<p><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/salicylic-acid" target="_self">Salicylic acid</a> is that ingredient I’ve known ever since I was a teenager fighting breakouts and blackheads. Derms and magazines all would talk about this potent anti-acne ingredient, and while I didn’t know much about skincare routines, I knew I must use salicylic acid. I didn’t get much about it back then, but I’m all up-to-date today, so I know that salicylic acid might not be the best acne killer for everyone. This is where salicylic acid alternatives come to help. Considering this powerhouse acne-fighter didn’t work for you, it’s time you think about salicylic acid alternatives.</p>

12 Salicylic Acid Alternatives with Acne-Eradicating Properties

<UL><LI><span>
September 6, 2021 </span></LI></UL><div>We may include products - handpicked by our editors - that we find useful for our readers. When you buy through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.</div><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/salicylic-acid" dir="ltr">Salicylic acid</a> is that ingredient I’ve known ever since I was a teenager fighting breakouts and blackheads. Derms and magazines all would talk about this potent anti-acne ingredient, and while I didn’t know much about skincare routines, I knew I must use salicylic acid. I didn’t get much about it back then, but I’m all up-to-date today, so I know that salicylic acid might not be the best acne killer for everyone. This is where salicylic acid alternatives come to help. Considering this powerhouse member of the beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) family didn’t work for you, it’s time you think about salicylic acid alternatives. No struggle, they’re all here!</p><h2>What is salicylic acid?</h2><p>Salicylic acid is the strongest beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and its oil-soluble structure makes it able to penetrate the skin, where it dissolves oil and dead cells that clog the pores. But salicylic acid might not work for each of us who struggle with acne.&nbsp;</p><h2>What is the best salicylic acid alternative for me?</h2><p>You may seek salicylic acid alternatives either because this ingredient irritated your skin or didn’t have any effect at all. In the first case, you need to think about salicylic acid alternatives that are gentle to the skin and maybe have moisturizing properties too, so your skin won’t dry out. If salicylic acid didn’t improve your acne, it means that your breakouts are caused by bacteria and not because of pores clogging, so you need alternatives with stronger antibacterial power.</p><div>Advertisements</div><p>But salicylic acid isn’t the only option. In fact, many people don’t find it as effective as its fans and loyalists claim. If you can’t tolerate salicylic acid or it simply doesn’t work, you are in the right place. Below are the best salicylic acid alternatives that mimic its acne-clearing proprieties. </p><h2>Benzoyl peroxide</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/acne/benzoyl-peroxide" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Benzoyl peroxide (BPO)</a>&nbsp;is bactericidal, aka it kills bacteria instead of slowing down its growth as salicylic acid does. BPO works as an exfoliating agent by removing dead cells from the pores and increasing cell turnover, great for whiteheads, blackheads, and red pimples. In over-the-counter products, benzoyl peroxide is found in strengths from 2.5 to 10%. </p><p><span>Related Article</span></p><figure><img width="125" height="83" src="https://womenconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Benzoyl-Peroxide-vs-Salicylic-Acid.jpg" alt="Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid"></figure><p>Before you add this acne-fighter to your routine, you should know that it’s a powerful ingredient that comes with possible side effects. These include skin dryness, redness, or burning. To avoid such situations, start with lower concentrations and make sure you use soothing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, CQ10, vitamin E, or green tea.</p><h2>Tea tree oil</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/tea-tree-oil-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Tea tree oil</a>&nbsp;is antibacterial and&nbsp;<a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/anti-inflammatory-skincare-ingredients" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">anti-inflammatory</a>, just perfect for acne. Compared to salicylic acid, it’s more able to kill the acne-causing bacteria and has antioxidant properties. In fact, you can <a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/salicylic-acid-and-tea-tree-oil-together" dir="ltr">combine tea tree oil with salicylic acid</a> to calm down inflammation, deliver antibacterial and antioxidant properties while exfoliating dead cells. That would help pull double dutty to soothe and decrease pimples.</p><h2>Retinol</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/anti-aging/retinol-skin-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Retinol</a>&nbsp;is a vitamin A derivative, mostly known as the anti-aging gold standard ingredient. But retinol does much more than reducing aging signs and improve skin texture. The exfoliative properties of retinol help pores unclog, reducing breakouts apparition. The small molecular weight of retinol allows it to penetrate beneath the skin’s upper layer, removing dirt, dead cells, and excess oil from pores. In turn, this leads to fewer chances of breakouts appearing.