Salicylic Acid (BHA)
살리실산
INCI: SALICYLIC ACID
The only true BHA in common cosmetic use. Oil-soluble — penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells from inside. Anti-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory. Effective at 0.5–2% for blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (1% betaine salicylate) popularized gentle BHA in K-Beauty.
How to read this ingredient
Read Salicylic Acid (BHA) as part of a finished formula
Exfoliant is a broad discovery category. Acid identity, concentration, pH, vehicle, directions, frequency, and the complete formula all matter; the category alone does not establish strength or tolerance.
- Products shown
- 2
- Formula companions
- 8
- Reviewed interactions
- 2
Published reviewed formulas surfaced on this page
Co-occurrence, not proof of synergy or safety
Only public, source-reviewed guidance appears
Reviewed ingredient relationships
Labels summarize the scope of the reviewed evidence. Formula-supported does not mean every separately formulated product pair is synergistic, compatible, or suitable for every person.
In a small randomized split-face study, 0.25% retinol was applied overnight after a professionally administered 30% salicylic-acid peel, with the procedure repeated two weeks later. The regimen was studied under controlled procedural conditions; it does not establish that daily leave-on retinol and salicylic-acid products can be freely layered at home. Introduce them separately and follow each product label.
The evidence supports extra attention to formula, strength, timing, frequency, or tolerance rather than a universal ban.
A six-week, single-center open-label study reported efficacy and tolerability for one acne-care system whose treatment gel contained 1% salicylic acid and 10% buffered glycolic acid. Because the study evaluated a deliberately formulated system without a randomized comparator, it does not establish the safety or added benefit of combining separate acid products. Follow the finished-product directions rather than recreating its concentrations by layering.
Common formula companions
Ingredients frequently mapped in the same products as Salicylic Acid (BHA). This is a formula pattern, not a compatibility or safety claim.
Sources and record context
These links support records surfaced on this page. They do not verify every regional formula, concentration, product claim, or individual result.