Oily/Acne-Prone
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
Product Categories
Top Recommended Products
Best Cleanser: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Concentration: 0.5%
Best for: Beginners, sensitive skin
Price range: $10-15
Why We Recommend It
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Contains ceramides for barrier repair
- Non-drying formula with niacinamide
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Best Liquid Exfoliant: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid
Concentration: 2%
Best for: All skin types
Price range: $30-35
Why We Recommend It
- Gold standard BHA formulation
- pH 3.2-3.8 for optimal efficacy
- Lightweight, absorbs quickly
- Green tea for added antioxidants
Best Budget: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Concentration: 2%
Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin
Price range: $6-8
Why We Recommend It
- Excellent value for money
- Simple, effective formula
- Alcohol-free formulation
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Best Products by Skin Type
Sensitive Skin
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
- Aveeno Clear Complexion
- First Aid Beauty BHA Toner
Combination Skin
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos
- Glow Recipe Watermelon PHA+BHA
Dry/Mature Skin
- Kiehl's Micro-Peel Concentrate
- Murad Age Reform Time Release
- Peter Thomas Roth 2% BHA Gel
Quick Comparison Guide
| Product | SA % | pH | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe SA Cleanser | 0.5% | 5.5 | $ | Beginners |
| Paula's Choice BHA | 2% | 3.5 | $$ | All Types |
| The Ordinary SA | 2% | 3.2 | $ | Oily Skin |
| COSRX BHA Liquid | 4%* | 4.0 | $ | Blackheads |
| Stridex Maximum | 2% | 3.5 | $ | Body Acne |
*COSRX uses Betaine Salicylate, a gentler derivative
$ = Under $15 | $$ = $15-35 | $$$ = Over $35
Best Body Products
Body Washes
- CeraVe SA Body Wash: Ceramides + 0.5% SA
- Neutrogena Body Clear: 2% SA for body acne
- Aveeno Clear Complexion: Gentle formula
Body Lotions
- AmLactin Daily: SA + Lactic Acid
- CeraVe SA Lotion: For rough & bumpy skin
- Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy: 2% SA + AHA
Smart Shopping Tips
Check the pH
Products should be pH 3-4 for optimal SA activity. Higher pH = less effective.
Read Ingredients
SA should be listed in the first 10 ingredients. Avoid products with alcohol denat.
Start Small
Buy travel sizes first to test tolerance before investing in full-size products.
One at a Time
Introduce one SA product at a time to identify what works for your skin.
Disclosure: Product recommendations are based on ingredient analysis and user reviews. Some links may be affiliate links, but this does not influence our recommendations.