20% off £30

Code:QUICK
Offers3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 For £5 Mix & MatchIntroductory Offer2 For £60 Mix & MatchShort Dated May 2025Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.Natures AidNature's WayNovomins3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBuy one get one 1/2 priceShort Dated May 2025Dairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorMeridianSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £5 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletShort Dated May 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelPhDTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutlet2 For £60 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline Only3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletIntroductory OfferShort Dated May 2025Alcohol FreeParfum FreeFluoride freePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTREKEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £12 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessBrain HealthEnergyJoints, Bones, & MusclesGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsFaith in NatureOptimum NutritionWeledaNaturtintPrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionUSN3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 For £60 Mix & MatchShort Dated May 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45OilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBenylinBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceNew inVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesEnergyWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

How to use salicylic acid

Email
Facebook
Email
Facebook
woman applying Salicylic Acid serum to her face to combat acne
Salicylic acid is a natural skincare acid available in cleansers, serums and gels. It may help with spots, blemishes, blackheads or persistently oily skin.

Summary

1What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a plant hormone that’s usually sourced from things like willow bark.

2The beauty benefits of salicylic acid

This nifty BHA has a whole host of possible benefits for the skin. It might help with spots, blemishes, blackheads, or persistently oily skin.

3How to use salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is easy to use because it’s an active ingredient in so many skincare products.

Explore related topics

Searching for a brand-new beauty product that’ll unclog your pores and leave your skin feeling softer, cleaner, and free from blemishes? Salicylic acid could be the one. If putting acid on your face sounds a little scary, don’t worry! 

Salicylic acid is actually a type of skincare acid, meaning it’s entirely safe for use and can have numerous potential benefits for your complexion. It’s a key ingredient in lots of skincare products, including cleansers, serums, and gels.1 

Let’s break down exactly what this acid is, how to use it, and why it could be your skin’s new best friend.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a plant hormone that’s usually sourced from things like willow bark. It can penetrate through multiple layers of skin help break down clogs trapped underneath. When applied to the skin salicylic acid can get deep into pores and break down proteins which cause your skin cells to stick together. Salicylic acid can additionally help combat bacteria which may be triggering spots and blackheads to appear on the surface.

The beauty benefits of salicylic acid

This nifty BHA has a whole host of possible benefits for the skin. It might help with spots, blemishes, blackheads, or persistently oily skin. Here are some of the main advantages of salicylic acid.2

It’s exfoliating

When used over several weeks, salicylic acid can help to exfoliate the skin and dissolve dead skin cells and oil, which may be clogging up your pores.3

It’s soothing

As well as ridding your skin of excess sebum and unwanted dirt through its deep cleansing abilities, salicylic acid may also help to reduce redness. Because of these two significant benefits, salicylic acid can aid in keeping your pores free from build-up and balance out the overall pH level of your skin. Over time, you can hope to achieve a clearer and brighter complexion with a more even skin tone.

How to use salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is easy to use because it’s an active ingredient in so many skincare products. Most of these only contain small amounts of this skincare acid to ensure you reap the benefits without your skin drying out or becoming irritated.

You’ll spot salicylic acid specifically in dozens of products in our face gel and face wash ranges. These include Dr Organic Skin Clear Treatment Gel which is formulated to help combat redness, eliminate spots, and ultimately lead to clearer, less oily skin.

Last updated: 16 September 2020

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.