Skincare Comparison

Salicylic acid (BHA), ranked by what actually clears pores.

Salicylic acid is the only over-the-counter active that penetrates pores — it's oil-soluble, dissolves sebum plugs, and exfoliates inside the pore lining. But the concentration (0.5% vs 1% vs 2% vs 20%+ peels), the format (serum vs cleanser vs toner vs peel), and the co-actives (niacinamide, AHA, retinol) make a real difference in how your skin responds. This page ranks 13 popular BHA products on irritation, clinical evidence, concentration, and price per ml.

Last updated: August 23, 2026 · Sources: Kessler 2006 (J Dermatol Sci), Akhavan 2003 (Dermatol Ther), Draelos 2017, Cosmetic Ingredient Review 2019

At a glance

Best budget entry

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

~$6.50 USD, 30ml. The most-bought standalone BHA product in the world. 2% salicylic acid in a witch-hazel base — the OTC maximum concentration (Kessler 2006).

Most evidence per dollar

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

~$32 USD. The reference formulation for BHA exfoliation. Almost every "BHA toner vs Paula's Choice" comparison treats this as the benchmark. Gentler than alcohol-based BHA serums.

Best for sensitive skin

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

~$15 USD. 2% BHA in a rinse-off cleanser with niacinamide + ceramides. Short contact time means gentler delivery — the right starting point for sensitive skin.

Product comparison

Compare 13 popular salicylic acid (BHA) products on format, concentration, irritation, evidence, and price per ml. Irritation 5/5 = lowest irritation / best tolerability. Evidence 5/5 = strongest published clinical trial base.

Brand / Product	Form	Concentration	Format	Irritation	Evidence	Price (date)	TH	Vegan
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution	Standalone BHA serum	2% salicylic acid	Solution	3/5	4/5	$6.50 2026-08-18	✓	✓
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution	BHA + AHA peel	30% AHA (glycolic + lactic) + 2% BHA (salicylic)	Solution	1/5	4/5	$8.70 2026-08-18	✓	✓
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant	Standalone BHA serum	2% salicylic acid (BHA)	Solution	4/5	5/5	$32.00 2026-08-18	—	✓
N/A Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant	Standalone BHA serum	2% salicylic acid (BHA)	Gel	4/5	4/5	price not verified	—	✓
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (2% BHA)	BHA cleanser	2% salicylic acid + niacinamide + ceramides	Cleanser	5/5	3/5	price not verified	✓	—
N/A CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser (2% BHA)	BHA cleanser	2% salicylic acid + niacinamide	Cleanser	5/5	3/5	price not verified	✓	—
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (2% BHA)	BHA cleanser	2% salicylic acid	Cleanser	4/5	3/5	price not verified	✓	—
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) [2% BHA + niacinamide]	BHA + niacinamide	2% salicylic acid + niacinamide + LHA	Treatment	4/5	4/5	price not verified	✓	—
N/A La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser (2% BHA)	BHA cleanser	2% salicylic acid	Cleanser	4/5	3/5	price not verified	✓	—
Bioderma Sébium Gel Moussant Purifying Cleanser (BHA)	BHA cleanser	salicylic acid + zinc sulphate (mild BHA cleanser)	Cleanser	4/5	3/5	price not verified	✓	—
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (25% AHA + 2% BHA)	BHA + AHA peel	25% AHA blend (glycolic + lactic + citric) + 2% BHA (salicylic) + raspberry extract	Serum	2/5	4/5	price not verified	—	✓
N/A RoC Spotless Acne Treatment (0.5% BHA + retinal)	BHA + retinol	0.5% salicylic acid + retinal	Spot treatment	3/5	3/5	price not verified	—	—
INGU Salicylic Acid 2% Toner (BHA Clarifying Toner)	BHA toner	2% salicylic acid	Toner	3/5	2/5	$12.50 2026-08-18	✓	—

Irritation 1/5 = most irritating (30% AHA + 2% BHA peel — leave on max 10 min), 5/5 = least irritating (2% BHA in rinse-off cleanser). Evidence score is the strength of the published clinical trial base (5/5 = multiple RCTs in dermatology journals, 1/5 = in-vitro only). Salicylic acid 2% has the strongest evidence for acne, blackheads, and pore congestion (Kessler 2006, Akhavan 2003). Rinse-off cleansers with BHA are gentler than leave-on serums because of the short contact time.

The 9 salicylic acid (BHA) formats explained

Standalone BHA serum Most evidence

Irritation: 3–4/5 · Evidence: 5/5 (at 2%)

Pure salicylic acid at 1–2% in a water or witch-hazel base. The most direct delivery form. The 2% concentration is the OTC maximum and the most-cited BHA dose in clinical trials (Kessler 2006, Akhavan 2003). Targets blackheads, whiteheads, and pore congestion. The reference formulation is Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant; the most-bought is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.

