What are the benefits of salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, is notable for its role as a phytohormone in the plant world. This natural molecule is synthesised by certain plants to protect themselves from environmental aggressions. Present in esterified form in various fruits, salicylic acid is a key player in plant metabolism. It participates in plant thermogenesis, a phenomenon that allows certain plants to generate heat to withstand cold temperatures.

What is the purpose of a plant-based salicylic acid skincare product?

Plant-based salicylic acid is a BHA that acts primarily through its keratolytic action. It dissolves the bonds between cells in the stratum corneum, promoting cell renewal. This process removes dead cells that clog pores and dull the complexion. Overall, it improves the appearance and texture of the skin.

Thanks to its fat-soluble properties, salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, removing accumulated sebum and reducing blemishes. This active ingredient is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects: it soothes redness and irritation associated with blemishes.

Salicylic acid combines particularly beneficial properties for pores and blemishes with a range of targeted actions: 

Exfoliating action: Of plant origin, salicylic acid has a purifying and keratolytic effect. It stimulates cell renewal, smooths blemishes, fights blackheads, unclogs and tightens pores, for clearer, brighter, and more even skin. It gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead cells accumulated on the surface, helping to refine skin texture and improve skin tone uniformity.

Purifying anti-blemish action: In addition to the exfoliating action of salicylic acid, Zinc slows down excess sebum production, soothes discomfort and fights the appearance of pimples. The combination of Zinc PCA and Zinc Hyaluronate found in our serum helps fight the appearance of pimples. Salicylic acid also helps to deeply unclog pores and limit the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads by cleansing the skin's surface.

"Invisible pores" action: our extract of Agarikon mushroom, belonging to the Fomitopsis officinalis family, is used in skin care for its astringent and moisturising properties. It helps reduce the size and surface area of pores, working in synergy with salicylic acid.

Balancing action: the combination of salicylic acid with Zinc PCA and Zinc hyaluronate helps to reduce and regulate excess sebum in the epidermis. The skin is left feeling fresh and healthy. This sebum-regulating action helps to limit shine and prevent the appearance of blemishes linked to excess sebum.

Moisturising action: The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, known for its intense moisturising effects. It gives this serum a very soft, slightly gel-like texture.

Soothing action: Salicylic acid also has a soothing effect on the skin: it intervenes in the arachidonic acid cascade, a fatty acid precursor in the formation of prostaglandins E2, molecules that have an inflammatory effect. Combined with zinc hyaluronate, they reduce feelings of discomfort and relieve irritated skin. Redness is reduced. Thanks to this soothing action, salicylic acid helps to calm redness and skin discomfort associated with blemishes.

Regenerative action: By promoting cell regeneration, it also helps smooth skin texture and improve the overall appearance of the complexion, for visibly more even and luminous skin.

Concentrated Serum with 2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc

The secret to flawless skin, this multi-action serum reduces the size and appearance of pores while fighting blemishes. Purifying and keratolytic, this complex of plant-based salicylic acid, mushroom extract, and zinc regulates excess sebum, unclogs pores, and prevents blackheads. This serum leaves skin purified and refined, without drying it out.

Why use it?

The 2% Plant-Based Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum is the ideal product for pores and enlarged pores. It is a highly concentrated expert skincare product. 

It has a keratolytic effect: it exfoliates, removes dead cells, unclogs pores and accelerates cell renewal. It evens out the complexion, reduces imperfections, and controls sebum production: blackheads and comedones are reduced and the skin is clearer. 

This serum completes our range of anti-blemish serums, which already includes three serums: niacinamide serum, azelaic acid serum, glycolic acid serum.

Unlike glycolic acid, which is considered an exfoliant for dull complexions and mature skin that corrects imperfections associated with skin ageing; or azelaic acid, which is intended for combination to very oily skin with imperfections and a tendency to acne, salicylic acid is the anti-imperfection exfoliant for combination to oily skin with enhanced action on pores.

For which skin types?

Our salicylic acid serum is an anti-blemish treatment, particularly recommended for combination to oily skin, with or without acne. It has a specific and enhanced action on enlarged pores, making it an ideal treatment for tightening pores and restoring a smooth, radiant complexion.

The benefits

• Gently exfoliates the skin: Concentrated in salicylic acid with a keratolytic effect, this serum gently exfoliates and reduces blemishes with enhanced action on pores

• Tightens enlarged and visible pores: Agarikon mushroom extract, containing agaric acid with astringent action, reduces the size and surface area of pores.

• Evens out the complexion: thanks to its composition, this serum reduces the appearance of imperfections (blackheads and comedones) and helps smooth the skin's texture.

• Balances sebum production: The complex of salicylic acid, zinc PCA, and zinc hyaluronate reduces and regulates excessive sebum production. The skin appears fresher.

• Fights blemishes: the combination of zinc PCA and zinc hyaluronate fights the appearance of pimples and limits bacterial proliferation, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, which is responsible for acne. Zinc Hyaluronate also has the advantage of reducing scar formation by increasing the synthesis of the collagen III/I ratio, which accelerates the healing process.

• Relieves delicate or irritated skin: Zinc hyaluronate regulates inflammation factors and reduces feelings of discomfort. Salicylic acid acts on inflammation factors.

• Deeply hydrates the skin: the complex of hyaluronic acid and a naturally sourced sugar provides immediate and long-lasting hydration. The skin is soft, hydrated, and smooth.

How?

Apply a few drops of 2% Plant-Based Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum to the face and neck, massaging gently with your fingertips until completely absorbed. Avoid the eye area.

Although salicylic acid is generally well tolerated and can be used every day, it can be photosensitising, meaning it can cause skin reactions when exposed to UV rays.

In your daily routine, with your usual skincare product, be sure to check that it does not contain salicylic acid (Salix Nigra Bark Extract) or glycolic acid so as not to exceed the recommended dosage of salicylic acid.

When?

It's best to use our salicylic acid serum in the evening, on clean, dry skin. If you're going to be exposed to the sun the next day, we recommend using a day cream with SPF. In the morning, remember to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, as salicylic acid, even when used the night before, can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays.

The Salicylic Acid 2% & Zinc Concentrated Serum has a high concentration of salicylic acid. It cannot therefore be combined with products that already contain salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is commonly used as a natural preservative in natural products (as is the case at Aroma-Zone) under the name Salix Nigra Bark Extract. Be careful when checking ingredients.

It also cannot be combined with products containing glycolic acid, which already has keratolytic properties.

Like all exfoliating active ingredients, salicylic acid tends to thin the skin's protective barrier. For sensitive skin, start with a low dosage when first applying. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Do not combine with other products containing salicylic acid (Salix Nigra Bark Extract) or glycolic acid.

As salicylic acid is slightly photosensitising, it is important to use it only in the evening.

Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use on children. Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylic compounds.

Always do a patch test before introducing a new product into your skincare routine to check for any adverse reactions. Introduce salicylic acid gradually into your routine to allow your skin to adjust.

If you have mature skin with blemishes, you can combine the salicylic acid serum with the Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum; both anti-ageing and anti-blemish, this facial treatment helps maintain skin firmness, smooths fine lines, reduces dark spots, while regulating and purifying acne-prone skin.

Charlie holds a Master’s degree in cosmetic formulation. Passionate about cosmetology but also a great lover of words, she decided in 2020 to become a web editor specialising in cosmetics and beauty. It was her desire for a career change that gave her the idea of going freelance, as she wanted to be able to work from all corners of the world.