What Not to Mix with Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a great active ingredient to incorporate into your skin care routine. 

That said, certain ingredients don’t necessarily mix well with this acid. Keep reading to learn what not to mix with salicylic acid and how to use this ingredient properly for best results. 

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a kind of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that has become a skin care staple ingredient. Salicylic acid is an organic compound used in skin care to help unclog pores and shed dead skin cells. It’s also known to help reduce skin swelling and minimize redness. 

A great cleansing and exfoliating ingredient, salicylic acid can be used on any skin type to help reduce dry skin and provide a clear, clean complexion. However, it’s important to be careful and intentional when incorporating salicylic acid into your skin care routine, as some ingredients don’t mix well with it. 

What not to mix with salicylic acid

When it comes to actually incorporating salicylic acid into your routine, you need to first know what shouldn’t be mixed with it. Here's an overview of some ingredients you should avoid using alongside salicylic acid or use with caution. 

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is a kind of alpha-hydroxy acid that specifically can be found in sugarcane. This is a potent ingredient, much like salicylic acid, and is a great tool to help with exfoliation, as it removes dead skin cells, helps support cell turnover and works to even out skin tone. 

Salicylic acid is also quite potent, exfoliates and promotes a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. Combining both ingredients at the same time may lead to dryness, redness and irritation. You might see both ingredients listed on the same product, and this is totally fine. Just use caution when using them in separate products, as the potency may be higher. 

Both ingredients offer excellent benefits. If you use multiple products including these ingredients, you can alternate the days you use them — this allows you to get the benefits without overwhelming your skin. 

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic that can come in the form of a cream, gel or lotion, and it gets applied to the skin to address mild to moderate breakouts. Those with chronic breakouts might find benzoyl peroxide to be a great tool to help clear up their complexion and remove unwanted spots and blemishes. However, it’s important to be careful when combining benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid. 

Salicylic acid can also be an effective option, but it’s best not to use them together. Using both ingredients can potentially dry out the skin and cause redness or irritation. 

For the best results and minimal skin irritation, we recommend using them on different days or different times of day. If you struggle with blackheads and smaller blemishes, salicylic acid might be more effective in clearing your skin. If your breakouts are more inflammatory, you can give benzoyl peroxide a go. When used properly, both are incredibly beneficial — but be sure to consult a skin care provider for personalized advice. 

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and it’s a beloved ingredient thanks to its ability to unclog pores, support proper cell turnover and maintain natural collagen production. 

By supporting your skin’s natural collagen and cell production, retinol supports the skin’s firmness and elasticity, minimizes visible signs of aging and promotes brightness. It’s an excellent active ingredient — but be careful when combining it with salicylic acid. 

Retinol can cause dryness and irritation (especially when using it for the first time), so combining it with another potent ingredient like salicylic acid can further irritate the skin. 

To avoid excessive dryness, redness or flaking, we recommend using these ingredients in different routines — salicylic acid in the morning and retinol at night. using retinol and salicylic acid on different days. You'll see amazing benefits and avoid unwanted irritation. 

What are the best salicylic acid products to use?

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient to use, especially for cleansing, toning or exfoliating. Our Crystal Clear clarifying pads are a go-to for toning and brightening skin. Made with 2% salicylic acid, these toning pads are great after cleansing the skin, as they help to tighten the skin, unclog pores and ward off breakouts. 

Looking for a different exfoliation method? Our Clay Time charcoal mask also contains salicylic acid and combines the benefits of chemical and physical exfoliants. Give your face and body an exfoliation treatment with this mask, as it’s safe and easily applied on both areas of skin. Simply apply the mask after cleansing your skin, exfoliate it off after a few minutes and enjoy a brighter, clearer complexion. 

Finding the perfect toner or exfoliator isn’t always easy, but using products that contain salicylic acid will provide effective results. Using salicylic acid in your skin care routine is a great way to improve your skin. 

In conclusion...

From removing dead skin cells to brightening your overall complexion, salicylic acid can work wonders for your skin. Just be mindful when you use retinol, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid in your routine, too.

This article was medically reviewed by Chelsie Rogers, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with six years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.

Sources:

Salicylic Acid: Uses, Brands & Interactions | Cleveland Clinic

Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review | PMC

Benzoyl Peroxide Cream, Gel or Lotion | Cleveland Clinic

Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf