Salicylic acid for the face - what is it, how does it work and who is it intended for?

What is salicylic acid? Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its chemical exfoliating effects on the skin.

How does salicylic acid work? It works by penetrating deep into pores and helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce excess sebum that clogs pores.

Because of this property, salicylic acid is particularly effective at unclogging pores and preventing the formation of pimples and blackheads. It also helps calm redness and inflammation of the skin.

With regular use, the skin becomes cleaner and smoother, and the complexion is more even.

How does salicylic acid work on different skin types?
Oily and combination skin

Salicylic acid is best suited for oily and combination skin, especially if it is prone to blemishes. Because it is fat-soluble, it effectively penetrates the sebum in the pores and reduces excessive oil secretion (sebum).

With regular use, it helps control oil and prevents clogged pores and acne.

For oily skin, this is the "gold standard" for clearing blackheads and narrowing enlarged pores.

Dry skin

Caution is needed for dry skin. Salicylic acid can further dry out already dry skin types and disrupt its barrier, leading to peeling and irritation.

People with dry skin usually don't need BHA in their regular routine, except maybe occasionally on the T-zone or blackhead-prone areas.

If used, a lower concentration (e.g. 1%) and less frequent use is recommended, with abundant hydration after treatment to prevent excessive drying of the skin.

For exfoliation of dry skin, AHA acids (such as lactic or glycolic) are more often recommended, which also hydrate it.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin may react with irritation to salicylic acid. BHA may cause redness, stinging, or peeling in those with reactive, thin skin.

However, this does not mean that it is completely prohibited. The key is to choose the formulation and concentration carefully.

Products that combine salicylic acid with soothing and moisturizing ingredients (such as allantoin, panthenol, algae extract, ectoine, etc.) can be gentle enough for sensitive skin.

It is recommended to try the product on a small area (patch test) and use it less frequently at first (e.g. every second or third day) so that the skin gradually gets used to it.

What problems is salicylic acid used for?

Salicylic acid has multiple benefits for problematic skin and is often recommended for the following purposes:

Pimples

BHA helps unclog pores. Regular use reduces the appearance of new ones and accelerates the drying of existing ones.

Blackheads (comedones)

Salicylic acid has a comedolytic effect, meaning it prevents the formation and accumulation of comedones. It penetrates clogged pores and dissolves the "plug" of sebum and dead cells, thereby releasing blackheads and preventing the formation of new ones.

Enlarged pores

With regular exfoliation, BHA helps keep pores clean, which can make them appear smaller over time.

Also, by removing dead cells from the skin's surface, salicylic acid helps even out skin texture, which optically reduces the visibility of pores.

Oily, seborrheic skin

Thanks to its sebostatic action, BHA reduces excessive sebum secretion.

This makes the skin less oily and shiny, and makes makeup last longer. Salicylic acid is often an ingredient in toners and sebum-regulating creams for oily skin.

Uneven complexion and age spots

Exipilot promotes faster cell regeneration, which over time helps fade dark spots from hyperpigmentation.

Although BHA is not a primary agent for more severe hyperpigmentation, it can contribute to even out the complexion by removing surface damaged skin cells.

Rough skin and scales

In conditions such as keratosis pilaris or raised scales, salicylic acid helps soften and remove thickened layers of skin.

It is often found in products for rough or flaky skin on the body (e.g. creams with urea + salicylic acid) to smooth the surface.

Possible side effects and limitations of use
Although it is considered a safe and effective ingredient in skin care, improper or excessive use of salicylic acid can lead to side effects.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

Skin irritation

In high concentrations or when used too frequently, salicylic acid can cause redness, burning, itching, and general skin irritation.

The skin may become sensitive to the touch, and in more severe cases, swelling (e.g., of the lips, tongue, or area where it was applied) or a rash may occur. In this case, you should stop use immediately and consult a doctor if necessary.

People with sensitive skin should introduce BHA gradually.

Drying and peeling

Salicylic acid removes the surface layer of dead cells, which is the intended effect of an exfoliant, but can result in peeling and dryness of the skin if used too much.

The skin may then appear white, lined, or rough.

To prevent this, it is important to use moisturizing products with BHA and not apply acids too often (for most people, once a day or every other day is enough, depending on tolerance).

It is also recommended to avoid products with a high alcohol content in combination with salicylic acid, as alcohol further dries the skin.

Photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun)

Exfoliants like BHA remove the surface layer of the skin, making it temporarily more sensitive to UV radiation.

