An ideal skin goal in every woman’s skincare routine would always be having crystal clear skin. For most women, acne breakouts and scars on the skin are huge concerns for both youngsters and adults.
Apart from that, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right skincare as there are many active skincare ingredients from different products in the market. Besides, each product's efficiency would always depend on the ingredients used and that is the number one reason we need to choose them carefully.
One of the most famous active ingredients in acne prevention products is salicylic acid. Also known as BHA, it acts as a chemical exfoliator that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and is also used for topical treatment of acne.
Salicylic acid is effective when used in a concentration between 0.05% and 2%. On top of that, it has the ability to deep cleanse excess facial oil and keep pores clean as well as un-clogged. Due to its cleansing properties, it also helps to prevent the formation of future acne on the skin.
Here is a breakdown of the best salicylic acid skincare products in Malaysia for you to check out.
Editor
Nina Shahriman chevron_right
Table of Contents
15 Best Salicylic Acid Skincare Products in Malaysia
Why It’s Our Top Pick?
Acne is caused by an over-production of sebum and oil. Having a cleanser that can properly cleanse your skin of dirt and free radicals. An oil-free cleanser can help for those with acne-prone skin. Besides, the innovative formulation and ingredients used are deemed powerful and high quality which are plus points.
Overview
Do you want glowing and crystal-clear skin? If yes then the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is here to the rescue! Formulated to exfoliate, diminish acne, and deeply cleanse pores for clear skin, this powerful cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid and soothing ingredients to prevent over-drying to the skin.
The cleanser can be used daily, in the morning and before going to bed to break the breakout cycle on your skin. Effective yet gentle, it also helps to balance the natural oils on your skin to prevent dryness.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes, clogged pores
- Key ingredient: Salicylic Acid
- Texture: Gel
- Volume: 175ml
- Suitable for: Oily skin, combination skin
Who is this for?
If you are suffering from acne-prone skin, give this product a try. It treats your acne and helps prevent breakouts as it contains the key ingredient of Salicylic Acid. Plus, the face wash won’t end up clogging your pores or giving irritation! Thus, it is safe to use daily in your skincare routine.
Overview
This product is one of the best salicylic acid serums that is affordable and works best for your skin. The SKINTIFIC 2% Salicylic Acid Serum is designed to unclog pores and fight blackheads and breakouts effectively. This potent serum contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration, which will help to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture to prevent the skin from drying out.
Furthermore, the SKINTIFIC 2% Salicylic Acid Serum is free from harmful ingredients such as SLS, alcohol, paraben and mineral oil.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes, dryness
- Key ingredient: 4% Niacinamide, Ceramide, Peptide, Hyaluronic Acid
- Texture: Water-based serums
- Volume: 20ml
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin
Who is this for?
The SKINTIFIC 2% Salicylic Acid Serum is one of the best serums that effectively reduces blackheads and breakouts. It is easy to use, making it suitable for those who suffer from acne-prone skin. It’s also one of the most reasonably priced salicylic acid serums you can find in Malaysia.
Overview
Worried about dryness and skin irritation from toners? This is SomeByMi’s legendary and best-selling anti-acne toner that acts as a multifunctional toner for the skin. Apart from salicylic acid, which effectively helps clear the pores, this toner also contains papaya and witch hazel extracts which are popular for their effectiveness in promoting skin cell turnover, keeping skin flawless and healthy.
Despite its powerful ingredients list, this toner is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin as it has an optimal PH of 5.5 which is very mild to the skin.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes, dullness,
- Key ingredient: Tea tree water extract (10,000ppm), Witch Hazel
- Texture: Watery
- Volume: 150ml
- Suitable for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
Who is this for?
This toner is a game-changer for those who want to eliminate their skin's blemishes. SomeByMi's AHA-BHA-PHA formula helps to give a radiant effect and fade acne scars. It is also useful for those with oily skin as it deeply cleanses and reduces blackheads.
Overview
Picking the best moisturisers for combination and oily skin types can be challenging. For those with these skin types, you’ll need a non-oil-based moisturiser to keep your skin healthy and glowing without sacrificing your skin’s comfort (by drying out). In this case, a gel-cream moisturiser like this one is for you.
Powered by salicylic acid and niacinamide, this powerful duo will benefit those who are dealing with acne, blackheads and even acne spots and hyperpigmentation. On top of that, the additional inclusion of Panthenol ingredient will help to improve the texture and the tone of your skin as well as giving hydration. It gently exfoliates the skin which will result in youthful glowing skin.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes, clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads
- Key ingredient: Niacinamide, salicyclic acid, Panthenol
- Texture: Gel
- Volume: 20ml
- Suitable for: All skin types
Who is this for?
