Salicylic Acid for Blemishes and Congested Pores: What the Evidence Shows

June 17, 2026

If you deal with breakouts or congested, bumpy skin, salicylic acid is one of the most commonly recommended ingredients. Here is a plain look at what it is and what the research shows.

What salicylic acid does

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA. Unlike water-loving acids such as glycolic acid, it is oil-soluble, which means it can work within the oil in pores. A comprehensive review describes it as a keratolytic agent that helps loosen and clear the build-up of dead cells that can block pores, which is why it is widely used for blemish-prone and congested skin (Arif, 2015, PMID 26347269).

What the clinical research found

In a multicentre randomised trial of 500 people with mild to moderate facial acne, a leave-on 2 percent salicylic acid gel was compared with adapalene, a standard topical retinoid. Over the treatment period both groups improved, and there was no significant difference in improvement between the salicylic acid and the retinoid (Ye et al., 2024, PMID 38590107). In other words, a well-formulated salicylic acid product performed comparably to a recognised acne treatment for milder cases.

How to use it

Choose one salicylic acid product and use it consistently rather than combining several strong actives at once.
Targeted treatments suit the occasional spot, while a wash or toner suits more widespread congestion.
Keep using a moisturiser, since drying the skin out does not help blemishes.
Give any acne routine several weeks before judging it.

At Verdo we stock the Medik8 Blemish SOS for targeting individual blemishes, the Medik8 Press & Clear exfoliating toner, and the Medik8 Blemish Control Pads.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Does salicylic acid help with blemishes?

Yes, it is one of the most studied blemish ingredients. In a randomised trial of 500 people with mild to moderate acne, a leave-on 2 percent salicylic acid gel performed comparably to adapalene, a standard topical retinoid (Ye et al., 2024).

How is salicylic acid different from glycolic acid?

Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that can work within the oil in pores, which suits congested and blemish-prone skin. Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid that works more on the skin surface for texture and tone.

Can salicylic acid clear congested pores?

A comprehensive review describes salicylic acid as a keratolytic agent that helps loosen and clear the build-up of dead cells that can block pores (Arif, 2015), which is why it is widely used for congested skin.

Will salicylic acid dry out my skin?

It can be drying if overused, so using one salicylic acid product consistently alongside a moisturiser is sensible. Drying the skin out does not help blemishes.

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