What is Salicylic acid (BHA)?
Also known as: Salicylic Acid, BHA, Beta hidroksi asit
Short answer
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant (BHA); because it penetrates pores and clears oil and dead cells, it is one of the most effective actives for acne and blackheads. Safe at low levels, it can irritate at high levels.
What is Salicylic acid (BHA) and what does it do?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Being oil-soluble, it dissolves sebum and dead skin cells inside the pore, which is why it is chosen especially for oily and acne-prone skin. In cosmetics it is usually found at 0.5-2%.
Benefits
It cleans pores from within, reduces blackheads and pimples, smooths the skin surface, and with a mild anti-inflammatory effect can calm redness. It is among the best-studied ingredients for gentle exfoliation.
What to watch for
With excessive or too-frequent use it can cause dryness, redness and flaking. It makes skin slightly more sun-sensitive. High-strength use over large areas is not advised in pregnancy. The EU limits the permitted levels for rinse-off and leave-on products.
How to use it
Use a few times a week after cleansing and increase frequency as skin adjusts. Do not stack many exfoliants/retinol at once; it increases irritation. Use sunscreen during the day.
Products containing Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Arencia Green Tea LHA Deep Pore Rice Cake 150 GArencia
- Garnier Wonder Tint Renkli Nemlendirici Light 40 MlGarnier
- L'Oréal Paris Men Expert Magnesium Defense Roll OnL'Oréal Paris
- Garnier Salisilik Micellar Makyaj Temizleme Suyu 400 MlGarnier
- Garnier Salisilik Sorbet Nemlendirici Yüz Kremi 85 MlGarnier
- Garnier Hyaluron Sorbet Nemlendirici Yüz Kremi 85 MlGarnier
- Eqqualberry Purple Rice Pore Pack Cleanser 130 GEqqualberry
- Eqqualberry Purple Pdrn Pore Minimizing Serum 30 MlEqqualberry
- L'oreal Hydra Energetic Duş Jeli 300 Ml + Elseve Şampuan400 MlL'Oréal Paris
- Garnier Ambre Solaire UV C Vitamini Koyu Leke Karşıtı Fluid Güneş Kremi SPF 50+ 40 mlAmbre Solaire
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Frequently asked
What is salicylic acid used for?
For acne, blackheads and clogged pores; it clears oil and dead cells inside the pore.
Can it be used every day?
If skin is used to it, low-strength products can be daily; starting a few times a week is safer.
Can it be used in pregnancy?
Low-strength rinse-off products are usually fine, but high-strength, large-area use is not advised; consult your doctor.
Sources
This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.