While using salicylic acid, it is mandatory to apply a sunscreen with a protective factor (SPF 50+) daily, even in winter or on cloudy days. It is also recommended to avoid going to the solarium.

Insufficient sun protection during BHA treatment can lead to the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots or sunburn.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

In general, caution is recommended with salicylic acid during pregnancy.

It is always best to consult a doctor before using acids during pregnancy.

Combinations with other products

It is necessary to carefully combine BHA with other strong active ingredients.

It is not recommended to apply salicylic acid and other exfoliants (e.g. AHA acids) on the same day, as this may overly irritate the skin.

It is better to alternate exfoliants (e.g. BHA one night, AHA the next) or use combination formulations that are formulated for safe simultaneous use.

Also, the combination with retinoids can be irritating.

Salicylic acid, when used correctly, provides numerous benefits for skin prone to imperfections:

• cleans pores,
• prevents acne and blackheads,
• and improves skin texture.

The key is to choose the right formulation for your skin type and gradually introduce it. Always pay attention to hydration and sun protection while using BHA.

L'ADRIA Cosmetics and salicylic acid

L'ADRIA has products with salicylic acid in its line for deep pore cleansing. While remaining gentle on the skin.

Specifically, salicylic acid (BHA) is found in two key facial care products from this line: Clarifying serum and Purifying cleanser .

Both products are designed for oily and combination skin prone to blemishes, but thanks to their carefully thought-out formulations, they are also suitable for sensitive types who need effective yet gentle pore cleansing.

L'ADRIA Clarifying Serum

L'ADRIA Clarifying Serum is a serum with 2% BHA for deep pore cleansing. L'ADRIA Clarifying Serum is a light, water-based facial serum containing 2% salicylic acid (BHA) in a formula adapted for sensitive skin.

This serum deeply cleanses pores and reduces imperfections (pimples, blackheads) without drying out the skin.

Thanks to the high content of natural moisturizing and soothing ingredients from the Adriatic Sea. Such as algae extract, ectoine and betaine. The serum simultaneously hydrates the skin and protects its barrier function.

The formulation also contains so-called extremolites (such as ectoine), molecules that protect skin cells under stressful conditions, thus mitigating the potential negative effects of BHA (such as peeling, dehydration, irritation, and photosensitivity).

The serum does not contain alcohol , fragrance, or essential oils, which further reduces the risk of irritation.

L'ADRIA recommends this product for long-term use on oily, combination and sensitive problematic skin. As a gentler alternative to classic peeling exfoliants.

Apply a few drops to a clean face in the evening (avoiding the eye area), once a day or as needed.

It is recommended to use SPF on your face during the day, as even this mild exfoliant can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

L'ADRIA Purifying Cleanser

L'ADRIA Purifying Cleanser is a facial cleansing gel with BHA and PHA acids. Purifying Cleanser is a facial cleansing gel that combines salicylic acid (2% BHA) and polyhydroxy acids (PHA: gluconolactone, lactobionic acid) to thoroughly cleanse pores and gently exfoliate the skin.

It is intended for daily cleansing of oily and combination skin prone to clogged pores and acne. BHA penetrates deep into the pores and removes existing impurities. While PHA acts on the surface, removing dead cells and stimulating skin renewal.

The gel also contains fermented sea minerals, Tasmanian pepper extract and licorice that soothe the skin, and very mild surfactants (cleansing agents) that do not dry the skin or disrupt its microbial balance.

The product is dermatologically tested , free of sulfates, alcohol, perfumes, and microplastics, and is also suitable for sensitive skin.

It can be used once or twice a day. Apply a small amount of the gel to damp skin until it foams, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Thanks to its gentle formula, although it is primarily intended for oily/combination skin, it can be used by all skin types that need deep pore cleansing and mild exfoliation, without fear of drying.

User experience

L'ADRIA's products with BHA generally have very positive user reviews. Users note that it effectively cleanses pores without drying out the skin.

Many praise it as a “little miracle worker” for targeted acne control. According to one review, applying the serum topically overnight can significantly calm an inflamed pimple by morning.

The purifying cleanser is also very well received (rating 4.9/5); users love that it combines strong cleansing and gentle exfoliation without stinging or tightening the skin.

One skincare blogger states that this gel "doesn't sting your eyes at all, even though it contains acids" and describes it as her favorite cleanser for oily skin.

Reviews reiterate the impression that the skin after washing is not dried out (without a "squeaky" feeling), but soft and ready for further care.

Overall, L'ADRIA has managed to offer cosmetics that are mild enough for long-term daily use with its salicylic acid products.