Best salicylic acid buys to give your body some TLC by CeraVe, The INKEY List and more

If you feel like your body needs some TLC when it comes to skin conditions, then read on as we’ve found what you’re looking for. (Picture: Metro/Getty)

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Salicylic acid is another ingredient that gets bounced around a lot in the beauty industry.  But what does it do?

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), that is commonly used to exfoliate the skin, clear congested pores, and remove dead skin from the skin’s surface, which can contribute to breakouts. 

It is not only used in skincare, but bodycare too.  After all, the skin on your body needs the same TLC we give to our face. 

Leading beauty brands including The Inkey List, Q+A, Hello Klean and Paula’s Choice are just of the many labels that have created exfoliating, cleansing and nourishing bodycare ingredients using the hero ingredient. 

Salicylic bodycare products range from body washes, body cleansers, to creams and balms, some you wash off, others you can leave on and go about your business. 

The demand for exfoliating, yet gentle, bodycare ingredients has grown in recent years as there has been honest conversations about bacne, breakouts on other areas of the skin, ingrown hairs, Keratosis Pilaris (KP), which are small rough bumps typically found on the upper arms or inner thighs, and other issues. But this ingredient aims to combat those skin concerns on the body. You can also use salicylic bodycare to maintain a smooth, hydrated and glowing complexion even if you don’t have a specific concern because it is gentle and non-abrasive. 

We have whittled down the best in the bodycare world to help you on your body shopping spree.

Best Salicylic Bodycare

Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash

A budget-friendly body wash infused with salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and clear pores, leaving the skin all over the body silky smooth and nourished. Not only does it cleanse and exfoliate the skin, as well as reduce excess oil contributing to breakouts, it also brightens the skin and improves the overall texture. It’s perfect for those with dry skin, KP and ingrown hairs. While salicylic acid works to exfoliate the body, white willow bark extract, aloe vera, green tea extract work to soothe and repair the skin too. It is vegan, cruelty-free and made from 95% natural ingredients.

Hello Klean Blank Space Anti-KP Body Wash

Designed to combat keratosis pilaris (KP), this pH-balanced formula features salicylic acid and niacinamide to smooth rough skin, unclog pores, and hydrate without stripping the body’s natural oils.It also includes matcha and Hello Klean’s Complex to neutralise minerals, chlorine, pollutants and heavy metals in your water that could be causing breakouts on the body. I used this body wash, alongside the Hello Klean shower head, and noticed a huge difference in the texture of my skin.

Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

I swear by Naturium for gentle yet effective skincare solutions, whether it’s for use on my face or body. This fragrance-free body wash contains a time-released salicylic acid, which is quite genius, as it helps to maintain a neutral pH level. The BHA cleanses and exfoliates the skin, glycerin helps to keep the body moisturised, while safflower seed oil and olive fruit oil nourish, moisturise and soothe the skin for a 360-degree treatment. It is ideal for daily use on sensitive or acne-prone skin.

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

This dermatologist-approved formula combines 0.5% of salicylic acid with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate the skin, cleanse the pores, as well as hydrate and support the skin barrier. It is gentle on the skin and a popular go-to many swear by.

Nécessaire The Body Wash

A clean cleanser enriched with salicylic acid to cleanse and exfoliate the skin in a gentle manner. The formula also contains resveratrol to soothe the body, as well as glycerin to hydrate and replenish any moisture your body is screaming out for.While niacinamide is key to strengthening the skin’s barrier. It is a lightweight formula, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, so it is gentle to use on all skin types.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Body Spot Exfoliant

Many may be familiar with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Toner, but the Body Spot Exfoliant takes care of the rest of the body. It is a powerful leave-on exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid that penetrates deep into pores to target body acne, rough texture, and clogged follicles, revealing clearer, smoother skin over time. The formula is enriched with antioxidants, as well as chamomile flower extract, which soothes the skin and protects the skin barrier.

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

While glycolic acid is the key ingredient in the title, it is not the only ingredient in the formula as it also includes salicylic acid.The BHA has been combined with 7% glycolic acid and nourishing shea butter for a two-in-one bodycare solution. It comes in a balm-like formula that glides onto the skin without the need to wash off, which makes for a fuss-free experience.It aims to directly target any breakouts on the body, trapped hairs or clogged pores, as well as KP. It is unscented, super gentle and non-greasy, so you can wear your clothes on top without any stains or wetness.

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