Salicylic Acid Powder – BHA Exfoliant
Salicylic Acid is a popular skincare ingredient known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, clear away dead skin cells and help keep pores free from build-up.
As a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, making it particularly useful in formulations designed for oily, congested and blemish-prone skin.
Commonly found in facial cleansers, exfoliating serums, toners and scalp treatments, it helps improve the appearance of uneven skin texture, blocked pores and excess oiliness.
Our Salicylic Acid Powder is supplied as a raw ingredient for cosmetic formulation and must be correctly dissolved and formulated before use.
What is Salicylic Acid used for?
Salicylic Acid is a versatile active ingredient commonly used in:
- Facial cleansers: Helps remove dead skin cells and excess surface oil.
- Exfoliating serums: Supports smoother-looking skin and a more even texture.
- Products for blemish-prone skin: Helps reduce pore congestion and the appearance of blackheads.
- Skincare for oily skin: Useful in formulations designed to manage excess oil and build-up.
- Scalp treatments and shampoos: Helps loosen dead skin cells and remove scalp build-up.
Why use Salicylic Acid?
- Oil-soluble Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Helps keep pores clear
- Suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin formulations
- Improves the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture
- Can be incorporated into a variety of facial and scalp care products
How to use Salicylic Acid Powder
Salicylic Acid requires careful formulation to ensure it is properly dissolved and suitable for use on the skin.
- Accurately weigh the required amount using a precision scale.
- Dissolve in a suitable solvent system, following your formulation’s technical specifications.
- Incorporate into your cosmetic formulation while mixing thoroughly.
- Check and adjust the finished product’s pH as required.
- Carry out stability, compatibility and appropriate safety testing before use or sale.
Important: Salicylic Acid has limited solubility in water and should not simply be mixed into water and applied directly to the skin. The finished concentration, solvent system and pH all affect the suitability of the formulation.
Product information
- INCI Name: Salicylic Acid
- Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
- Ingredient Type: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- CAS Number: 69-72-7
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in suitable organic solvents
- Applications: Facial cleansers, exfoliating products, serums and scalp care formulations
Storage & safety
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
For cosmetic formulation use only. Not intended for direct application to the skin in its raw powder form.
Avoid inhaling dust and contact with the eyes. Wear suitable protective equipment when handling. Keep out of reach of children.
Salicylic Acid may cause irritation when incorrectly formulated or used at unsuitable concentrations. Do not use on broken or irritated skin. Finished products must be assessed for safety and compliance with applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, making it particularly useful for oily and congested skin. Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that primarily works on the skin’s surface to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Can Salicylic Acid help with blackheads?
Yes. When properly formulated, Salicylic Acid helps loosen dead skin cells and reduce build-up inside pores, making it a popular ingredient in products for blackhead-prone skin.
Can I mix Salicylic Acid Powder directly with water?
Salicylic Acid does not dissolve readily in water. It requires a suitable solvent system and controlled formulation conditions.
Is Salicylic Acid suitable for oily skin?
Yes. It is commonly included in skincare products developed for oily, congested and blemish-prone skin.
Can Salicylic Acid be used in shampoo?
Yes. It is used in certain scalp care and rinse-off hair formulations to help remove dead skin cells and scalp build-up.
Is Salicylic Acid Powder ready to use?
No. This is a concentrated raw ingredient intended for cosmetic formulation, not a finished skincare product.

