Why choose salicylic acid to fight acne?

Why choose salicylic acid to fight acne?


By Emilie Ondet

Published on: Thursday, November 07, 2024, Updated on: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Do you have acne that’s persistent and unsightly, leaving you feeling hopeless? Does your skin have blackheads and enlarged pores you’d like to get rid of? Now might be the perfect time to try salicylic acid! With its purifying and keratolytic properties, it unclogs and tightens pores. Let’s take a closer look at this essential anti-acne ingredient.

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What is the connection between salicylic acid and acne?

Acne occurs when several factors come together: excess sebum, pores clogged with dead skin cells, skin inflammation, and the growth of the bacterium P. acnes. Often influenced by hormonal fluctuations, it affects both teenagers and adults, sometimes having a significant impact on comfort and self-confidence.

A natural active ingredient derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is a phytohormone produced by certain plants to protect themselves from external aggressors. In cosmetics, its keratolytic properties, its ability to penetrate pores, and its soothing action make it a useful product for skin prone to breakouts.

Unclogs pores and stimulates cell renewal

Salicylic acid dissolves the bonds between cells in the stratum corneum, making it easier to shed them. This natural renewal process limits the buildup of dead skin cells that cause clogged pores. Its fat-soluble nature allows it to penetrate pores to help remove excess sebum, thereby reducing blackheads and microcysts.

Rebalances sebum production

When the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, the skin becomes shiny and blemishes develop more easily. Salicylic acid helps regulate this production, which helps maintain clearer skin and less visible pores.

Helps reduce inflammation and redness

Acne breakouts are often accompanied by redness and localised sensitivity; salicylic acid helps reduce these symptoms, alleviating skin discomfort and improving the skin’s overall appearance.

What are the benefits of salicylic acid for treating blemishes?

  • Gentle, deep-cleansing exfoliation: Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover. This targeted action helps prevent the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.

  • Reduction of excess sebum: by rebalancing sebum production, it limits shine, reduces blemishes, and helps maintain a clearer complexion.

  • More even complexion: Thanks to its keratolytic action, salicylic acid reduces blackheads and visible imperfections. The complexion appears clearer and more even, and the skin regains its radiance.

  • Soothing effect: It helps reduce feelings of discomfort, soothes inflamed or irritated areas, and reduces redness associated with acne breakouts.

  • Antibacterial properties: Known for its antiseptic properties, salicylic acid limits the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes, bacteria involved in the inflammatory reactions of acne. Its ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the skin’s surface also explains its frequent use as a preservative in many cosmetic products, including those from Aroma-Zone.

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Spotlight on our 2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum

This multi-action serum helps reduce the size and appearance of pores while targeting blemishes. Its complex, combining plant-based salicylic acid, mushroom extract, and zinc, purifies the skin, exerts a keratolytic action, regulates excess sebum, and helps unclog pores, thereby limiting the appearance of blackheads. The skin appears clearer, purified, with a visibly refined texture, all without drying it out.

Discover our 2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum

What skin types is salicylic acid suitable for?

Ideal for enlarged pores and blackheads

Salicylic acid is particularly suitable for combination to oily skin prone to blackheads, enlarged pores, or recurring breakouts. By promoting the removal of dead skin cells, it visibly refines skin texture and helps minimise the appearance of pores. Although it is generally well-tolerated, those with sensitive skin should introduce it gradually, starting with low concentrations and an appropriate application frequency.

Suitable for hormonal acne

Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to the appearance of breakouts, whether during adolescence, before menstruation, during perimenopause, or during a hormonal changes. Following medical advice, topical salicylic acid can help regulate breakouts linked to these fluctuations.

As a precaution, Aroma-Zone does not recommend its use before the age of 12. Furthermore, it is best, especially for sensitive skin, to start with a fairly low concentration, which you can gradually increase if your skin tolerates it well, while adhering to the recommended maximum concentrations.

Our product selection

Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel

This cleansing and purifying gel gently removes impurities and makeup while respecting the skin’s pH balance. Its 100% naturally derived formula combines organic cucumber extract and organic inulin for a soothing and rebalancing effect. Zinc PCA reduces blemishes and blackheads. Ideal for all skin types, it cleanses effectively without drying out or causing tightness.

Discover the Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel

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2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum

This purifying and keratolytic serum regulates excess sebum, unclogs pores, and prevents the appearance of blackheads, while leaving skin texture refined without causing dryness. Due to its very high concentration of salicylic acid, it should not be used in combination with other products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid.

Discover the 2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum

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Zinc Hyaluronate & Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream

This lightweight, fluid-textured treatment rebalances, mattifies, and hydrates the skin while reducing blemishes.

Discover the Zinc Hyaluronate & Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream

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Clear Skin Dietary Supplement

Ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin, this dietary supplement is a unique blend of plants, minerals, and active ingredients known to detoxify the skin and improve the condition of acne-prone skin: Burdock, Nettle, Wild Pansy, Zinc, Grape Polyphenols, Melon SOD, and Vitamin C. We specifically use the patented ingredient SkinAx²™ Urban Detox, proven effective at reducing blemishes, decreasing sebum production, and improving the overall appearance of the skin. For clear, radiant skin!

Discover our Clear Skin Complex - 60 capsules - Dietary supplement

Precautions for use

Avoid sun exposure after application and use daily sunscreen, as salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Our highly concentrated 2% Plant-Based Salicylic Acid & Zinc Serum should not be combined with other products containing salicylic acid (Salix Nigra Bark Extract) or glycolic acid, especially since some Aroma-Zone creams and lotions already contain them as natural preservatives. If you have severe acne, consult a healthcare professional.

Expert advice

A healthy lifestyle can also effectively help combat acne. Diet, in particular, plays a central role in regulating excess sebum production and skin inflammation. Certain foods are known to cause increased inflammation when consumed regularly. These include dairy products, sugar-rich foods (cakes, pastries, white bread and pasta, refined sugars), coffee, and ultra-processed foods. Conversely, certain fats can offer anti-inflammatory benefits to help you maintain clear skin: this is the case with omega-3 found in fatty fish, nuts, and certain vegetable oils.

Photo by Emilie Ondet (1)

Bibliography

  1. Liu, Y., Dan, Y., Yang, J., He, X., Liu, J., Yi, Y., Chen, X., Yin, X., Song, W., Niu, Y., Zheng, Y., & Ai, Y. (2025),

    Clinical efficacy of a salicylic acid-containing gel on acne management and skin barrier function: A 21-day prospective study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70353

  2. Nafila, A., Nursanto, D., Sintowati, R., & Pramuningtyas, R. (2024),

    The effectiveness of salicylic acid therapy in mild and moderate acne vulgaris, MAGNA MEDIKA: Berkala Ilmiah Kedokteran dan Kesehatan DOI:10.26714/magnamed.11.1.2024.71-82

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions