Based on specialists, the 15 finest salicylic acid cleaners

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates lifeless pores and skin cells on the floor of the pores and skin and reduces oil and sebum, says the specialist dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, FAAD, proprietor of Vibrant Dermatology and SkinBar MD. Along with being an exfoliator, it is a comedolytic and anti inflammatory ingredient.

“As an oil-soluble ingredient that’s extra simply absorbed by the lipid layers of the pores and skin, it may penetrate deeper into the pores and skin and pores,” explains Y. Claire Chang, an authorized dermatologist at Union Sq. Laser Dermatology. “It exfoliates, brightens, and clogs pores to stop blackheads, whiteheads, and subsequent zits breakouts. Salicylic acid not solely helps forestall and clear energetic zits, it may additionally enhance zits blemishes.”

And since salicylic acid exfoliates so properly, it may additionally assist your topical merchandise penetrate the pores and skin higher, which Chang says may be useful in treating situations like psoriasis. The hardworking ingredient may also be used as an exfoliator for zits vulgaris, melasma, photodamage, sunspots, psoriasis, and warts.