10 Best Salicylic Acid Products in the Philippines | Best of Beauty 2023

There are a few key players in the fight against breakouts that you should be aware of, and salicylic acid is among them. Simply put, it is best recognized for its exfoliating and antibacterial properties. Given its many benefits, it’s no surprise that salicylic acid is found in a wide range of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, spot treatments, masks, and even dandruff shampoos. With an extensive brand of salicylic acid products in the market, which then is the best in the Philippines? In our Best of Beauty series, we introduce the 10 Best Salicylic Acid Products in the Philippines, providing quality recommendations based on your budget and needs. 

This article was last updated on 11 January 2023.

10 Best Salicylic Acid Products in the Philippines

1. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

The go-to salicylic acid face cleanser

Korean skincare is sweeping through the country, so you probably heard of COSRX! This Korean brand is also well-known for its salicylic acid products, notably its face cleanser. It’s because it contains 0.5% salicylic solution and is mild enough to be used every day. The said component can dissolve your oils while also making you feel refreshed. This not only gets rid of pimples but also minimizes the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Even better, it is suitable for sensitive skin, earning this product a perfect 5-star rating on Shopee!

To top it all off, their product has a creamy texture that pulls dirt from your pores while softening them. It also foams nicely as well, so a little goes a long way. This can also be used at night as part of your sleep routine, followed by the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. Because this product contains BHAs that are also skin peeling agents, it will undoubtedly complement the cleanser, as salicylic acids are the most common BHAs!

Why buy this:

• One of the most popular products in the Philippines
• Suitable for all skin types
• Has a low amount of salicylic solution for non-drying feeling
• Reasonably priced

2. Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions AHA/BHA Pore Toner

Best toner

If you shop at Watson’s, you’ve probably noticed Luxe Organix items on the shelf. Their AHA/BHA Miracle Solutions anti-acne skincare line combines the power of AHA and BHA to remove blemishes, lighten skin, and keep it soft and smooth. The toner in this range includes lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, glycolic acid for brightening, salicylic acid for pimple treatment, and niacinamide for skin whitening and fortifying. It also looks classy for a low-cost toner, and the packaging will remind you of COSRX, with the components carefully labeled on the front.

We also like that it has a light consistency and won’t leave a burning feeling on the skin when applied to the face. On top of that, it can help you shed excess oil and create a fresh feeling that is free of stickiness or residue. If you want to see the whole collection, the AHA/BHA Miracle Solutions are available in emulsion, gel cleanser, toning pads, and spot corrector, all of which contain salicylic acid in the formula!

Why buy this:

• Affordable
• Widely available in drugstores
• Highly rated (5 stars on Shopee)
• Also has a gentle formula; suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin

3. SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA Body Cleanser

30-day guarantee on clearing up back and chest acne

Many face products include salicylic acid, but there are only a few noteworthy ones that include this ingredient for your body. Fortunately, SOME BY MI has one, and their body cleanser is already creating waves thanks to its 30-day guarantee to improve your skin. The three exfoliating acids that make up this body cleanser are, of course, the key ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Mandelic Acid (AHA), and Lactobionic Acid (PHA). Also, these exfoliating acids are excellent for cleaning and unclogging pores by sloughing off dead skin cells. So, if you have backne, this might be the fix.

Even with the three acids in the formula, the brand claims it is non-drying, which is perfect for those with irritable or sensitive skin. With a genuine soothing impact on your body, it’s no surprise that this product has grown in popularity, with over 3,600 bottles sold on Shopee, despite being on the more expensive side.

Why buy this:

• Functional cosmetic product for acne-prone skin
• 30-day guarantee to improve your skin
• Also works well for sensitive skin
• Has a soothing effect

4. CERAVE SA Lotion

Applying lotion after a bath is important as it can inhibit germs, viruses, and irritants from entering your skin. Moreover, it can also help in softening and moisturizing. While not all lotions are suitable for all skin types, CeraVe’s lotion is especially suited for rough and bumpy skin. It contains salicylic and hyaluronic acid, which gently exfoliates dry skin, as well as ceramides, which are humectants that keep your skin moist. Best of all, this lotion is mild on your skin, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, making it great for those with eczema as well!