</p><h2>Niacinamide</h2><p dir="ltr">A water-soluble form of vitamin B3,&nbsp;<a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/niacinamide" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">niacinamide</a>&nbsp;contains immense humectant properties. Giving your skin hydration can stop the sebaceous glands from going into overdrive and make them produce less sebum, reducing pimples. Besides this, niacinamide also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, great for diminishing acne. If salicylic acid alone tends to dry your skin, you can learn&nbsp;<a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/how-to-use-salicylic-acid-and-niacinamide-together" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">how to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together</a>&nbsp;to get the best of both worlds.</p><div>Advertisements</div><h2>Glycolic acid</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/glycolic-acid-skin-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Glycolic acid</a>&nbsp;is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with a small molecule that can pass through the skin barrier. The key role of glycolic acid is to exfoliate the skin by sloughing away dead cells from the skin’s top layer. Glycolic acid can also decrease inflammation and works against acne-causing bacteria. Unlike salicylic acid that can dry the skin, glycolic acid can retain moisture, making it less likely to irritate the skin.</p><h2>Lactic acid</h2><p dir="ltr">Another member of the AHAs family,&nbsp;<a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/lactic-acid" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">lactic acid</a>, is a gentle one as it’s water-soluble and works on the skin’s surface. Since it’s a&nbsp;<em dir="ltr">keratolytic</em>, lactic acid can break apart dead skin cells on the outer skin layer, unclogging pores and stopping breakouts from triggering. The best thing about this exfoliant is its moisturizing properties, making it a gentler alternative to salicylic acid.&nbsp;</p><h2>Azelaic acid</h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/azelaic-acid-skin-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Azelaic acid</a>&nbsp;is a dicarboxylic acid that exfoliates the skin gently, unclog pores, and gives antioxidant benefits. More than that, azelaic acid has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and oil-reducing effects, making it a good bet for tackling acne. While it clears pores of bacteria, reduces inflammation, and encourages cell turnover, azelaic acid can be slightly irritant to some, so better start with products that contain it in smaller amounts.</p><h2>Mandelic acid</h2><p>Due to its high molecular weight, mandelic acid can’t penetrate the skin, working on its surface, making it a gentler salicylic acid alternative. The antibacterial properties of mandelic acid make it suitable for inflammatory acne (cysts, papules, pustules, nodules), while salicylic acid is better for non-inflammatory acne, like whiteheads and blackheads. Plus, mandelic acid is less likely to cause irritations since it’s the gentles of the alpha-hydroxy acids.</p><h2>Vitamin C</h2><p dir="ltr">Vitamin C is a multitasker, and its role in managing acne is well known. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C fights free radicals that have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756869/" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">shown</a>&nbsp;to contribute to acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C make it effective at helping reduce inflamed pimples, redness, and swelling. On top of everything, vitamin C may speed up breakouts healing with its ability to boost collagen production.&nbsp;</p><h2>Zinc oxide</h2><p>Zinc it’s a mineral with anti-inflammatory properties that makes it well suited to treating inflammatory acne. Also, when applied topical, zinc decreases oil production in the skin and fights acne-causing bacteria, making it a good salicylic alternative for non-inflammatory acne too.&nbsp;</p><h2>Sulfur</h2><p>Like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, sulfur is a drying agent that dries the skin, absorbing excess oil. Plus, sulfur has antibacterial properties that may aid in healing breakouts. Even if sulfur is not as effective exfoliant as salicylic acid, it still does the job. Sulfur is that mild salicylic acid alternative you can use to fight breakouts.&nbsp;</p><h2>Red marine algae</h2><p>A natural antibacterial agent, red marine algae is one of the best bets for handling blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts if salicylic acid didn’t work. Also, red marine algae is a natural exfoliating agent that sheds away dead cells clogging pores. Its antioxidant effects make red marine algae helpful at handling inflammations and redness associated with acne. By far, red marine algae is one of the best natural alternatives to salicylic acid.&nbsp;</p><div>Advertisements</div>

