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Salicylic Acid / BHA
By Nur → Last verified 9/26/2026
What it is
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is an oil-soluble exfoliant able to penetrate into pores, commonly used in Korean cleansers and treatments for oily and acne-prone skin. Some formulas use betaine salicylate, a gentler, buffered derivative, instead of the pure acid.
What the evidence says
BHA exfoliates by shedding dead skin cells and can reduce redness and inflammation, with real, long-established research behind its use for acne and oiliness. The specific form matters: COSRX's low pH cleanser uses betaine salicylate, a milder derivative, while Jumiso's dedicated foaming cleanser was specifically built to fill a gap for straight salicylic acid, since COSRX's pick uses the gentler derivative instead.
Who it's for
Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin wanting a leave-on or rinse-off exfoliating step.
Worth knowing
Very dry or already-compromised, reactive skin should introduce BHA gradually rather than daily from the start, and shouldn't combine it carelessly with other exfoliating acids.
Where you'll find it
Products in our catalog that list Salicylic Acid / BHA as a key ingredient.
- AESTURA Theracne 365 Active Serum
- Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying Cleansing Balm
- beplain Cicaterol Ampoule (Renewed)
- celimax The Real Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
- I'm From Rice Whip Facial Cleanser
- innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule (Renewal Version)
- Jumiso Pore-Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser
- KAINE Rosemary Relief Gel Cleanser
- medicube Zero Pore One Day Serum
- mixsoon Centella Cleansing Foam
- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser
- Torriden Balanceful Cica Serum
- Torriden Balanceful Cleansing Foam
Frequently asked
What does salicylic acid do for skin?
As a BHA, it's oil-soluble and can penetrate into pores, exfoliating by shedding dead skin cells and reducing redness and inflammation, commonly used for oily and acne-prone skin.
What's the difference between salicylic acid and betaine salicylate?
Betaine salicylate is a gentler, buffered derivative of salicylic acid. COSRX's popular low pH cleanser uses this milder form rather than the pure acid.
Is BHA safe to use every day?
It depends on the formula and your skin. A gentle betaine salicylate cleanser is often fine daily, but stronger acid blends, like triple-acid serums, carry a real purging and irritation risk and aren't recommended for daily beginner use.
Which Korean cleanser uses straight salicylic acid instead of betaine salicylate?
Jumiso's Pore-Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser was specifically built to fill that gap, since COSRX's popular pick uses the milder betaine salicylate derivative instead.