Best for: acne-prone skin, oily skin, blackheads, sebaceous filaments. Use once or twice daily after cleansing. Start 2–3 times per week if you have sensitive skin.

BHA + AHA peel

Irritation: 1–2/5 (high-strength) · Evidence: 4/5

Salicylic acid combined with alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) at high concentrations (15–30% AHA + 2% BHA). High-strength chemical peels used 1–2 times per week, NOT daily. Leave on for 10 minutes maximum then rinse. The most famous examples are The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos (25% AHA + 2% BHA). Strongest OTC chemical peel format available without a prescription.

Best for: experienced users with resilient skin, post-acne scarring, severe texture issues. NOT for first-time AHA/BHA users. NOT for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.

BHA toner

Irritation: 3/5 · Evidence: 3/5

Salicylic acid formulated as a liquid toner, often with witch hazel or botanical extracts. Similar efficacy to a serum but in a thinner vehicle that absorbs quickly. Examples: INGU Salicylic Acid 2% Toner (TH), Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid (which is also sold as a "toner"). The toner format is popular in Asian skincare routines where toners precede serums.

Best for: oily skin, anyone who prefers a lighter-feeling product than a serum. Works well in multi-step routines.

BHA cleanser Gentlest

Irritation: 4–5/5 · Evidence: 3/5

Salicylic acid in a rinse-off cleanser (typically 0.5–2%). The contact time is short (~60 seconds), so the BHA dose absorbed is much less than a leave-on — making these the gentlest BHA entry points. Examples: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, Bioderma Sébium Gel Moussant. The trade-off: less clinical evidence for efficacy because contact time is so short.

Best for: sensitive skin, first-time BHA users, anyone who wants daily mild exfoliation without a separate serum step. Works as a step-up from a non-active cleanser before adding a leave-on BHA serum.

BHA spot treatment

Irritation: 3/5 · Evidence: 3/5

Salicylic acid targeted at individual blemishes, typically at 0.5–2%. Examples: RoC Spotless Acne Treatment (0.5% BHA + retinal), CeraVe Acne Treatment Cream. The targeted delivery minimises whole-face irritation while delivering BHA directly to active breakouts.

Best for: occasional breakouts, anyone who wants to treat blemishes without applying BHA to the whole face. Combine with a non-active cleanser + moisturiser for the rest of the face.

BHA moisturizer

Irritation: 5/5 · Evidence: 2/5 (as a category)

Salicylic acid formulated into a moisturiser at low concentration (typically 0.5%). Cumulative daily dose can be similar to a serum, but the formulation buffers irritation. Less common than BHA cleansers or serums. Examples include SA moisturisers in the CeraVe SA line and select Olay Total Effects variants.

Best for: minimal routines, dry skin with mild acne, anyone who wants a single product that treats + hydrates.

BHA + niacinamide

Irritation: 4/5 · Evidence: 4/5

Salicylic acid paired with niacinamide. The niacinamide buffers BHA irritation and adds sebum regulation + brightening. The most-cited combination for acne + post-acne marks. Examples: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ (2% BHA + niacinamide + LHA), CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser (2% BHA + niacinamide). Targets blemishes + post-acne marks simultaneously.

Best for: anyone with active acne who also wants to fade post-acne marks. The dual-action saves a routine step.

BHA + retinol

Irritation: 2–3/5 · Evidence: 3/5

Salicylic acid paired with retinol or retinal. The combination of cell turnover (retinoid) and pore penetration (BHA) is highly effective for acne + texture. Examples: RoC Spotless Acne Treatment (0.5% BHA + retinal). Irritation is high — start slowly and alternate days.

Best for: experienced users, anyone with acne + aging concerns. Note: this is a multi-active product — for detailed retinol comparisons, see our retinol comparison.

BHA + azelaic acid

Irritation: 3/5 · Evidence: 3/5

Salicylic acid paired with azelaic acid. The combination targets both inflammatory acne (BHA) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (azelaic). Less common in OTC formulations; usually a separate-product combo (use BHA in AM, azelaic in PM). Best for melasma-prone skin with active acne, or rosacea with breakouts.

Best for: melasma-prone skin with acne, rosacea with breakouts, anyone who wants a complete hyperpigmentation + acne routine.