Why buy this:

• Ideal lotion for those with rough skin
• Has a lightweight and non-greasy formula
• Also helps improve skin texture without unwanted side effects

5. Neutrogena T/Sal Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Dermatologist-recommended anti-dandruff treatment

T/Sal is a clear, thick shampoo that is fragrance-free and clinically proven to break down crusty and flaky scalp buildup, making it ideal for permanently removing dandruff. The other shampoo components soothe irritated and dry scalps, and there are no unnecessary preservatives, dyes, or sulfates. Furthermore, it has been shown to have an effect after only one use, thus it is suggested that you use it at least twice a week or as prescribed by the doctor. It has a 3 percent salicylic acid formulation, so be careful not to use too much of it!

Why buy this:

• Dermatologist-recommended clearing flaky scalp
• No color, preservatives, or fragrances

6. The Ordinary BHA Pimple Patch Salicylic Acid

Salicylic patches for inflamed acne

While most salicylic acid products in the Philippines are effective in preventing pimple breakouts, there isn’t much you can do if you already have an angry zit. Fortunately, pimple patches were created to address this issue, and we definitely recommend The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches. Standard patches improve the absorption of active chemicals into your skin, but The Ordinary’s patch works better for deep and hormonal zits since it contains 24 microdarts that deposit effective substances beneath your zit. Thanks to this technology, your underground bump will be saturated with strong substances in just 2 hours for a faster result!

Why buy this:

• Works better for deep and hormonal zits
• Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
• Also heals pimples in as little as 6-8 hours

7. BREYLEE Salicylic Acid Cleaning Pad

Effectively removes makeup and prevents acne

If you use a heavier foundation, wipes may not be sufficient to remove it. When you scrub your skin repeatedly, you might assume you’re not causing any harm, but you’re actually putting it to daily trauma that causes redness and inflammation, and sometimes breakouts. This is why cleansing pads, like this one from BREYLEE, can effortlessly remove makeup, leaving your face clean, fresh, and healthy-looking. The pads also contain 2% salicylic acid, which helps dissolve oil, unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and even prevent acne! One tub is incredibly affordable and already contains 40 pieces, so you should have plenty for at least a month.

Why buy this:

• Affordable
• No fragrances, alcohols, and preservatives

8. Beyond Beautiful Body Acne Spray Salicylic Acid

If gel or cream products make you uncomfortable, maybe a liquid spray will do the trick for you. Fortunately, we have discovered a salicylic acid spray that can treat acne on your back/body. It also contains a 2% salicylic acid to keep your skin pimple free. What’s more, we love that its formula is non-irritating yet able to clear even the most stubborn blemishes all over the body. It also works naturally with your skin to fight breakouts quickly and effectively!

Why buy this:

• Affordable but effective
• Also hydrates and plumps the skin

9. Dr. Sensitive Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid Bar Soap

Safe to use on face and body

Having a separate product for your face and body can be very costly, so we appreciate Dr Sensitive’s salicylic acid bar soap. It gently cleanses while helping to cure pimples, lighten blemishes, and decongest skin, so if you’re suffering from the face, back, or chest acne outbreaks, this single bar may be just what you’re looking for! We also like that it contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C, all of which help to reveal a smoother, brighter, and more refined skin texture.

Why buy this:

• Affordable
• Highly rated on Shopee (5 stars)
• Also suitable for both face and body

10. DERMAID Salicylic Acid 

A concentrated salicylic acid solution

If you are looking for a more focused treatment for more complex skin problems including warts, psoriasis, eczema, an-an, and even ringworm, this salicylic acid Keratolytic-Antifungal solution is likely to be your answer. Also, the product is said to be effective against fungal infections, mild acne, or even psoriasis. However, since this is a 10% solution, you may experience skin blistering, redness, and peeling. So, you should only use a cotton swab to apply a tiny amount to the affected area!

Why buy this:

• Most affordable option
• Also works well with more complex skin issues

We hope that our guide on the 10 Best Salicylic Acid Products in the Philippines has helped you pick the best product for your skincare needs. Please also share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful!

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