Everything You Need to Know About Salicylic Acid and Its Benefits for the Skin

Salicylic acid is one of those beauty active ingredients that we sometimes hear about, without really knowing what it is. Exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, this ingredient with many virtues is found in the composition of cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatments dedicated to the skin. Discover the benefits of this key element available in the composition of certain cosmetic treatments.

What is salicylic acid?

The willow is a tree listed in the Salicaceae family. Did you know that salicylic acid is a molecule extracted from willow bark and that it is the main component of aspirin? Yes, we are talking about the medicine.

But did you know that salicylic acid is also present in certain cosmetic products? Salicylic acid can be used in the formulation of a facial treatment. The skin thus benefits from the numerous properties of this ingredient with medicinal and therapeutic virtues, and its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

What are the benefits of salicylic acid for the skin?

Salicylic acid has the ability to soften the stratum corneum to remove dead cells located on the surface of the skin. Thanks to these keratolytic properties, this active ingredient stimulates cell renewal and limits the appearance of enlarged pores.

Astringent, antiseptic and regenerating, salicylic acid provides less dull skin and a radiant complexion, free from signs of fatigue. In addition, it also fights against the bacteria responsible for inflammatory reactions and likely to aggravate facial acne.

This acid is the natural enemy of blackheads, blemishes and blackheads thanks to its beneficial role in sebum production. This suitability makes it the ideal candidate to be included in facial cleanser or exfoliant formulas. However, European regulations have imposed a content of less than 2% in cosmetic products, because salicylic acid has a photosensitizing effect.

Please note: certain products or medications sold in pharmacies by prescription may contain more than 2% salicylic acid and address specific issues seen with a dermatologist.

Our advice for applying your salicylic acid-based treatments:

Favor the use of salicylic acid or products that contain it during the evening routine, to avoid exposure to the sun which would follow its use too closely.

Its application is possible on all skin types (normal skin, combination skin, oily skin). If you have sensitive skin, you can start by testing it on a small portion of skin to check that it does not trigger any skin reactions.

Be careful though of the harmful effects of salicylic acid for your skin

Although salicylic acid has many benefits for the skin, it does have some drawbacks. This must be taken into account to maximize its use.

A peel, even if it is considered “gentle”, remains a peel. This stage of exfoliation of the skin tends to have a real impact on the stratum corneum, which becomes reduced. This is not without consequences.

Used indiscriminately, salicylic acid can have harmful effects on fragile areas of the face (eyelids, eye contour, lips) and on sensitive skin in general.

As we have seen, this type of product can have a photosensitizing action, which exposes your skin to the risk of premature skin aging if it is used at any time other than with night care.

The absolute precaution is therefore to carefully read the precautions for using your salicylic acid-based treatments and to adapt the use of these treatments to your personal needs by observing the reactions of your skin.

Salicylic acid combined with other active ingredients

Can you mix salicylic acid and niacinamide?

According to studies, niacinamide could well be a very good product to combine with salicylic acid. In contact with these two combined active ingredients, the hydrolipidic film becomes more permeable, thus allowing better hydration since water loss is reduced.

(Source: Cristina Padula, Chiara Ferretti, Sara Nicoli, Patrizia Santi, Combined Patch Containing Salicylic Acid and Nicotinamide: Role of Drug Interaction, Current Drug Delivery, (2010).)

Can you mix salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid?

Mixing acids, good idea? In the case of salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, yes!

The combined action of hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid allows the skin to effectively strengthen its defense against the appearance of acne spots and dry skin. This combination of active ingredients allows you to obtain smoother skin with a beautiful radiance, free of imperfections and significantly more plump.

Can you mix salicylic acid and retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It is used in cosmetic treatments to fight against skin aging. If its action associated with that of salicylic acid can allow the signs of aging to be reduced (brown spots, wrinkles, fine lines), it can also be irritating on sensitive skin.

The cosmetic combination of retinol and salicylic acid should therefore be more suitable for normal skin or combination to oily skin.

Can you mix glycolic acid and salicylic acid?

Glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid should absolutely not be mixed. These two active ingredients are both extremely effective as exfoliants. One acts on the surface, while the other acts in depth... But be careful, to obtain normal skin, free of any skin problems, you must not go overboard. It's all a question of balance.

These two exfoliating active ingredients can cause increased skin dryness, which could have serious consequences on the epidermis, particularly in dry or sensitive skin.