exfoliant bha
Oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates sebaceous follicles to dissolve keratinous plugs. Anti-inflammatory via inhibition of the arachidonic acid pathway.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne & breakouts | Excellent | 13 | Lavker 1983 (PMID 6191495, Kligman laboratory) established salicylic acid as one of only two OTC actives with directly demonstrated comedolytic activity via cyanoacrylate follicular biopsy — the other being tretinoin,… |
| Blackheads | Excellent | — | BHA is the archetypal blackhead active — follicular penetration dissolves comedonal plugs. Substantial. |
| Enlarged pores | Strong | — | PMC12274963 (2025, n=42, oily/combination skin): SA gel twice daily reduced sebum 23.65% and improved pore appearance and clarity over 21 days (instrumental Sebumeter/Corneometer). |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Strong | — | Grimes 1999 skin-of-color peels: 88% moderate-marked improvement. Moderate (peel-tier; daily-use lower). |
| Post-acne marks | Strong | — | Grimes 1999 (PMID 9935087) is the pivotal skin-of-color study: 25 patients Fitzpatrick V-VI with acne, PIH, melasma, or rough/oily skin treated with 20-30% salicylic peels every 2 weeks for 5 sessions after 2-week… |
| Uneven texture | Strong | — | Keratolytic surface smoothing. Moderate. |
| Oiliness & shine | Strong | — | PMC12274963 (2025): SA gel reduced sebum 23.65% (Sebumeter) over 21 days in oily/combination skin; oil-soluble penetration regulates follicular sebum. |
Not recommended for: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema. Salicylic Acid may aggravate this concern/condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Salicylic Acid is a exfoliant bha backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 13 studies for it, 12 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 0.5–2% in a formulation.
Dermatology and Therapy · 2015 · systematic review · n=120
Systematic review of keratolytics and emollients in psoriasis therapy: salicylic acid is a key keratolytic that removes psoriatic scale and improves penetration of co-applied topical agents; supports salicylic acid as an evidence-based adjunctive (descaling) treatment rather than a standalone therapy.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology · 2015 · systematic review
Comprehensive review: salicylic acid (2%) is the only lipophilic BHA, enabling comedolytic and anti-inflammatory activity within the pilosebaceous unit; effective for acne vulgaris, melasma, photodamage, and keratosis pilaris; 20-30% SA peels show efficacy comparable to glycolic acid peels with lower erythema risk in Fitzpatrick IV-VI
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2011 · rct · n=50
Single-blind RCT (n=46, 12 weeks) in mild-to-moderate acne comparing salicylic acid 3% plus clindamycin with tretinoin 0.05% plus clindamycin: both significantly reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts; tretinoin acted faster (significant by week 2) but groups were comparable at 12 weeks, and both were well tolerated.
Clinical Therapeutics · 1992 · systematic review
This review of four placebo-controlled clinical studies and a comedolytic assay found that 0.5% and 2% salicylic acid pads reduced the number and severity of acne lesions in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Comparative data showed salicylic acid superior to benzoyl peroxide, with adverse effects limited to mild local irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2016 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Comparable efficacy of salicylic to Jessner.
Dermatologic Surgery · 2013 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Salicylic vs Jessner equivalent efficacy better tolerability for salicylic.
+ 7 more studies in our evidence base.
In 1,106 products — most often serums (349), cleansers (266), moisturizers (216), from $3.00 to $380.99. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
ESPA
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Eye Serum 15ml
Eye Cream
$64.7715ml · $4.32/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ESPA
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Eye Serum 15ml
Eye Cream
$64.7715ml · $4.32/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Eye Serum 15ml is a eye cream by ESPA. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Betaine.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
SkinMedica
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.)
Exfoliant – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$48.00177.4ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.)
Exfoliant – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$48.00177.4ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.) is a exfoliant by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileLancôme
Crème Mousse Confort Creamy Foaming Cleanser
Cleanser
$34.00124.2ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme
Crème Mousse Confort Creamy Foaming Cleanser
Cleanser
$34.00124.2ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Crème Mousse Confort Creamy Foaming Cleanser is a water cleanser by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Butylene Glycol.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileButtah Skin
Exfoliant
$21.00100.5ml · $0.21/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Buttah Skin
Exfoliant
$21.00100.5ml · $0.21/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
AHA/BHA Rosewater Toner is a exfoliant by Buttah Skin. Key ingredients include Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Glycerin.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profilePEACH & LILY
Serum
$48.0078.1ml · $0.61/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
PEACH & LILY
Serum
$48.0078.1ml · $0.61/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Glass Skin Face Polisher is a exfoliant by PEACH & LILY. Key ingredients include Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Caudalie
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum 30ml
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$40.6430ml · $1.35/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum 30ml
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$40.6430ml · $1.35/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum 30ml is a exfoliant by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Alcohol Denat, Niacinamide, Citric Acid.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Revision Skincare
Revision Skincare® Brightening Facial Wash 6.7 fl. oz.
Cleanser
$47.00198.1ml · $0.24/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Revision Skincare
Revision Skincare® Brightening Facial Wash 6.7 fl. oz.
Cleanser
$47.00198.1ml · $0.24/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Revision Skincare® Brightening Facial Wash 6.7 fl. oz. is a water cleanser by Revision Skincare. Key ingredients include Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)
Moisturizer
$78.0028ml · $2.79/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)
Moisturizer
$78.0028ml · $2.79/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes) is a exfoliant by Kiehl's Since 1851. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Squalane, Stearyl Alcohol.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Smoothing Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid 150ml
Cleanser
$19.04150ml · $0.13/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Smoothing Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid 150ml
Cleanser
$19.04150ml · $0.13/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Smoothing Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid 150ml is a water cleanser by L'Oréal Paris. Key ingredients include Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Dermalogica
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Enzyme Powder 74g
Serum
$82.5574ml · $1.12/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Dermalogica
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Enzyme Powder 74g
Serum
$82.5574ml · $1.12/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Enzyme Powder 74g is a skincare product by Dermalogica. Key ingredients include Colloidal Oatmeal, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.