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 in unclogging pores and preventing the formation of pimples and blackheads. It also helps calm redness and inflammation on the skin.

With regular use, the skin becomes cleaner and smoother, and the complexion 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. Since it is fat-soluble, it effectively penetrates the sebum in the pores and reduces excessive oil secretion (sebum).

With regular use, it helps keep oil under control 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 with dry skin. Salicylic acid can further dry out already dry skin types and disrupt its barrier, leading to flaking and irritation.

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

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

AHA acids (such as lactic or glycolic) are more often recommended for exfoliating dry skin, as they also hydrate.

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 forbidden. The key is in carefully selecting the formulation and concentration.

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 smaller area (patch test) and use it less frequently at first (eg 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:

Arrive

BHA helps unclog pores. Regular use reduces the appearance of new pimples and speeds up 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, so they may appear smaller over time.

Also, by removing dead cells from the skin's surface, salicylic acid helps to 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 the makeup more permanent. Salicylic acid is often an ingredient in tonics and creams for regulating sebum in oily skin.

Uneven complexion and procedural spots

Exfoliation promotes faster cell regeneration, so over time it helps fade dark spots of hyperpigmentation.

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

Rough skin and scales

For conditions like keratosis pilaris or built-up scales, salicylic acid helps soften and remove thickened layers of skin.

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

Possible side effects and limitations in use

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

Here's what 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 (eg of the lips, tongue or area where it was applied) or a rash may occur. In such cases, use should be discontinued immediately and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

People with sensitive skin should introduce BHA gradually.

Drying and peeling

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

The skin may then appear white streaked 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 out 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 burns.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Caution with salicylic acid is generally advised 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 rotate exfoliants (e.g. BHA one evening, 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 properly, provides numerous benefits for skin prone to blemishes:

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

The key is to choose the right formulation for your skin type and introduce it gradually. Always be sure to moisturize and protect yourself from the sun while using BHA.

L'ADRIA cosmetics and salicylic acid

In its range , L'ADRIA has products with salicylic acid for deep pore cleansing, while remaining gentle on the skin.

In particular, salicylic acid (BHA) is found in two key face care products of this line: Clarifying serum (face serum) and Purifying cleanser (facial cleansing gel) .

Both products are designed for oily and combination skin prone to blemishes, but thanks to their thoughtful formulations, they are also suitable for sensitive skin types that 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 to 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 seaweed extract, ectoine and betaine . The serum simultaneously moisturizes the skin and protects its barrier function.

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

The serum is free of alcohol , fragrance and 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 wear SPF for the face during the day, as even this mild exfoliant can increase skin 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 face wash gel that combines salicylic acid (2% BHA) and polyhydroxy acids (PHA: gluconolactone, lactobionic acid) for thorough cleansing of pores and gentle skin exfoliation.

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

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

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

It can be used once or twice a day. Massage a small amount of gel onto damp facial 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 out.

User experiences

L'ADRIA products with BHA generally have very positive user reviews. Users point out 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 inflamed acne by morning.

The Purifying Cleanser is also well-received (4.9/5 rating); users love that it combines powerful cleansing and gentle exfoliation without stinging or tightening the skin.

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

Reviews repeat the impression that the skin is not dried out after washing (it doesn't have a "creaky" feeling), but rather 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 products containing salicylic acid.