This moisturiser works best to soothe and lighten dark spots. That’s all thanks to the winning combination and effects of the salicylic acid and niacinamide which are a favourite and a game-changer in brightening the skin!
Overview
Liquid exfoliators are much better than physical exfoliators as they do not go rough on the skin which can ruin the texture. Looking for a good quality salicylic acid exfoliator? The cult-favourite Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Liquid Exfoliator is for you!
Designed to deliver a powerful combination solution of 2% BHA and green tea, this treatment is ideal for exfoliating and removing blemishes and spots. Unlike abrasive scrubs, this salicylic acid exfoliator features a smooth liquid texture that’ll glide onto the skin without irritations. The product can be used in the morning and night and the best part is, no rinsing is required!
Details
- Skin concerns: Dullness, clogged pores, wrinkles, uneven skin tone
- Key ingredient: Methylpropanediol, Salicylic Acid, Green Tea
- Texture: Watery
- Volume: 118ml
- Suitable for: All skin types
Who is this for?
This toner is a fantastic choice for those who want to minimise the formation of blemishes or acne! It can also cleanse the pores and reduce pore size in appearance. Apart from that, it helps in increasing cell turnover rate and improves skin collagen production. Several troubled skin type users (in the form of acne or breakouts) have attested to the product’s ability to clear their skin.
Overview
Breakout does not only occur on your face but it can pop up on your body, chest, and also back. If you are one who suffers from these problems, this SomeByMi AHA-BHA-PHA Body Cleanser is the one to look out for.
This amazing formulation of a body cleanser with salicylic acid will help to remove excess oil, dead skin cells and alleviate acne-prone skin to keep the skin clear from clogged pores. It helps in controlling sebum oil and pore care too.
Worry not about a harsh formula as this body wash is free from harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Besides, it incorporates two powerful ingredients in the formulation which are Centella Asiatica which helps in soothing irritations, and Glycerin which works as a moisturising agent.
Details
- Skin concerns: Enlarged pores, clogged pores, Blemishes, Oiliness, uneven skin tone
- Key ingredients: AHA, BHA (Salicylic acid), PHA
- Texture: Gel
- Volume: 400ml
- Suitable for: All skin types
Who is this for?
If you are looking for a product with a soothing formula that quickly clams the skin before it reacts, we gotcha! The SomeByMi AHA-BHA-PHA Body Cleanser is the answer. It also improves the body's skin's conditions like acne and keratosis pilaris.
Overview
A salicylic acid mask can sound scary. However, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is designed to gently exfoliate and also be used as a deep cleansing mask while remaining soothing. Apart from that, it helps to accelerate the skin renewal process and stimulates the skin to give more radiance and glow.
The secret to its gentle formula is its glycerin and squalane inclusions which help to increase moisture in the skin, therefore making the masque suitable for many skin types and even dry. It’s also infused with charcoal and clays which helps in revealing radiant and smoother skin.
Details
- Skin concerns: Enlarged pores, blemishes, redness
- Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
- Texture: Creamy
- Volume: 50ml
- Suitable for: All skin types
Who is this?
This mask is a go-to for many who want to reduce blemishes or redness on the face effectively. You might also notice a complexion when the product is used overnight. Besides, it also left the skin feeling soft afterwards.
Overview
If you are looking to splurge on dermatologist-tested products, you won’t go wrong with the Cerave SA cleanser. Specially formulated in the USA for sensitive skin users, it surely knows what the skin needs.
This cleanser will gently exfoliate the skin without over-cleansing or stripping off its moisture. The additional Ceramides in the formulation helps to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it moist and hydrated.
Enriched with antioxidants and vitamin D, the formula works as an anti-ageing agent for nourishing mature skin too. Pamper your face with this cleanser and say goodbye to acne skin!
Details
- Skin concerns: Acne scars, clogged pores, blemishes
- Key ingredient: Salicylic acid, ceramides
- Texture: Gel
- Volume: 237ml
- Suitable for: Normal skin, dry skin
Who is this for?
The Cerave SA cleanser has a lot of good reviews due to its effectiveness in smoothing and alleviating skin roughness. So, if you are still battling rough and bumpy skin, get your hands on this product! Apart from that, the formulation is said to gently exfoliate while maintaining the natural skin barrier due to the presence of essential ceramides, one of the best essential skin ingredients.
