So, if you’re a BHA newbie, or struggle with sensitivity, it’s best to start off around the 2% mark, which is enough for you to see a difference without leaving skin irritated. If your skin is more resilient and you want the stronger stuff, you can find formulas with up to 10% BHA, but we'd recommend building up to this slowly. Don't say we didn't warn you. SHOULD I USE SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER OR ACNE SOLUTION WITH 5% BENZOYL PEROXIDE? Acne Solution with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide is a specialized treatment that has been formulated for people with troublesome, persistent acne or irritated spots. For mild, occasional acne, we recommend Salicylic Acid Cleanser. We do not recommend Acne Solution with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide if you have sensitive skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding. I HAVE DRY, BLEMISH PRONE SKIN, CAN I STILL USE BHA SERUM?Beta Hydroxy Acid is formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid which makes it non drying and good to use even when your skin is dry. You can also use it only 2-3 times per week when needed. AHAS VS PHAS - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble and work on the surface of the skin. They can help nourish the skin while exfoliating and encouraging cell turnover. Use in the PM and protect your skin with SPF during the day. Polyhydroxy acids also known as PHAs have a larger molecular structure than AHAs. They exfoliate in a milder manner when compared to Alpha Hydroxy Acids. And unlike Alpha Hydroxy Acids, they don’t increase your skin’s sun sensitivity or vulnerability to sun damage. They\'re suitable for all skin types as they penetrate the skin slower causing no irritation. We advise that prior to exposure to sun you use a broad spectrum SPF, immediately and up to 7 days after.

Known for its exfoliating properties, Salicylic Acid helps to slough off dead skin cells, reduce oil levels and remove impurities from the surface of the scalp. The addition of FLUIDIPURE™ 8G and PANTHENOL delivers extra hydration and moisturization benefits to help soothe and calm while visibly reducing the appearance of redness on the scalp. ​ Getting sweaty during a workout is a sign of a job well done, but oily skin at any other time? Not so great.I never use chemical exfoliants during the day. So I use it in one of my PM routines. I use it after cleansing with Micellar Water and don’t layer it with any other actives. Sometimes when I wake up with a huge pimple, I use it as a spot treatment with the hopes that it would go away even faster. How It Worked Before I go on to talk more about this product, I will like to explain what BHA is and what exactly it does for the skin.

There’s no set rule on how often you should use a BHA exfoliant, as it depends on your skin type and the formula you decide to use. The short answer is no, most people do not need an acid exfoliator everyday. There are a few important points to consider. IS THIS CLEANSER ENOUGH OR DO I NEED TO FOLLOW UP WITH A SEPARATE CLEANSER?This cleanser is perfectly fine on its own as a salicylic acid wash so it does not need a follow up however you can also pair this with another cleanser for a double cleanse. This means there are two carbon atoms between the hydroxy and acid portion of the molecule,” says consultant dermatologist, Dr Ophelia Veraitch. To compare, “glycolic acid just has one carbon atom between the hydroxy and acid portion of the molecule.” For the ultimate cleanse, use with our Reusable Cotton Pads and gently begin to sweep in circular motions. For stubborn eye makeup, hold a damp Reusable Cotton Pad with cleanser on the eyes or eyelashes for an extra 5-10 seconds before wiping away. Although BHA has been a buzzword in skincare for a while now, you might be wondering what it actually means?CAN I USE IT WHEN PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?Yes! You can safely use it when pregnant or breastfeeding. Your guide to pregnancy safe skincare > You've probably heard of salicylic acid already, as it's a popular choice for anyone struggling with breakouts and can be found in plenty of skincare products. Here’s a breakdown of exactly what it does: CAN I LAYER BHA SERUM WITH OTHER INGREDIENTS? We do not recommend layering BHA products with exfoliating acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Apple Cider Vinegar or Mandelic Acid), BHAs (C-50 Blemish Treatment), PHA Toner, Vitamin C and Retinols as this may lead to irritation. We suggest using these on alternative evenings and ensuring you start of slowly to ensure you don't sensitise the skin. What products should I not layer together? >

Salicylic acid, known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is an exfoliant that works to gently unglue dead and dehydrated cells from the skin's surface which may be clogging pores, making them appear larger, and contributing to breakouts. CAN I LAYER IT WITH OTHER INGREDIENTS?We do not recommend layering this with exfoliating acids (AHA, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Apple Cider Vinegar), Vitamin C and Retinols in the same routine as this can cause irritation. We suggest using these on alternative evenings and ensuring you start of slowly to ensure you don't sensitise the skin What products should I not layer together? > The ingredient is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, making it a great all-rounder for skin that’s reactive. Because of this set of benefits, Salicylic Acid is excellent at targeting acne. How to use Salicylic Acid Oat Balm Cleanser as a 1st step which will melt away SPF and makeup. Follow with your Salicylic Acid Cleanser as a 2nd step to wash away any leftover impurities. Shop our Anti-Acne Cleanse Duo. CAN I VITAMIN C AFTER USING SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER IN MY MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE?Yes! You can layer your usual AM skincare routine, including Vitamin C, after washing your face with Salicylic Acid Cleanser. We always recommending using a broad spectrum SPFdaily but when paired withVitamin Cthis boosts yourmorning skincare routineto get all the benefits of protection from sun damage and free radicals.

Find in store

When it comes to usage, each toner will come with its own instructions – read them! – but a good general rule is to start with once a week and see how you go. Now that we’ve defined AHA and BHA, we know that choosing which one to use depends on your skin type and your skin goals. But how about layering them? Can you use them together and if so, what’s the best way to use both in your routine? HOW CAN I DOUBLE CLEANSE WITH SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER? We recommend double cleansing in your PM routine and use our In the Women’s Health Lab, we turned to our panel of 343 women, asking them to trial 26 BHA exfoliating toners to see what impact they had on skin after a one-month period. Each product in The Inkey List family is based around a single ingredient, making it easier to ascertain exactly what you’re putting on your skin.

Unfortunately, I didn’t. My skin just didn’t agree with this formulation. It didn’t really see any improvement after using it for about two weeks. Instead, I feel like I broke out even more. I’ll probably be repurposing it for my body henceforth. Conclusion Oil soluble, BHA is great at clearing pores of sebum and dirt without manual exfoliation. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration our BHA will help to reveal a brighter, hydrated and more even complexion. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, BHA is an ideal choice for oily and blemish prone skin with The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum. Salicylic Acid is derived from willow bark, and is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), as opposed to Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like Glycolic and Lactic Acids. Whereas AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are oil-soluble, and can therefore penetrate deeper into the pores of the skin. This is why BHA is often used for targeted spot treatments - more of which we’ll dive into later. What are the benefits of Salicylic Acid? WHAT'S THE % OF SALICYLIC ACID IN BHA SERUM?BHA Serum contains 2% Salicylic Acid which helps to unclog pores and gently exfoliate the skin.BHAs - that's beta-hydroxy acids - are here to help, combatting oiliness and helping to prevent breakouts, so you're left with the glowy skin you deserve.