FAQ - Salicylic Acid Bar Soap

How does Salicylic Acid work?

Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant, helping your skin shed dead skin cells more effectively. It is a keratoytic, meaning it dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and helps them to shed away more effectively. It's naturally occurring in white willow bark and wintergreen. Salicylic Acid encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear. Keeping pores clear is the first step in getting all types of blemishes under control. Salicylic Acid works best against non-inflamed breakouts, and blackheads. It helps to decrease oil and inflammation. 

How often do you use Salicylic Acid soap - once or twice a day?

The 2% Salicylic Acid Bar Soap is a cleanser formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to minimize breakouts. Start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed. The soap is gentle enough for most to use multiple times per day.  If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. When using this product, skin irritation and dryness may occur if you use other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product. If this occurs, use only one medication at a time unless directed by a doctor.

Why do I need to use Salicylic Acid Soap daily?

Like BPO or Benzoyl Peroxide, salicylic acid is most effective only if applied continually -- even after acne has cleared. In the absence of the exfoliating and cleansing effects of salicylic acid, the pores will clog again, resulting in the return of acne.

What are the possible side effects?

Most consumers can use Salicylic Acid without issues. The most common are dryness; peeling and flaking; stinging or burning; skin irritation. Side effects can most often be kept under control by using an oil-free moisturizer every day.

Can this Acne Soap be used as a shampoo?

Yes, we have thousands of customers who use 2% Salicylic Acid bar soap as shampoo.

What skin conditions warrant using salicylic acid soap?

  • whiteheads
  • blackheads
  • sweat acne
  • pimples
  • pustules
  • papules, cysts
  • pityrosporum folliculiti (Malassezia folliculitis)
  • cystic acne
  • and nodules

How to use salicylic acid soap bars?

Work up a later using warm water and gently massage into affected areas. Leave in contact with skin for at least 30 seconds. Rinse well. 

Use daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.