Salicylic Acid (BHA)
INCI: Salicylic Acid
Korean: 살리실산
exfoliating, acne-fighting, pore-clearing
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and dissolve sebum. Exfoliates the skin surface and inside pores, making it highly effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness around blemishes.
Addresses These Concerns
Effectiveness by Skin Type
Based on 220 user reports across Seoul Sister's community, Salicylic Acid (BHA) shows the highest effectiveness for oily skin targeting blackheads (88% positive) and oily skin targeting acne (86% positive). It also benefits combination skin for acne, sensitive skin for acne.
For blackheads · 55 reports
For acne · 65 reports
For acne · 50 reports
For acne · 50 reports
Known Interactions
Combining retinol and salicylic acid (BHA) in the same routine can lead to over-exfoliation, especially for sensitive or dry skin types. Salicylic acid's low pH may also reduce retinol's effectiveness. The combination is more tolerable than retinol + AHA but still warrants caution.
Recommendation: Alternate use: apply salicylic acid in the AM (if needed) and retinol PM, or use on different nights. If your skin is not sensitive, some users tolerate layering with a buffer moisturizer in between. Monitor for irritation.
K-Beauty Products with Salicylic Acid (BHA)
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Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm
Banila Co
Red Acne Succinic Acid Peel
Medicube
Heartleaf Double Cleansing Set
Anua
Zinc Teca Trouble Serum
Bringgreen
Green Tea + LHA Deep Pore Rice Cake Cleanser
Arencia
Green Tea LHA Deep Pore Rice Cake Cleanser
Arencia
Pine Calming Cica Cleanser Double Pack
Round Lab
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
COSRX
Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
Innisfree
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
COSRX
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Some By Mi
Articles About Salicylic Acid (BHA)
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That moment when the algorithm starts serving you retinol ads and "anti-aging at 27" content and suddenly your skin is worse than ever? Yeah, let's talk about what's really going on, because it's probably not what TikTok told you.
How to Evaluate Your K-Beauty Routine (Without Guessing)
You've got a shelf full of K-beauty products but no idea if they're actually working together or secretly fighting each other. Here's how to evaluate what you have, figure out what's missing, and stop wasting money on products that don't fit your skin.
Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads: How to Tell & Treat
Those tiny dots on your nose might not be blackheads at all. Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin, and treating them wrong can make things worse. Here's how to tell the difference and what actually helps.
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