Overview
For combination and oily skin types, this toner is wonderful at eliminating blackheads for clear-looking skin. Not only that but with continuous use, the toner prevents new blackheads from forming again. Neutrogena has formulated the toner to deliver an instant cooling sensation and soothe the skin from the first application.
That’s thanks to the cedarwood extract and witch hazel contained within the toner which both does not only exfoliate but also moisturise the skin too.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blackheads, oiliness
- Key ingredients: BHA, Cedarwood extract, witch hazel
- Texture: Watery
- Volume: 200ml
- Suitable for: Oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin
Who is this for?
The toner works very well for those with excess oils, especially in the T-zone area. With BHA in the formulation, it is well-loved for its effectiveness in removing stubborn blackheads and keeping the pores clean and healthy. It has been advised to use daily after cleansing with a face wash for best results.
Overview
Dealing with dry, rough and bumpy skin, especially on the elbows, legs and knees? Check out this CeraVe SA lotion which has an exfoliating and moisturising effect on the skin at the same time. Apart from being a lotion suitable for dry skin users, the lotion is also said to help soothe and improve skin conditions such as Keratosis Pilaris, also known as chicken skin.
The star active ingredient helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and replenish moisture in the skin, essentially revealing smoother and softer skin. Not only that but this potent lotion has a lightweight formula and is enriched with vitamin D to prevent premature ageing.
Details
- Skin concerns: Dryness, rough and bumpy skin
- Key ingredient: BHA, Cedarwood extract, witch hazel
- Texture: Cream
- Volume: 237ml
- Suitable for: All skin types
Who is this for?
CeraVe’s SA lotion is a favourite for many users due to noticeable improvements in exfoliating dead skin cells and smoothing the skin texture shortly after using it. Apart from that, it does help in keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness. Thus, it is perfect for those with dehydrated, bumpy, rough skin.
Overview
Need to stick with your current budget to buy salicylic acid exfoliator cleansers? The online shopping platform is your best bet at scoring great-for-value products. And if you are online shopping already, you’ll need to check this salicylic acid cleanser from Cosrx.
It helps to exfoliate the skin surface to prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads on the skin. The result? Clear skin! Moreover, this cleanser can create a soft foam with a creamy texture that’ll gently cleanse while unclogging pores, as it has a natural botanical BHA composition.
On top of that, it gently removes impurities while preventing pimples and blemishes from developing. Consisting of natural ingredients at an affordable price, it’s a great facial cleanser for most skin-type users daily.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes, excess sebum,
- Key ingredient: Salicylic Acid (BHA)
- Texture: Foamy
- Volume: 150ml
- Suitable for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin
Who is this for?
On top of being a prominent best-seller, the cleanser has another reason why it’s so popular. If you are constantly working outstations, this product is an ideal choice. The Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser comes in a convenient, travel-friendly package. Due to that, you can use this as a go-to facial cleanser when you are out on travel. Besides, it will prevent your skin from getting another breakout and get rid of the existing pimples.
Overview
COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad is undoubtedly the best Korean Salicylic Acid product as it effectively unclogs pores while soothing irritated skin. Moreover, this product is known for the ultimate acne solution which treats remaining acne and prevents future breakouts.
Aside from that, it leaves the skin soft and smooth after each use as the pad acts as a gentle physical exfoliant.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes, clogged pores
- Key ingredient: 1% BHA, 85.9% Willow Bark Water, Tea tree oil (500ppm), Sodium Hyaluronate
- Volume: 70 pads
- Suitable for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
Who is this for?
COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad is a beginner-friendly option for people with acne-prone skin. Its mild, soothing, and hydrating formula makes it a great choice for sensitive and dry skin individuals. Moreover, its no-nonsense pad application allows users to save time and shorten their beauty routine.
Overview
Are you on a budget but still want to add a good quality salicylic acid serum to your skincare routine? Look for The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Hydration. The concentration of Salicylic Acid in the formulations is potent and works wonders on acne-prone skin.
As mentioned in the name, the serum has 2% salicylic acid to penetrate and unclog congested pores, along with witch hazel to help alleviate discomfort and redness. In short, the formula is targeted to prevent acne, clogged pores and blackheads for clearer, healthier and glowing skin.
Despite the affordable price, the serum comes in packaging that of a thick and heavy glass bottle which happens to be transparent, making it easier for you to check how much is left inside. Besides, this product is fragrance-free which makes it suitable for sensitive skin.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes
- Key ingredient: Salicylic Acid
- Texture: Water-based serums
- Volume: 30ml
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin
Who is this for?
