blackheads or whiteheads works wonders. It dissolves skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne. It has the ability to regulate skin cells. If your skin is already tackling imperfections, salicylic acid will help reduce inflamed skin.

What skin types should use salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid will be perfect for blemish-prone and uneven skin types. It will help to prevent pore clogging and at the same time provide anti-inflammatory properties. 

The star ingredient for many teenagers is very effective against cystic acne due to its antibacterial properties. Also, it can also help to treat adult acne and hormonal acne. 

How to use salicylic acid?

Originally, salicylic acid has been used as a spot treatment. However, now it is used to prevent skin issues. That is why it is used now in cleansers, toners, exfoliators up to skin cream. 

While using salicylic acid, we always suggest using extra care and apply sunscreen. 

Salicylic acid has the ability to irritate and dry skin creating sensitivity. That is why it is always great to put extra measures for sensitive skin and use it as a topical treatment if your skin is extra sensitive.

How often should I use salicylic acid?

While salicylic acid can be used daily, we always recommend introducing it into your routine slowly. Start with every two or three days to ensure you do not irritate the skin and over dry it. Moderate approach is always the best as salicylic acid deeply penetrates congested skin.

Can You use salicylic acid with niacinamide?

Yes, you can with extra safety steps. Niacinamide is relatively non-irritating when paired with actives. However, when we apply ingredients like AHA or BHAs, we need to give the skin the opportunity to allow them do their job. For example if you use salicylic acid cleanser or BHA exfoliator it will clear pores allowing then niacinamide to quickly improve uneven tone, minimize pores and visibly reduce wrinkles and discolorations.

What are the best salicylic acid products? 

The top brands which offer over-the-counter acne solution use salicylic acid at levels between 0.5 percent and 2 percent. In our offer, we have some amazing Korean salicylic acid skincare products.  Here is a little bit more.

What are the best salicylic acid cleansers?

A salicylic acid cleanser is perfect for acne-prone skin types. It will help keep pores clear, preventing breakouts before they occur. Some of the best cleansers are:

Salicylic acid is an exfoliator

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 100ml is a blackhead treatment that combines salicylic acid alongside humectants and soothing willow bark water. If you are looking for a strong and effective exfoliating toner, this is a product for you.

Salicylic acid toner

Easily overloaded skin will enjoy salicylic acid toner or treatment mist. We have for you Klavuu Green Pearlsation Teatree Care Body Spray that will be perfect for you if you struggle with body acne.

In our offer you will also find top Korean salicylic acid toners: 

Getting all your K-Beauty Essentials at Skinsider

Want to know more about Korean salicylic acid skincare products or simply looking for more K-Beauty products, or wondering which product is for you? Get in touch for personalised advice here

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Items 1 to 24 of 26 total
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     COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

    COSRX

    COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

    (49 Reviews)
    COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser gently removes impurities and excess sebum while fighting different forms of acne, leaving skin soft and smooth.  0.5% Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its deep-cleansing properties...
    MSRP: £12.00
    £12.00
    £9.60
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     Rovectin Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule 50 ml

    Rovectin

    Rovectin Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule 50 ml

    (5 Reviews)
    Rovectin Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule is an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic day and night serum that enhances the look and hydrates your skin with only the essentials. Instead of purified water, LHA ampoule contains 85% of neroli flower water extract to...
    £33.00
  • -50%
    LAGOM Lagom White Kaolin Mud Mask

    LAGOM

    Lagom White Kaolin Mud Mask

    (3 Reviews)
    LAGOM White Kaolin Mud Mask is a powerful mask that combines three types of natural mud with exfoliants AHA, BHA, and PHA to deliver smoother, clearer skin by effectively removing blackheads and tightening pores. Enriched with Centella Asiatica...
    MSRP: £30.00
    £30.00
    £15.00
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  •  COSRX Master Patch Intensive 36ea

    COSRX

    COSRX Master Patch Intensive 36ea

    (1 Review)
    Introducing COSRX Master Patch Intensive, the ultimate solution for those unplanned breakouts that disrupt your day. It's not just an acne patch; it's an intensified version of the original, designed to provide unmatched comfort and efficacy. When acne...
    £10.00
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  • -20%
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     iUNIK Centella Mild Cleasing Foam

    iUNIK

    iUNIK Centella Mild Cleasing Foam

    (1 Review)
    iUnik Centella Mild Cleansing Foam is a mild cleansing foam infused with 49.9% Centella Asiatica Extract to remove impurities without causing irritation and 0.2% salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. The Centella Mild Cleansing...
    MSRP: £14.00
    £14.00
    £11.20
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     Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner 150ml

    Tocobo

    Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner 150ml

    Experience the refreshing zest of radiance with the Tocobo AHA BHA Lemon Toner. This invigorating toner is your secret weapon for smooth, clear, and vibrant skin. Get ready to unveil your natural glow like never before. Power-packed with the dynamic duo...
    MSRP: £18.00
    £18.00
    £14.40
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     Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam 150ml

