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Exfoliation
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
MoisturizingBrighteningSoothingSebum / AcneExfoliation / Pores
INCI: Salicylic Acid
In short · TL;DR
Category
Exfoliation
Effect
Lipophilic BHA, cleanses pores, cares for dead skin cells, refines texture
Concentration
In Japan, the Standards for Cosmetics cap it at 0.2% (0.20 g/100 g). US OTC acne drugs use 0.5–2% as the active ingredient (21 CFR 333.310). The EU allows up to 2% for non-preservative purposes (3% in rinse-off hair products). Peels use high concentrations such as 30%, a different use from cosmetics.
Effect
Lipophilic BHA, cleanses pores, cares for dead skin cells, refines texture
Mechanism
Penetrates sebum glands → dissolves comedonal lipids → anti-inflammatory
Typical concentration
In Japan, the Standards for Cosmetics cap it at 0.2% (0.20 g/100 g). US OTC acne drugs use 0.5–2% as the active ingredient (21 CFR 333.310). The EU allows up to 2% for non-preservative purposes (3% in rinse-off hair products). Peels use high concentrations such as 30%, a different use from cosmetics.
Onset
The time to noticeable effects at cosmetic concentrations (0.2% or less) is not confirmed by primary sources.
Cautions
In Japan cosmetics, capped at 0.2% (Cosmetic Standards). Avoid high concentrations during pregnancy
Evidence & references
Japanese Standards for Cosmetics (Appendix 3) / 21 CFR 333.310 / EU 2019/1966 (Annex III 98) / Kligman 1998 Dermatol Surg 24:325 (30% peel) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9537006/ (checked 2026-10-20)
Journal
Related Journal
3This page is reference information and does not guarantee efficacy. Figures vary by test conditions (in vitro / manufacturer / concentration). It does not indicate pharmaceutical efficacy.
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