Are you tired of seeing acne on your skin? Say no more, as we have got your back. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Hydration is a chemical exfoliator that has become a favourite for many. Also, it can remove dead skin cells, contributing to clogged pores and causing further breakouts. As a result, you will get that glowing and healthier skin!
Overview
If you’re on the lookout for a simple solution to clearing acne skin minus breakouts, try the SKINTIFIC Acne Spot Treatment Gel. Combining active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid and Pionin helps kill bacteria that cause acne. On top of that, it can soothe acne as it contains Centella extract. Besides, it is also formulated with Niacinamide and Ceramides, which help to prevent the appearance of acne scars and still maintain moisture.
Details
- Skin concerns: Blemishes
- Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Pionin, Niacinamide, Ceramides
- Texture: Transparent Gel
- Volume: 10g
- Suitable for: All skin types
Who is this for?
This acne gel treatment is perfect for those who want to cure their blemishes without scarring. With the combination of the robust formula, it helps to shrink your acne within 12 hours. Besides, you can apply this treatment gel before you go to work or on a trip, as it comes in a transparent gel formula.
Overview
Are you dealing with the discomfort of itchy, flaky scalp or stubborn dandruff? Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo might be your solution. This specially formulated shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, a clinically proven active ingredient that works after just one use.
It's like a breath of fresh air for your scalp, clearing away crusty build-up and relieving severe conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. But it doesn't stop there as this therapeutic shampoo is also effective against common dandruff. Plus, it's dermatologist-recommended, ensuring you're in safe hands.
Details
- Skin concerns: Flaky and itchy scalp, dandruff
- Key ingredient: 3% salicylic acid
- Texture: Gel
- Volume: 133ml
- Suitable for: All scalps types
Who is this for?
This Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is best suited for individuals dealing with the discomfort of severe scalp conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, as well as those struggling with common dandruff. This shampoo can be your go-to solution if you have a dry, itchy, or flaky scalp.
It's a fantastic choice for anyone seeking relief and looking to maintain a healthy scalp, all while using a product recommended by dermatologists.
FAQ:
- What are the skin benefits of Salicyclic Acid?
Aside from being a chemical exfoliator that helps to clear dead skin cells which is targeted at clearing acne, why should we consider including this acid into our skincare routine? Here are more reasons to how it will affect our skin:
Preventing acne:
Most notably, Salicylic acid can help in preventing future acne from growing due to the use and effects of using it to deep cleanse and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Soothing:
Apart from that, if you are having skin inflammation due to flare ups, salicylic acid can help in soothing and calming the inflammation with repeated use.
Breakdown acne-causing bacteria:
Lastly, it can assist in weakening acne bacteria while cleansing clogged pores to promote a healthy, glowing and clearer looking skin.
- How Does Salicylic Acid Work?
To understand the use and fully optimise the benefits of Salicylic Acid, one has to first have the knowledge of how Salicylic functions on our skin.
- Although Salicylic Acid originated from natural sources, it commonly exists as a synthetic ingredient found in most anti-acne skincare these days thanks to modern technology.
- It is one of the most popular and effective Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) in the market where its job is to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from skin surface and pores.
- Upon removing old skin, the acid promotes the regeneration of new skin cells as newer skin surfaces from below. This helps in unclogging pores, preventing future breakouts and fading the appearance of acne scars.
- Aside from that, Salicylic Acid belongs to a family of compounds called salicylates. It is the principal metabolite of the drug you normally take for pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties, Aspirin. These properties explain its usefulness in soothing and relieving irritated and troubled skin.
- How to Use Salicylic Acid? (Do's & Don'ts)
Do:
- Use it as an anti-acne treatment in the form of wash off treatments, toner, serum, masks etc.
- Be cautious on the daily use of Salicylic Acid especially in formulas with higher concentrations or if you have sensitive skin. If so, carefully follow the bottle’s instructions or consult your licensed health care provider or start with less frequency of usage until tolerance is built.
- Remember, more exfoliation doesn’t mean quicker results. In fact, it may cause more harm like getting chemical burns than good.
- Apply sunscreen daily, especially after a good BHA exfoliating session to protect the newly surfaced skin from sunburns.
- Patch test on new skincare products with Salicylic Acid to prevent possible skin reactions.
Do not:
- Use Salicylic Acid beyond 2% concentration on your face, unless it is prescribed by your licensed health care provider
- Use physical scrub and chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHAs) on the same day. You will cause severe damage to your natural skin barrier and end up easily drying and wrinkly skin in the long run. Yikes!