    Abib

    Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam 150ml

    (1 Review)
    Say goodbye to stubborn impurities with Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam. This foaming cleanser is your ultimate solution for a fresh, clear complexion. Crafted with a blend of potent ingredients, it effortlessly removes makeup and dirt, making...
    £14.00
  •  House of HUR Clearing Skin Prep Essence Pad

    House of HUR

    House of HUR Clearing Skin Prep Essence Pad

    (1 Review)
    Unveil your skin's true radiance with the House of HUR Clearing Skin Prep Essence Pad! Your skin's daily battles against environmental stressors like UV rays, temperature swings, and stubborn fine dust demand a powerful solution. Standard cleansing may...
    £20.00
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     Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid

    Isntree

    Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid

    Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid is a Korean exfoliating toner is infused with 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to effectively slough off dead skin cells, control sebum production, and accelerate skin cell turnover. With additional ingredients like tannin...
    £18.00
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     AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner - 200ml

    AXIS-Y

    AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner - 200ml

    AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner  is a treatment toner that effectively clears out bacteria and pollution stuck deep in the pores to reduce the risk of irritation and acne. The new and improved formula includes a higher amount of AHA and...
    MSRP: £22.00
    £22.00
    £14.30
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     COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel

    COSRX

    COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel

    Experience the transformative power of COSRX The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel. Desigend for experienced users of chemical exfoliators.  This potent formula is your secret weapon against uneven skin texture and congested pores. This peel targers rough...
    £20.00
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    Kaine KAINE Rosemary Relief Gel Cleanser

    Kaine

    KAINE Rosemary Relief Gel Cleanser

    (1 Review)
    Say goodbye to pesky breakouts with KAINE Rosemary Relief Gel Cleanser; your new solution for clear, calm, and comfortable skin! Formulated with 0.45% BHA and 5% rosemary leaf extract, this vegan-friendly cleansing gel gently removes dead skin cells and...
    £18.00
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     Manyo Galactomy Clearskin Toner 210ml

    Manyo

    Manyo Galactomy Clearskin Toner 210ml

    (1 Review)
    The Manyo Galactomy Clearskin Toner is a daily-use product that gently exfoliates your skin while promoting balance and radiance. Its formula is based on Galactomyces ferment, renowned for its powerful regenerating and hydrating properties. Galactomyces...
    MSRP: £22.00
    £22.00
    £16.50
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     Jumiso All Day Vitamin Clean & Mild Facial Cleanser

    Jumiso

    Jumiso All Day Vitamin Clean & Mild Facial Cleanser

    Jumiso All Day Vitamin Clean & Mild Facial Cleanser is a gentle low-pH brightening cleanser that provides deep cleansing without irritation, dryness and tightness. This concentrated cleanser contains sea buckthorn extract and vitamin C to protect and...
    MSRP: £12.50
    £12.50
    £10.00
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     PURITO Clear Code Superfruit Cleanser

    PURITO

    PURITO Clear Code Superfruit Cleanser

    Step into a world of purity and harmony with PURITO Clear Code Superfruit Cleanser – the vegan cleansing foam that transforms your skincare ritual into a blissful experience. Enriched with the goodness of Noni Fruit extract, this cleanser beckons...
    £15.00
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     Manyo Bifida Biome Ampoule Pad 150g

    Manyo

    Manyo Bifida Biome Ampoule Pad 150g

    Manyo Bifida Biome Ampoule Pad – a must-have in any skincare routine. These pads, infused with Bifida Ferment Lysate and other active ingredients, strengthen your skin barrier and provide deep hydration. Bifida Ferment Lysate regenerates and builds...
    MSRP: £18.00
    £18.00
    £13.50
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  •  Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner

    Isntree

    Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner

    (1 Review)
    Isntree Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner, your solution for clear and refreshed skin. This gentle toner effectively removes dead skin cells, excess sebum, and blackheads with the power of BHA, leaving your skin looking clean and revitalized. Enriched with...
    £17.00
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  •  Commonlabs Vitamin C Brightening Peeling Toner 200ml

    Commonlabs

    Commonlabs Vitamin C Brightening Peeling Toner 200ml

    (3 Reviews)
    Discover luminous, revitalized skin with Commonlabs Vitamin C Brightening Peeling Toner. Infused with the potent nutrients of Vitamin Tree Water, this toner provides clear skin care by delivering essential vitamins and enhancing brightness. Its formula...
    £15.00
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  •  Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo

    Aromatica

    Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo

    Refresh and rejuvenate your scalp with Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo. Formulated to balance oil levels and promote a fresh, healthy crown, this shampoo is your solution for a clear scalp and reduced hair loss.   Harnessing the power of tea...
    £17.00 - £23.00