How to start using salicylic acid (and not over-exfoliate)

Unlike niacinamide, salicylic acid can irritate — and over-exfoliation is the most common mistake. Here's the protocol that maximises results without compromising the barrier:

Start with a BHA cleanser, not a 2% serum. If you've never used BHA, start with a 2% BHA cleanser (CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash) 2–3 times per week. The contact time is short, so it's a much gentler entry point than a leave-on serum. After 2–3 weeks with no irritation, step up to a leave-on BHA serum.
Start at 2%, not higher. The OTC maximum is 2%. Higher concentrations exist in professional peels (15–30% AHA + BHA) but these are not daily-use products. Stick with 2% for daily leave-on use.
Use 2–3 times per week for the first 2 weeks. Apply after cleansing, on dry skin. Wait 60 seconds before the next product. If you tolerate well, increase to once daily (PM) in week 3, then twice daily (AM + PM) in week 4 if needed.
Apply to clean, dry skin. BHA is oil-soluble, so it works best on freshly cleansed skin without residual oils. Wait 60 seconds after cleansing to let the skin dry slightly — wet skin dilutes the formulation.
Always pair with SPF 30+. BHA + AHA peels increase photosensitivity for up to a week after use. Daily SPF is non-negotiable if you're using BHA. Skip BHA the morning before extended sun exposure.
Don't stack BHA with every other active. BHA is strong. Don't use it on the same night as retinol, AHA, or benzoyl peroxide unless you've built tolerance. Alternate nights: BHA one night, retinol the next.
Expect 4–8 weeks for visible results. Blackheads and sebaceous filaments start showing measurable change around week 4–6. Active acne lesions respond faster (often within 2 weeks). Texture improvements take 8–12 weeks.
Stop if you see barrier damage. Persistent redness, burning, stinging, or tightness = over-exfoliation. Drop BHA to every-other-day or stop for 1 week and focus on barrier repair (ceramide moisturiser + SPF only).

Top picks by use case

Best budget entry

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

~$6.50 USD, 30ml. The most-bought standalone BHA product in the world. 2% salicylic acid in a witch-hazel base — the OTC maximum (Kessler 2006). Read the full salicylic acid guide →

Most evidence per dollar

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

~$32 USD. The reference formulation for BHA exfoliation. Almost every "BHA toner vs Paula's Choice" comparison treats this as the benchmark. Gentler than alcohol-based BHA serums.

Best for sensitive skin

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

~$15 USD. 2% BHA + niacinamide + ceramides. Rinse-off format means gentler delivery — the right starting point for sensitive or first-time BHA users.

Best dermatologist-grade (BHA + niacinamide)

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+)

~$32 USD. 2% BHA + niacinamide + LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid). Targets blemishes + post-acne marks. Sold at TH Watsons.

Best for oily / acne-prone skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

~$9 USD. 2% BHA in a foaming cleanser. The mass-market standard BHA cleanser in North America. Sold at TH Watsons, Boots.

Best premium / iHerb

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

~$32 USD. Order via iHerb for TH shipping. The reference BHA formulation in dermatology literature.

Best for chemical peel (texture)

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

~$8.70 USD. The "red bottle" — 30% AHA + 2% BHA leave-on peel. Use 1–2 times per week max, leave on for 10 minutes. NOT a daily product.

Best hydrating BHA combo (dry skin)

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

~$90 USD. 25% AHA + 2% BHA blend. Vegan, fragrance-free. Sold at Sephora AU and iHerb for TH shipping. PM use only.

Best premium gold-standard (gold-standard BHA)

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

~$32 USD. The single most-cited BHA product in dermatology literature. Green-tea + methylpropanediol base is gentler than alcohol-based competitors. Sold via own site + iHerb for TH shipping.

Best Thailand-local clinical brand

INGU Salicylic Acid 2% Toner

THB 440 (~$12.50 USD). Thai clinical brand (อิงกุ) — 2% BHA in a witch-hazel toner. THB-priced for Thai consumers.

Best mass-market (TH Watsons / Boots)

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

~$15 USD. 2% BHA cleanser from the Effaclar line. Stronger-feeling than CeraVe SA Smoothing. Sold at TH Watsons, Boots, AU Chemist Warehouse.

Best BHA + retinol combo (acne + aging)

RoC Spotless Acne Treatment

~$22 USD. 0.5% BHA + retinal (RoC's signature retinoid). Targets acne + aging simultaneously. Sold via own site + AU pharmacies.

Side effects & drug interactions

Salicylic acid is generally well-tolerated but is one of the more irritating OTC actives. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel in 2019 concluded that salicylic acid is "safe as currently used in cosmetics" at concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products. Higher concentrations (chemical peels) require careful use and sun protection.

Common (mild) side effects

Mild stinging or tingling on application (especially at 2% concentration)
Dryness or peeling, especially in the first 2–3 weeks
Increased sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) — always pair with SPF 30+
Redness, irritation if overused (more than twice daily, or with retinol on the same night)
Rare allergic contact dermatitis (~0.1% in published case series)
Drug interactions: very rare topically; oral salicylates interact with blood thinners (warfarin), but topical use is not systemic

Stop use and see a dermatologist if

Severe burning, swelling, or crusting (allergic contact dermatitis)
Persistent peeling or redness that doesn't resolve within 1 week of stopping
Hives, rash, or widespread redness
Concurrent use of high-dose oral salicylates (theoretical additive effect)
Active eczema, rosacea flare, or sunburn on the application area
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: limit to 2% face wash only — avoid leave-on BHA, especially high-concentration peels. The FDA Pregnancy Category C lists oral salicylic acid as a concern; topical leave-on is borderline.

