Stick with any of the options featured here; they all contain mild concentrations of salicylic acid, so they won't totally dry out your skin, and they come in lots of different forms — serums, pads, toners, creams — so you can easily find one that works well with your existing skin care routine. Incorproate it into your routine gradually — start by using your new salicylic acid product once or twice a week to see how your skin reacts, then as it adjusts, you can begin to use it more frequently. Naturally, it's great for keeping your skin clear of blackheads, too — but some products do the job better than others. This removal of  dead skin cells can help prevent future clogged pores. The chemical sounding name may give the impression of an aggressive artificial treatment, which could potentially be harmful to… Read More » How To Use Salicylic Acid Cleanser For Skin? Salicylic acid may not be appropriate for dry skin. Unlike glycolic acid and lactic acid which are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid is a member of the oil-soluble, beta hydroxy acid family. Aside from salicylic acid’s keratolytic and desmolytic dissolving actions, salicylic acid can also decrease sebum secretions within the skin. Salicylic acid is an effective exfoliator that can be used to remove dead skin cells and clean out pores, while treating a wide range of skin concerns, leaving the skin visibly clearer and softer. Once inside an open comedone, salicylic acid also softens the keratin contained in dead cells that have mixed with sebum to clog the pores. Salicylic acid is a widely prescribed treatment for acne and blackheads and can be found in many face lotions, ointments, and gels. Salicylic acid is a very sought-after skincare ingredient, especially among people who struggle with skin concerns such as blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, dull skin, etc. Bodemer, Apple A. June 7, 2019 • By James Haynes (reviewed by Megan Kera, M.S., PA-C). Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. What Types of Salicylic Acid Skincare Products Are Best for Blackheads? Salicylic acid helps speed the clearing of blackheads as an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic, meaning it helps relieve itching. Also, don't combine retinoids with salicylic acid products, as that can really mess with your skin. It can be used like any other face cleanser. See our complete guide to blackhead treatments. These include face washes, spot treatments, facial serums and masks. You're getting a chemical exfoliant in here with the salicylic acid, but since the pads are textured on one side, you'll benefit from some mild physical exfoliation as well. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the skin’s pores to dissolve blackheads. Many topical treatments encourage exfoliation and reduce the oil on the surface of the skin, but salicylic acid’s ability to penetrate deep into clogged pores is what sets it apart. While salicylic acid products are an excellent choice for fighting blackheads, they may not be appropriate for all skin types. It's a particularly great choice for people with acne-prone skin and/or hyperpigmentation. By reducing the sebum, salicylic acid acts as a preventative measure against future breakouts. This dissolving action helps to loosen the blackhead by making the sebum easier to remove. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. Disrupting this cohesion between skin cells helps to encourage the sloughing off of dead skin cells and exfoliation. Keratin binds epidermal cells together, protecting the deeper layers of skin. As an antibacterial, salicylic acid can kill the bacteria that cause infected blackheads. Is Salicylic Acid Good for All Skin Types? Desmolytic agents break the cellular junctions, or the glue that holds cells together. By keeping swelling to a minimum, salicylic acid may reduce the likelihood of sebum getting trapped within pores. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) boasts exfoliating effects and is thought to prevent pores from becoming clogged. After rinsing, follow up your cleanser with a blackhead spot treatment to clear specific areas. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. So how to make sure you're using one of the best salicylic acid products for blackheads? © 2020 Copyright Derm Collective. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid works in two ways: Salicylic acid functions as a keratolytic, meaning it breaks down the keratin in the outer layers of the skin. Just note that this does contain essential oils and a light fragrance, in case you have a known sensitivity to either of those things. The oil solubility of salicylic acid enables it to enter deep within skin pores, where it dissolves the sebum and dead skin cells that comprise blackheads. Over 10,000 Amazon shoppers left this "miracle in a bottle" a five-star rating, while over 1,500 went out of their way to write a glowing review. See what all the hype is about for yourself! Salicylic acid is an effective pore-clearing ingredient that's well-tolerated by most skin types, which is why it's often recommended by dermatologists as a first-line treatment for acne. Salicylic acid is an effective pore-clearing ingredient that's well-tolerated by most skin types, which is why it's often recommended by dermatologists as a first-line treatment for acne. With that in mind, scroll on to shop seven of the best products with salicylic acid, all for less than $50 on Amazon. Salicylic acid cleansers can be used every day if you have excessively oily skin, but if you’re new to these products, every 2 or 3 days might be easier to tolerate. Over 1,000 Amazon reviewers left it a five-star rating after purchasing it; comments include "Best toner I've ever used," "Will continue to buy for all of eternity," and "toner magic.". Salicylic Acid Percentage: Most salicylic face wash products contain 2% salicylic acid, which is a safe and effective concentration for normal, oily, and acne-prone skin types. Even better is what it doesn't include: namely, sulfates, oil, alcohol, and soap, so it's a safe choice for just about any skin type, whether acne-prone or sensitive. Bacterial infections are often caused by trauma, or physically picking at the blackheads. If you're looking to target blackheads or blemishes in certain areas, rather than all over your face, pick up this spot treatment from First Aid Beauty. If you experience excessive dryness after using salicylic acid, you may want to consider a blackhead treatment especially formulated for dry skin, such as one containing glycolic acid. Another role played by salicylic acid is that of a desmolytic agent. A couple notes on using salicylic acid safely. You can either avoid retinoids completely or use your salicylic acid product during the day and your retinoid at night. One of the most popular salicylic acid products out there period, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a modern skin care classic.