If you can't tolerate salicylic acid or it doesn't work, here are the best alternatives that mimic its acne-clearing proprieties.

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<ul><li><span>September 6, 2021 </span> </li> </ul>

<p dir="ltr"><a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/salicylic-acid">Salicylic acid </a>is that ingredient I’ve known ever since I was a teenager fighting breakouts and blackheads. Derms and magazines all would talk about this potent anti-acne ingredient, and while I didn’t know much about skincare routines, I knew I must use salicylic acid. I didn’t get much about it back then, but I’m all up-to-date today, so I know that salicylic acid might not be the best acne killer for everyone. This is where salicylic acid alternatives come to help. Considering this powerhouse member of the beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) family didn’t work for you, it’s time you think about salicylic acid alternatives. No struggle, they’re all here! </p>

<p>Salicylic acid is the strongest beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and its oil-soluble structure makes it able to penetrate the skin, where it dissolves oil and dead cells that clog the pores. But salicylic acid might not work for each of us who struggle with acne.  </p>

What is the best salicylic acid alternative for me?

<p>You may seek salicylic acid alternatives either because this ingredient irritated your skin or didn’t have any effect at all. In the first case, you need to think about salicylic acid alternatives that are gentle to the skin and maybe have moisturizing properties too, so your skin won’t dry out. If salicylic acid didn’t improve your acne, it means that your breakouts are caused by bacteria and not because of pores clogging, so you need alternatives with stronger antibacterial power. </p>

<p>But salicylic acid isn’t the only option. In fact, many people don’t find it as effective as its fans and loyalists claim. If you can’t tolerate salicylic acid or it simply doesn’t work, you are in the right place. Below are the best salicylic acid alternatives that mimic its acne-clearing proprieties. </p>

<p dir="ltr"><a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/acne/benzoyl-peroxide" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) </a> is bactericidal, aka it kills bacteria instead of slowing down its growth as salicylic acid does. BPO works as an exfoliating agent by removing dead cells from the pores and increasing cell turnover, great for whiteheads, blackheads, and red pimples. In over-the-counter products, benzoyl peroxide is found in strengths from 2.5 to 10%. </p>

<p>Before you add this acne-fighter to your routine, you should know that it’s a powerful ingredient that comes with possible side effects. These include skin dryness, redness, or burning. To avoid such situations, start with lower concentrations and make sure you use soothing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, CQ10, vitamin E, or green tea. </p>

<p dir="ltr"><a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/tea-tree-oil-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tea tree oil </a> is antibacterial and <a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/anti-inflammatory-skincare-ingredients" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory </a>, just perfect for acne. Compared to salicylic acid, it’s more able to kill the acne-causing bacteria and has antioxidant properties. In fact, you can <a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/salicylic-acid-and-tea-tree-oil-together">combine tea tree oil with salicylic acid </a>to calm down inflammation, deliver antibacterial and antioxidant properties while exfoliating dead cells. That would help pull double dutty to soothe and decrease pimples. </p>

<p dir="ltr"><a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/anti-aging/retinol-skin-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener">Retinol </a> is a vitamin A derivative, mostly known as the anti-aging gold standard ingredient. But retinol does much more than reducing aging signs and improve skin texture. The exfoliative properties of retinol help pores unclog, reducing breakouts apparition. The small molecular weight of retinol allows it to penetrate beneath the skin’s upper layer, removing dirt, dead cells, and excess oil from pores. In turn, this leads to fewer chances of breakouts appearing. </p>

