BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
- Routine step
- Treatment (fluid)
- When
- Morning and evening
- Skin types
- Oily, Combination
- Pairs well with
- Niacinamide, Adapalene, Azelaic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide
- Use with care
- 3 layering conflicts, listed below
Apply a thin layer to the areas you are treating, after serums and before moisturizer. Follow the label on frequency.
This product contains an active that can irritate at first. Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours and start two or three times a week.
Ingredient research in this formula
These are ingredient-level research links, not evidence that this exact product has been clinically tested.
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353: salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function
Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134: 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne
Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573: Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Full ingredient list
Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.
+−Show all 18 ingredients
Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.
- Water
- Butylene Glycol
- Propanediol
- Salicylic Acid
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Citric Acid
- Glycerin
- Diglycerin
- Citrus Glauca Fruit Extract
- Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
- Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract
- Hydroxyacetophenone
- Carrageenan
- Phenoxyethanol
- Sodium Phytate
- Caprylyl Glycol
- Phenylpropanol
- Tocopherol
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Tretinoinhigh
Tretinoin + salicylic acid: major irritation risk. Strict separation required.
- Glycolic Acidmedium
AHA + BHA stacking risks over-exfoliation. Use a pre-formulated AHA/BHA product or alternate days.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.