Skip to main content
Newsletter

If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Here's how it works.

Best salicylic acid
image caption
Discover the best salicylic acid products from Paula’s Choice, Medik8, Farmacy and more.

Editor’s Picks: 14 of the Best Salicylic Acid Products to Exfoliate, Brighten and Clear Your Skin

Treatments for every skin type.

Salicylic acid is best known as a treatment for acne, but there’s so much more it can do for your skin. Not only does it clear and prevent breakouts, it also exfoliates your skin’s surface, fades pigmentation, and even reduces fine lines and sun damage.

As a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), salicylic acid can be gentler on your skin than other acids. Since it has a larger molecule size than glycolic acid, it’s less irritating, and since it’s a member of the salicylate family, it has anti-inflammatory properties. As long as you choose the right strength, you can incorporate it into your skincare routine on a regular basis—even if you don’t have acne.

Keep reading to find out what to look for in a salicylic acid product, and the best formulas I’ve found.

The Best Salicylic Acid Products of 2024

Best salicylic acid

As a beauty editor, I’ve tested and evaluated salicylic acid products from a range of brands. These are my top picks for every preference:

Best Gentle

Best Intensive

    Best for Dark Marks

    Best Moisturizing

    Best Anti-Aging

    Best Clean Beauty

    Best K-Beauty

    Best Budget

    For more details on each formula, read on.

    Best Gentle

    Medik8 Press & Clear Exfoliating 2% BHA Tonic

    Medik8 Press Clear Exfoliating 2 BHA Tonic

    Unlike other treatments, the salicylic acid in Medik8 Press & Clear Exfoliating 2% BHA Tonic is encapsulated and time-released. That makes it extra-gentle on your skin, while still giving you powerful results.

    It also has a higher pH level of 5.5, so it’s not as acidic (or drying). Along with 2% salicylic acid, it has 2% tranexamic acid to help fade dark spots and post-acne marks. 

    • Pros: Gentle, helps fade pigmentation
    • Cons: Some may find it too mild

    Dermstore reviewer: “I was trying to use the famous Biologique Recherche P50 toners to exfoliate. But they were just too irritating for my sensitive skin. They are a wonderful company with wonderful products (many that I use), but for exfoliation I needed to look elsewhere. I had never heard of Medik8, but I took a chance and it is absolutely what I want in an exfoliating toner. Strong enough to keep my pores clear but not harsh at all in any way on my super-sensitive skin. In fact it feels slightly moisturizing, but not too moisturizing where I get oily. It also is pH-balanced, so that I can immediately go into my other skincare. It’s truly just right.”

    First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma White Clay Acne Treatment Pads

    First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma White Clay Acne Treatment Pads

    You don’t need to have acne to use First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma White Clay Acne Treatment Pads. These exfoliating pads are gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

    The star ingredient is 2% salicylic acid (pH level unknown), combined with humectants like glycerin to counteract dryness. Like all the brand’s products, they’re free of fragrance, alcohol and other common irritants. The pad format makes them quick and easy to swipe on.

    • Pros: Gentle, easy to apply
    • Cons: Pads are non-recyclable

    Sephora reviewer: “Love this product. I was looking for something to help with occasional breakouts and blackheads and this product exceeded my expectations. I have dry skin and it tends to be on the more sensitive side. Other products like this that I have tried have burned or made my skin worse. This not only didn’t dry my skin out but has made my face so soft. It feels like it helps my moisturizer soak in better.”

    Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum

    Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum

    While most treatments contain 2% salicylic acid, Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum has 1.5% concentration. So it’s slightly milder, with a pH level of 4.0-5.0.

    It also contains beneficial bacteria (postbiotics) to soothe your skin, and beta-glucan (derived from oats) to support your skin barrier. Besides treating blemishes, you could use this for light exfoliation, oil control and calming redness.

    • Pros: Gentle, non-drying
    • Cons: Some may find it too mild

    Cocokind reviewer: “My skin is very very sensitive and dry. It makes it difficult to find an acne treatment that doesn’t dry me out and ruin my skin barrier. This is so lightweight and hydrating! My skin loves this stuff! My breakouts go away faster and are less frequent.”

    Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

    Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

    If you’re looking for a gentle treatment made with natural ingredients, consider Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum with 0.75% salicylic acid (pH level unknown). 

    It’s one of the few salicylic acid products at this concentration, so if you’ve found other formulas too harsh, the 0.75% might be your sweet spot. Instead of water, the acid is infused into an array of organic juices and other botanicals for light, non-greasy hydration. 

    • Pros: Gentle, natural
    • Cons: Some may find it too mild

    Ulta Beauty reviewer: “I'm a master aesthetician and I have to say, this is such a wonderful product for overall skin health as well as for treating blemishes. This product is definitely for those with true oily skin or with problematic skin. This helped clear my skin and helped me maintain my skin when I was in an area where I didn’t have access to my usual products. Not only did it clear my skin, it improved the overall texture, tone, and health of my skin. Very little goes a long long way.”