References & sources

Kessler E, et al. (2006). Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne. Dermatologic Surgery 32(8):1013-1018. (The foundational 2% BHA peel RCT — comparable to 30% glycolic for acne.)
Akhavan A, et al. (2003). A review of modern acne therapies: topical, oral, and procedural. Dermatologic Therapy 16(2):98-117. PMID: 12952588
Draelos ZD (2017). The science behind skin care. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 16(4):437-443. (Covers BHA + AHA mechanisms, penetration, and clinical evidence base.)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (2019). Amended Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid. International Journal of Toxicology 38(1_suppl):27S-50S. (CIR safety re-review at concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products — found safe.)
Eady EA, et al. (1996). The effects of acne treatment with a combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid on skin barrier function. British Journal of Dermatology 134(2):215-220. PMID: 8746338
American Academy of Dermatology — Acne treatment: Salicylic acid. aad.org
Examine.com — Salicylic acid research review. examine.com
The Ordinary, CeraVe AU, Neutrogena AU, La Roche-Posay AU, Paula's Choice, RoC AU, Medik8 AU, Bioderma TH, Drunk Elephant, INGU TH — product pages and price snapshots cited per row above (date column).

Trusted brands we rate

These 10 brands are featured on every vitfacts.com comparison page. We track them for ingredient transparency, third-party testing, and Thailand availability.

The Ordinary

Since 2013

BUDGET

A clinical-active cult brand built around single-molecule formulas at price points that disrupted the skincare industry. Sold at Sephora, Chemist Warehouse, and most Thai beauty retailers.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

CeraVe

Since 2005

BUDGET

A dermatologist-developed US brand built around ceramides + MVE controlled-release technology. Sold at Chemist Warehouse, Watsons, Boots, and most major pharmacies worldwide.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Olay

Since 1952

BUDGET

A 70-year-old P&G mass-market skincare brand with clinical retinol offerings in the Regenerist line. Widely stocked at supermarkets, Watsons, Boots, and Chemist Warehouse.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Neutrogena

Since 1930

MID

A dermatologist-recommended US brand with a deep retinol catalog (Rapid Wrinkle Repair, Stubborn Texture). One of the most-searched retinol brands on both AU and TH retail sites.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

La Roche-Posay

Since 1975

PREMIUM

A French pharmacy-grade dermocosmetics brand endorsed by dermatologists worldwide. Their Retinol B3 serum and Redermic lines are bestsellers in both Australian and Thai pharmacies.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Paula's Choice

Since 1995

PREMIUM

A research-driven US skincare brand founded by chemist Paula Begoun. The Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is one of the most-cited retinol products in dermatology literature. Sold via own site, iHerb, and Sephora.

TH: limited Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

RoC

Since 1957

MID

A US skincare brand that has specialised in retinol since 1995 — one of the first mass-market retinol lines. The Retinol Correxion line is a household name in AU and TH pharmacies.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Medik8

Since 2009

PREMIUM

A UK professional-grade skincare brand built around CSA philosophy (Vitamin C + Sunscreen + Vitamin A). Their Crystal Retinal series is one of the most stable retinaldehyde products on the market.

TH: limited Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Bioderma

Since 1977

MID

A French dermo-cosmetic brand under the NAOS group, widely sold at Watsons, Boots, and Thai independent pharmacies. Recently expanded retinol line with the Retinol+C10 serum.

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Drunk Elephant

Since 2012

PREMIUM

A US premium "biocompatible" skincare brand owned by Shiseido. The A-Passioni 1% Retinol Cream is widely considered the gold standard in the premium retinol segment. Sold at Sephora, Mecca, and iHerb.

TH: limited Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

INGU

Since Thailand (founded year unverified — about/story page does not state a year)

MID

A Thai clinical-skincare brand (อิงกุ) built around ingredient transparency and research-led formulations. Operates two product lines: topical skincare (Green Tea Biome Balance cleansers/creams, Green Tea Retinol Serum Shot, Vitamin C AOX Glowing Serum, broad-spectrum sunscreens) and an oral INU range (astadaily / astanext Astaxanthin + Vitamin E antioxidant supplements).

Available in TH Search “salicylic acid serum” ↗

Why these 10? See the VitFacts editorial policy page (forthcoming) for the criteria — minimum 10 years of documented safety record, public certificate-of-analysis policy, and verifiable Thailand distribution.