Salicylic acid is a popular skincare ingredient, but is salicylic acid an exfoliant?
The answer to the question “Is salicylic acid an exfoliant?” is not a straightforward yes or no. It falls into a category of its own which we’ll call ‘kinda.’ The word comes from Latin, meaning sour or acrid; it’s used in chemistry to refer to compounds with acidic properties. In general, these are compounds that, when dissolved in water, release hydrogen ions (H+).
Salicylic acid is a member of the phenolic family of acids. This means that it has an aromatic ring and a hydroxyl group (-OH). It’s also a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), making it slightly more acidic than alpha hydroxy acids (AHA).
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used in skincare products. It is used to treat acne, psoriasis, and warts. It’s derived from willow bark. It is also used to improve the appearance of wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing the dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface. This can be done manually with a scrub or brush, or it can be done chemically with an exfoliant.
So you’ve heard that salicylic acid is great for exfoliating the skin, but what does that mean?
Is salicylic acid an exfoliant? Yes or No
Yes, salicylic acid is an exfoliant. It helps to remove the top layer of skin cells, which can help improve the appearance of the skin.
It works by breaking down the connections between skin cells, which helps remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This can help improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores.