<p dir="ltr">A water-soluble form of vitamin B3, <a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/niacinamide" rel="noreferrer noopener">niacinamide </a> contains immense humectant properties. Giving your skin hydration can stop the sebaceous glands from going into overdrive and make them produce less sebum, reducing pimples. Besides this, niacinamide also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, great for diminishing acne. If salicylic acid alone tends to dry your skin, you can learn <a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/how-to-use-salicylic-acid-and-niacinamide-together" rel="noreferrer noopener">how to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together </a> to get the best of both worlds. </p>

<p dir="ltr"><a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/glycolic-acid-skin-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glycolic acid </a> is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with a small molecule that can pass through the skin barrier. The key role of glycolic acid is to exfoliate the skin by sloughing away dead cells from the skin’s top layer. Glycolic acid can also decrease inflammation and works against acne-causing bacteria. Unlike salicylic acid that can dry the skin, glycolic acid can retain moisture, making it less likely to irritate the skin. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Another member of the AHAs family, <a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/lactic-acid" rel="noreferrer noopener">lactic acid </a>, is a gentle one as it’s water-soluble and works on the skin’s surface. Since it’s a <em dir="ltr">keratolytic </em>, lactic acid can break apart dead skin cells on the outer skin layer, unclogging pores and stopping breakouts from triggering. The best thing about this exfoliant is its moisturizing properties, making it a gentler alternative to salicylic acid.  </p>

<p dir="ltr"><a dir="ltr" href="https://womenconcepts.com/skincare/azelaic-acid-skin-benefits" rel="noreferrer noopener">Azelaic acid </a> is a dicarboxylic acid that exfoliates the skin gently, unclog pores, and gives antioxidant benefits. More than that, azelaic acid has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and oil-reducing effects, making it a good bet for tackling acne. While it clears pores of bacteria, reduces inflammation, and encourages cell turnover, azelaic acid can be slightly irritant to some, so better start with products that contain it in smaller amounts. </p>

<p>Due to its high molecular weight, mandelic acid can’t penetrate the skin, working on its surface, making it a gentler salicylic acid alternative. The antibacterial properties of mandelic acid make it suitable for inflammatory acne (cysts, papules, pustules, nodules), while salicylic acid is better for non-inflammatory acne, like whiteheads and blackheads. Plus, mandelic acid is less likely to cause irritations since it’s the gentles of the alpha-hydroxy acids. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Vitamin C is a multitasker, and its role in managing acne is well known. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C fights free radicals that have been <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756869/" rel="noreferrer noopener">shown </a> to contribute to acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C make it effective at helping reduce inflamed pimples, redness, and swelling. On top of everything, vitamin C may speed up breakouts healing with its ability to boost collagen production.  </p>

<p>Zinc it’s a mineral with anti-inflammatory properties that makes it well suited to treating inflammatory acne. Also, when applied topical, zinc decreases oil production in the skin and fights acne-causing bacteria, making it a good salicylic alternative for non-inflammatory acne too.  </p>

<p>Like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, sulfur is a drying agent that dries the skin, absorbing excess oil. Plus, sulfur has antibacterial properties that may aid in healing breakouts. Even if sulfur is not as effective exfoliant as salicylic acid, it still does the job. Sulfur is that mild salicylic acid alternative you can use to fight breakouts.  </p>

<p>A natural antibacterial agent, red marine algae is one of the best bets for handling blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts if salicylic acid didn’t work. Also, red marine algae is a natural exfoliating agent that sheds away dead cells clogging pores. Its antioxidant effects make red marine algae helpful at handling inflammations and redness associated with acne. By far, red marine algae is one of the best natural alternatives to salicylic acid.  </p>

12 Salicylic Acid Alternatives with Acne-Fighting Properties

12 Salicylic Acid Alternatives with Acne-Eradicating Properties

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