There’s more to skincare than just looking good; it’s about feeling good about yourself in your skin. If you’re struggling with blemishes, dullness or uneven texture, finding the right products can be an endless cycle of trial and error. Salicylic acid, a skincare superstar, is entering the scene to address some of the most common skin concerns.

If you’re new to salicylic acid or are ready to boost your routine, this guide will explain how this powerhouse works and point you to the best current products. I want to show you how salicylic acid can change your skin.

Why Salicylic Acid Is the Skincare Essential

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) of salicylic acid derived from willow bark. What’s unique about it is it’s able to penetrate the skin’s surface and get down into the pores. Salicylic acid is different than alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are good at exfoliating the top layer of the skin. Instead, it dissolves oil and dead skin cells trapped inside of the pores and is especially good for oily or blemish-prone types of skin.

Salicylic acid doesn’t just target blemishes though. Here’s what makes it indispensable:

• Unclogs Pores: It helps break down sebum and debris to reduce blackheads and whiteheads.
• Exfoliates Gently: It removes dead skin cells without having to get too rough, making it even perfect for those with sensitive skin types.
• Soothes Redness: These properties calm irritated skin and also help reduce redness caused by breakouts.
• Refines Texture: Helps encourage skin renewal and over time, helps give skin a smoother, more even complexion.

Salicylic acid’s versatility as an ingredient also means it’s a great addition to both facial and body care products for all types of blemishes (face and body), from facial blemishes to back acne and on the body.

What Sets The Ordinary Apart

Many brands put salicylic acid into their products, but The Ordinary has gone a refreshing straight-to-the-point approach. The Ordinary has democratized effective skincare by combining science-based formulations with transparent pricing.

Here’s what makes The Ordinary unique:

• Minimalist Formulations: The Ordinary is about using only ingredients that actually work, and without unnecessary fillers.
• Tailored Options: The Ordinary has a wide variety of salicylic acid products for people from beginners to seasoned skincare enthusiasts.
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Their brand is all about ethical practices with all the products being cruelty-free and most of them vegan-friendly.
• Affordable Excellence: You don’t have to spend big bucks on high-quality skincare. The Ordinary shows that effective can be accessible.

They have a range of skin types and skin concerns salicylic acid offerings that are easy to incorporate into your routine.

Salicylic Acid Range from Dive Into The Ordinary

1. 2% Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution

This is not your usual salicylic acid serum. This formula was designed for dry or sensitive skin, with a squalane base to exfoliate without stripping the skin of hydration. An anhydrous (water-free) formulation, the release of salicylic acid is gradual so it won’t irritate while still decongesting the pores.

Who It’s For: It’s great for the new exfoliator or dry, sensitive skin that just needs a little bit of help.

Key Benefits:

• It hydrates and exfoliates at the same time.
• It reduces the risk of irritation that other salicylic acid products cause.
• Uneven texture and redness targets.

How to Use: Use a tiny amount on clean, dry skin at night. It also pairs nicely with a nourishing moisturizer to lock in moisture.

Start your skincare journey with this gentle and effective solution!

2. Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

The Salicylic Acid 2% Masque takes the exfoliating power of salicylic acid and combines it with detoxifying properties of charcoal and clay for a more intensive treatment. Deeply cleansed and visibly smoother, more radiant skin after only one use.

Who It’s For: Great for oily or combination skin types that need dullness or clogged pores.

Key Benefits:

• It removes impurities and excess oil.
• Helps smooth and brighten the texture of your skin.
• A deep pore cleanse that doesn’t over dry.

How to Use: Use once or twice a week on clean, dry skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, leave on for 10 minutes.

Deep clean your skin weekly with this intensive masque!

3. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

A classic choice for blemish and uneven texture, this water-based serum is a great choice. It’s a lightweight and easy to integrate into any routine product that oily skin types turn to for daily treatment.

Who It’s For: The best choice for oily or blemish-prone skin.

Key Benefits:

• It works on congested pores and blackheads.
• Offers exfoliation that feels lightweight without being greasy.
• It helps for a clearer complexion over time.

How to Use: Use on the face as a thin layer or as a spot treatment to blemishes. Moisturize with a moisturizer to avoid dryness.

Simplify your routine with this convenient daily exfoliant!

4. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

If you have deeper exfoliation needs, this high-strength peel combines AHAs and BHAs to target multiple concerns at one time. By helping to refine skin texture, fade discoloration, and decrease pore congestion, it’s designed.

Who It’s For: Chemical exfoliation experienced users, comfortable.

Key Benefits:

• Provides professional quality results at home.
• Features AHAs for surface exfoliation and BHA for deep pore cleansing.
• It helps to promote a bright, more even complexion.

How to Use: Put a very thin layer on clean dry skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Following with a calming moisturizer, rinse off. No more than twice a week.

Add this powerful peel to your routine for a radiant glow!

5. Body Serum – Salicylic Acid 0.5%

Salicylic acid benefits don’t stop at face. To combat blemish areas on the body, the back, chest and shoulders, this body serum is formulated. It lightly exfoliates to reduce the look of blemishes and smooth rough texture.

Who It’s For: If you’re experiencing body acne or uneven skin texture, then this is for you.

Key Benefits:

• Helps target blemishes and clogged pores on the body.
• Helps keep skin softer, smoother.
• Precise application easy-to-use nozzle.

How to Use: After you shower, apply to clean, dry skin. Dress after it has absorbed fully.

How to Use Salicylic Acid in Your Routine

It doesn’t have to be complicated to soak salicylic acid into your routine. Take it one product at a time and use it consistently to get results. Follow these tips to get the most out of your products:

• Patch Test First: Before using new products on your whole body, always test new products on a small area of skin first.
• Start Slowly: Build tolerance by using salicylic acid once or twice a week, and raise frequency as needed.
• Always Moisturize: Use it with a hydrating product to keep your skin in balance.
• Protect with SPF: As salicylic acid can increase sensitivity to the sun, use sunscreen every day.

The Ordinary: Skincare with Science

The Ordinary has introduced a no-nonsense, simple, effective, and affordable approach to skincare. Salicylic acid range is a commitment from them to give their customers the best-targeted solutions to address every skin type and concern. From blemish clearing to refining your texture or keeping your skin healthy, there’s a product for you.

First Step Towards Your Best Skin

The power of salicylic acid in your skincare routine. From gentle options for beginners to advanced treatments for the pro, The Ordinary has you covered. Goodbye clogged pores, uneven texture and dullness, as your journey to radiant skin begins today.

The Ordinary’s salicylic acid range is an exploration worth taking!