Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a preservative and keratolytic ingredient. It’s in 508 products on Poliage, most often cleanser, exfoliant and shampoo. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: Salicylic acid.
Updated October 22, 2026
In plain English
A beta-hydroxy acid related to willow bark compounds. Loosens dead surface skin; also used in small amounts as a preservative.
What it does
Contains Salicylic Acid: antidandruff
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Salicylic Acid: hair-conditioning
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Salicylic Acid: keratolytic
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Salicylic Acid: masking
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Salicylic Acid: preservative
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Salicylic Acid: skin-conditioning
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 37595, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as acidum salicylicum, beta hydroxy acid and bha salicylic acid.
Products that contain Salicylic Acid
BYOMA
Blemish Acne Treatment Spot Paste
Serum · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Cerave
Blemish control cleanser
Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
St Ives
Blemish Control Scrub Apricot
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Yves Rocher
Bleu végétal
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, sulfates, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Innersense
Blissful Body Butter
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Bliss
Block Star Clarifying Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Sunscreen · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
Odacite
Blue Aura Micellar Cleansing Water
Cleanser · Lists fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Obagi
Blue Resurface Dual-Acid Peel
Exfoliant · Lists drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Native
Body Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Drunk Elephant
Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask with 10% Azelaic Acid + 1% Salicylic Acid
Mask · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Dermalogica
Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Cleanser · Lists exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Tula
Breakout Star
Moisturizer · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
Revision Skincare
Brightening Facial Wash
Cleanser · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Garnier
Brightening serum
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
CeraVe
Brightening Vitamin C Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
The Ordinary
Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
The Ordinary
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
Eye cream · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Cleanser
Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Cantu
Cantu Guava Scalp Care Shampoo
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
R+Co
CASSETTE Curl Defining Conditioner + Superseed Oil Complex
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones, chemical UV filters, salicylic acid
R+Co
CASSETTE Curl Defining Shampoo + Superseed Oil Complex
Shampoo · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, silicones, chemical UV filters, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Mixsoon
Centella Cleansing Foam
Cleanser · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
cerave
Lists exfoliating acid, parabens, silicones, salicylic acid
CeraVe
CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo
Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Related guides
Pairs and situations that regulators and DermNet flag
26 statements from the FDA, NHS and DermNet NZ about ingredients used together or in certain situations, each attributed, with no added advice.
Retinoids, AHAs and salicylic acid: what sources say
What DermNet NZ and the FDA say about retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid: sun sensitivity, irritation, pregnancy and using them together.