Salicylic Acid

About: Salicylic acid is derived from salicin, which comes from the bark of the willow tree.  Willows have watery bark sap, which is heavily charged with salicylic acid. This effective and popular ingredient in skincare needs to be used with due caution at a maximum concentration of 2% for leave-on products and 3% for wash-off products.

Uses: Salicylic acid is probably best known for its use as a key ingredient in topical anti-acne products.  As a keratolytic, it increases the quantity of moisture in the skin and dissolves the substance (keratin) that makes dead skin cells stick together.  It exfoliates not only the surface of the skin but can penetrate the pores, cleansing the lining and causing enlarged pores to shrink. Salicylic acid is also effective in cleansing the skin without causing dryness. As salicylic acid causes old skin cells to ‘unstick’ and peel away, it is an ideal ingredient in exfoliant products such as cleansers, scrubs, and anti-age spot / blemish products that help to create even-toned skin.