Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are the most common ingredients when we talk about chemical exfoliation. In general, both are targeted to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture and give clear looking skin. But their functioning is very different.
One works on the surface level while the other works on the deeper layers. That’s why the right exfoliant for you depends mainly on your skin type and concerns. By decoding how these ingredients work on your skin, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on what your skin needs without complicating your skincare routine.
How Salicylic Acid Works
Salicylic acid is a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), which is known to clear pores from within. The major point of differentiation is that salicylic acid is oil soluble, which enables it to penetrate through excess sebum and reach deep into congested pores.
Salicylic Acid Benefits for the Skin
After reaching deep into congested pores, salicylic acid loosens trapped sebum, dead skin cells, and debris, which are the major causes behind whiteheads, blackheads and acne. This makes it beneficial:
-
For clearing clogged pores
-
In reducing blackheads and whiteheads
-
For controlling excess oil as it melts, the excess sebum
-
For reducing active acne and the causes of acne
-
For a smooth and even skin texture
These benefits make salicylic acid ideal for people with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, as well as those dealing with congestion and recurring acne.
How Glycolic Acid Works
Glycolic acid is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), and it works on the skin’s surface. It is water soluble and has the smallest molecular size, which enables it to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface.
Glycolic Acid Benefits for the Skin
As it has a small molecular size, it exfoliates the skin’s surface and improves skin texture over time by removing the buildup of dead skin from the outer layer of the skin. This makes it beneficial:
-
For smoothing rough texture
-
For brightening dull skin that lacks shine
-
Helps improve uneven skin tone for a more brighter complexion
-
For removing acne spots and marks
These benefits make glycolic acid a better option for people who are dealing with dry, dull or textured skin and uneven skin tone.
The Difference Between Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid
The biggest difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid is in where they work on the skin.
|
Glycolic Acid |
Salicylic Acid |
|
It is water-soluble and has a smaller molecular size. |
It is oil-soluble, which enables it to penetrate excess sebum. |
|
Targets the surface layer of the skin. |
Works on clearing what’s inside pores. |
|
It works on the skin’s surface and helps in removing excess dead skin from the surface. |
It works inside pores and helps with whiteheads, blackheads and acne. |
|
Ideal for uneven skin texture, dullness, etc. |
Ideal for congestion, excess oil, acne, etc. |
Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid, Which is Better For Your Skin Type?
Oily Skin
Salicylic acid is usually the better option for oily skin because it helps manage excess sebum and supports clearer pores.
Acne-Prone Skin
For frequent breakouts, blackheads, and clogged pores, salicylic acid is often preferred due to its deeper pore clearing action.
Dry Skin
Glycolic acid may work better for dry or rough skin that needs surface exfoliation and a smoother texture.
Dull Skin
If your skin looks tired or uneven, glycolic acid can help improve radiance and surface clarity over time.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can react to over exfoliation, so either acid should be used carefully, ideally in lower strengths and with reduced frequency initially.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together?
Yes, it is possible to use salicylic acid and glycolic acid together, provided they are properly combined and carefully added to a skincare regimen.
A face wash that contains both ingredients can provide gentle exfoliation since it only stays on the skin for a short time. This kind of formulation combines glycolic acid with salicylic acid to help smooth and clarify the skin surface, as well as to remove excess oil and pore clogging.
It's a great pairing for oily, combination or acne-prone skin with rough texture.
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both included in our facewash for oily skin, which allows for gentle exfoliation while cleaning the skin.
If congestion and recurring breakouts are more difficult to manage, a leave on exfoliating serum can help target those concerns more effectively and with longer contact on the skin. The ingredients in leave on products will have more time to act inside the pores, as it remains on the skin longer.
Our AHA BHA PHA Serum contains salicylic acid that clears excess sebum to promote a smoother appearance and clearer pores with time.
Both types of exfoliation can be used effectively to treat surface texture and congestion without being too harsh on the skin.
Conclusion
Salicylic acid and glycolic acid both exfoliate well, though it will depend on what your skin needs most.
Salicylic acid is usually the better choice if you are trying to treat acne, clogged up pores and excess oil. Glycolic acid might be more suitable if you have dull, rough or uneven skin.
Some routines might also be beneficial to incorporate both in a balanced manner, particularly if the product is designed to gently and slowly exfoliate.
It's important to select ingredients that suit your skin, add them slowly and not over-exfoliate.
FAQ’s Salicylic Acid vs Glycolic Acid
1. Is it ok to use salicylic acid and glycolic acid together?
Ans. Yes, salicylic and glycolic acid can be combined in a well-formulated product. The salicylic acid removes oils and clogs pores, and glycolic acid targets surface dullness and texture.
2. Salicylic acid or glycolic acid which is better for acne?
Ans. Salicylic acid tends to be better for acne-type skin because it is oil-soluble and helps to work within the pores to help reduce excess sebum, blackheads and congestion.
3. Can glycolic acid be used on dry skin?
Ans. Glycolic acid is often used in skincare products for dry, dull skin as it helps to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells that cause a lack of smoothness and radiance.
4. Can Salicylic acid or glycolic acid be used by sensitive skin?
Ans. Both ingredients can be used with sensitive skin, but the use of lower strengths and slower introduction is important. Excessive use of exfoliating acids can cause irritation, dryness, or redness, particularly in weak skin barriers.
5. How many times a day should you put on salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
Ans. It varies according to the type of product and skin type. Gentle cleansers can be used more often, and stronger leave-on exfoliating serums are generally used a couple of times per week as tolerated.