Our tips for using salicylic acid on the face

A salicylic acid serum is a targeted skincare product formulated to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and improve skin quality. Thanks to the salicylic acid it contains, a lipophilic BHA capable of crossing the lipid film, it reaches directly into the pores to help remove excess sebum, impurities, and dead cells.

Its very fluid texture allows for precise, targeted application to congested areas or the entire face, as needed. This is what sets it apart from a salicylic acid cream: the cream, which is richer, acts more on the surface and provides skin comfort, while the serum, which is more concentrated and lighter, penetrates faster and works more deeply on clogged pores.

Used regularly, it helps smooth the skin's texture, even out the complexion, and limit the appearance of breakouts. Its ease of use, rapid absorption, and gradual effectiveness make it a popular choice for combination, oily, or blemish-prone skin.

Plant-based salicylic acid is particularly valued for its effectiveness on combination to oily skin prone to blemishes. Thanks to its lipophilic nature, it penetrates deep into the pores, dissolves excess sebum and helps eliminate the dead skin cells that accumulate there. This targeted action unclogs pores, reduces blackheads and comedones, and helps limit their recurrence.

Its keratolytic effect works like a “gentle peel”: it reduces the cohesion of cells in the stratum corneum, supports their natural shedding and helps smooth the skin’s surface. Skin texture appears refined and the complexion more even.

Plant-based salicylic acid also has a purifying action that helps limit minor irregularities and reduce the appearance of imperfections. Used regularly, it reveals a clearer, brighter and more balanced-looking complexion.

These benefits are widely documented in the scientific literature. A recent clinical review (4) confirms its role as a keratolytic, comedolytic and purifying agent in topical treatments designed for skin with enlarged pores, excess sebum and blemishes.

Plant-Based Salicylic Acid: Purifying and keratolytic, it stimulates skin renewal, smooths imperfections, targets blackheads, unclogs and tightens pores. It also helps reduce skin discomfort by modulating certain biological pathways involved in irritation responses.

Zinc PCA and Zinc Hyaluronate: Zinc helps regulate sebum production, soothe sensations of discomfort and limit the appearance of spots. Our serum contains two forms of zinc. Zinc PCA (also known as pidolic acid) is a natural component of skin tissue. It helps protect the skin barrier and provides a moisturising effect. Zinc Hyaluronate helps limit bacterial proliferation, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, associated with acne. It also helps regulate inflammatory factors and soothe irritated, delicate skin.

Agarikon Mushroom Extract: Also known as larch polypore (Fomitopsis officinalis), Agarikon is a natural astringent. It helps reduce the size and surface area of pores, with a visible effect as soon as 15 minutes after application. It also helps limit the appearance of blackheads.

Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful hydrating, plumping and anti-wrinkle active ingredient. A synergy of sugars and biofermentation-derived hyaluronic acid gives this serum its very soft, lightly gelled texture while delivering immediate and long-lasting hydration.

Thanks to its multiple properties, salicylic acid has the advantage of being suitable for many different skin types:

Oily skin: Salicylic acid is particularly effective at regulating excess sebum, deeply cleansing pores and helping to prevent the appearance of blackheads and comedones.

Acne-prone skin: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it helps reduce blemishes and soothe redness associated with acne.

Combination skin: Salicylic acid helps balance oilier areas (forehead, nose and chin) while gently exfoliating drier zones.

Thickened skin or enlarged pores: By removing dead skin cells, it refines skin texture and visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.

Sensitive skin (with caution): Although milder than some other exfoliants, salicylic acid should be used carefully on sensitive skin, ideally at a low concentration, to minimise the risk of irritation.

In certain skincare routines, other active ingredients such as niacinamide may also be considered, depending on the skin’s specific needs.

This serum should be applied once a day, in the evening only.

Salicylic acid has keratolytic properties. Due to its exfoliating action, it can make the skin more sensitive, particularly in the event of prolonged sun exposure. It is therefore recommended to systematically apply sun protection in the morning and to limit direct sun exposure throughout the entire period of use. This precaution should remain in place for up to one week after the final application, in order to preserve skin comfort and help prevent UV-related reactions.

Our 2% salicylic acid serum is designed to be used on its own and should not be combined with other exfoliating products containing salicylic acid (for example, under the name Salix Nigra Bark Extract) or glycolic acid. Combining several acids can weaken the skin and cause irritation or discomfort.

However, it can be combined with a moisturizing serum, particularly one containing hyaluronic acid. This molecule, which is naturally present in the skin, helps maintain hydration and preserve skin comfort, perfectly complementing the purifying and keratolytic action of salicylic acid.

Although our serum already contains hyaluronic acid, dehydrated or uncomfortable skin can also benefit from the use of a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizing cream or serum, provided that it does not contain salicylic acid, even in small doses or as a preservative.

This salicylic acid serum must be used correctly to ensure good tolerance. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Avoid the eye area and, in case of contact, rinse immediately with clean water.

Do not combine it with other exfoliating products containing salicylic acid (in particular Salix Nigra Bark Extract) or glycolic acid, so as not to over-stress the skin.

As salicylic acid can increase sensitivity to the sun, apply this serum only in the evening and use sunscreen every morning. Limit direct exposure to UV rays during the period of use and for up to one week after the last application.