The Deep Cleansing Salicylic Acid Formulas
There are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your routine too. For a lighter dose, opt for a cleanser and if you want something more potent, try a treatment lotion or overnight serum. Here are a few of our favourite deep cleansing salicylic formulas…
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Darker Skin Tones Foam Cleanser, £55
The Deep Pore Cleanse
Foam cleansers have a reputation for leaving your skin feeling dry and tight. But, with Dr. Sturm’s signature soothing purslane extract, this pH balanced, salicylic acid infused formula bucks the trend and offers a gentle but thorough cleanse. While this range has been formulated with melanin-active skin in mind, it works on all skin types and tones. It’s our go-to second cleanser when we double cleanse in the evening.
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £12
The Bestselling Blemish Buster
Any skincare enthusiast who has battled with breakouts and blemishes will have heard of this BHA treatment. With 2% salicylic acid, it helps to rebalance and soothe acne-prone skin and most importantly, curb breakouts. Impressively, it’s gentle enough to use every day after cleansing instead of a toner. Start by using it twice a week in the evenings after you’ve cleansed.
Eve Lom
Rescue Peel Pads, £62
The Fuss-Free Exfoliating Treatment
When you don’t have enough time (or energy) to do a full peel, these nifty pads are the next best thing. Jam-packed with AHAs and PHAs (polyhydroxy acid), they make light work of any dry, dead surface skin, while salicylic acid helps to loosen blocked pores. You can use these daily, or as and when you feel a blemish or breakout coming your way. We also want to flag that the pads are biodegradable.
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, N/A
The Budget-Friendly Salicylic Acid
This is the perfect option for anyone who wants to trial test the pore-cleansing powers of salicylic acid without having to invest too much money. The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid Masque contains 2% salicylic acid to help loosen blocked pores. It takes 10 minutes to work its magic, so it's the ideal pre-event face mask to boost your complexion.
Drunk Elephant
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, £80
The Radiance-Boosting Overnighter
Whether you’re worried about an impending breakout or you want to dial up your skin’s radiance, this overnight serum should be in your bathroom arsenal. With a dose of glycolic acid and salicylic acid, as well as raspberry extract, it helps to slough away excess oil and dead skin whilst smoothing out fine lines.
Murad
Clarifying Body Spray, £46
The Backne Solution
Backne, or back acne, isn’t a topic that’s regularly discussed, but it is an issue that a lot of people battle with – regardless of age or skin type. A few strategic spritzes of this salicylic acid infused body spray can help to ease the problem. The formula is also particularly handy at loosening ingrown hairs too.
Malin + Goetz
Salicylic Gel, N/A
The Makeup Friendly Salicylic Treatment
Malin + Goetz Salicylic Gel is translucent which makes it ideal for anyone with oily or problem skin that wants to treat their skin while they’re out and about. With 2% salicylic acid alongside niacinamide and lactic acid, this formula helps to decongest pores and ease breakouts. Apply directly onto the problem area and leave at least 60 seconds before using makeup.
