Best Salicylic Acid Face Serums of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Salicylic acid face serums are a popular skincare product known for their ability to target acne, blemishes, and uneven skin texture. These serums typically contain a concentration of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, salicylic acid can help to unclog pores, reduce excess oil production, and promote a clearer, smoother complexion. Many people find that incorporating a salicylic acid serum into their skincare routine can help to improve the overall appearance of their skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Cover #TOP 1
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum Cover #TOP 2
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Cover #TOP 3
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Face Serums

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

769915199581
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Cover
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Acne-Fighting Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin, 1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Acne Serum is designed to help you manage acne and skin congestion effectively. Its 2% salicylic acid formula gently exfoliates your skin's surface and reaches deep into pores to reduce blemishes. This serum supports your skin's healing process, helping to clear up acne and leave your complexion smoother and more even. It's especially suitable if you're a teenager dealing with mild to moderate acne, providing a gentle but effective treatment. Plus, its oil-soluble nature means it can penetrate oily skin areas to unclog pores and reduce common acne problems, making it a convenient choice for clearer skin.

What We Like
Acne and congestion control
Supports skin healing
Suitable for teenagers
Oil-soluble formula
#TOP 2

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum

SA02
Sage
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum Cover
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum For Acne, Blackhead & Open Pores | Reduces Excess Oil & Bumpy Texture | BHA Liquid Exfoliant for Acne Prone & Oily Skin | For Women & Men | 1 Fl Oz/30ml

Minimalist Salicylic Serum is a facial serum designed to combat acne, blackheads, and open pores. Its formula contains 2% BHA, which effectively cleanses and tightens pores while removing excess oil and shine. This serum is also an anti-acne solution, reducing redness and balancing oil production. The product is fragrance-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, essential oil-free, and dye-free, making it a clean and transparent beauty choice. Its non-comedogenic, oil-free, and hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone or oily skin. Regular use of the serum can remove blackheads and whiteheads, even preventing future blackheads, resulting in clear, soft, and matt-looking skin.

What We Like
Removes blackheads and whiteheads
Tightens and cleanses pores
Reduces acne redness
Controls oil production
Clean and transparent beauty
#TOP 3

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

769915199543
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Cover
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin and Uneven Texture, 1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Salicylic Serum is designed to help you achieve clearer and smoother skin by gently exfoliating and targeting areas prone to blemishes. Its unique formula gradually releases salicylic acid, making it gentle on your skin while effectively reducing pore size and smoothing uneven texture. This serum also works to brighten your complexion, helping to reduce dullness and even out your skin tone for a healthier appearance. By using this serum, you can enjoy a more balanced and refined skin surface with improved overall clarity and radiance.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Minimizes pores
Squalane-based formula
Improves skin tone
#TOP 4

Thayers Double Action Acne Serum

Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Thayers Double Action Acne Serum Cover
Thayers Double Action Acne Serum with Salicylic Acid, Acne Treatment Face Serum with 2% Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, Soothing and Non-Stripping Skin Care, 1 Fl Oz

Thayers Acne Serum is designed to tackle acne while keeping your skin hydrated. With 2% salicylic acid, it penetrates deep into pores to clear breakouts and improve skin texture in just one week. This powerful formula also includes niacinamide and lactic acid to help fade post-acne marks and enhance hydration within 15 minutes. The serum features a non-stripping formula that absorbs quickly, maintaining your skin's moisture barrier without irritation. It's free from fragrances, alcohol, and parabens, making it a safe choice for your skincare routine.

What We Like
Effective acne treatment
Fast-acting hydration
Non-irritating formula
Clinically tested results
#TOP 5

La Roche Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

3337872413155
No Color
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
La Roche Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cover
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Treatment to Minimize Pores, Clear Acne Blemishes and Post Acne Marks

This facial serum is designed for oily skin that targets fine lines, enlarged pores, and skin tightening. Its ingredients such as glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid help reduce the look of pores, smooth skin texture and boost skin radiance. With Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, this serum has exfoliating and skin surface renewing properties, while Glycolic Acid is known for its ability to increase skin surface cell turnover and improve skin tone and texture.

What We Like
Targets fine lines and enlarged pores
Helps reduce the look of pores and smooth skin texture
Boosts skin radiance

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face

ENVCP1
White
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face Cover
Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face – Anti Aging Dark Spot Remover with Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid – Face Serum for Women for Clear, Smooth, Radiant Skin

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face Plus Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid is an anti-aging serum that helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It is formulated with natural ingredients to tackle any skin issue while providing hydration and brightening skin. Customers have reported seeing a difference in their skin in as little as three days.

What We Like
Effective for hyperpigmentation
Reduces wrinkles
Brightens skin
#TOP 7

Revolution Skin Clear Canvas Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid Serum

Revolution Skincare London
Clear
Revolution Skin Clear Canvas Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid Serum Cover
Revolution Skin, Clear Canvas 5% Niacinamide & 2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Face Serum, Helps Even Skin Tone, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 1.01 fl oz

The Revolution Skin Clear Canvas Serum combines the power of 2% Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to help you achieve clearer, smoother skin. Salicylic Acid gently exfoliates your skin, targeting breakouts and unclogging pores, which can reduce blemishes and improve texture. Niacinamide works to calm your skin and lessen redness, making it ideal if you struggle with irritation. This fragrance and alcohol-free formula is gentle enough for sensitive and teenage skin, especially if you have oily or blemish-prone skin. To use, apply a few drops to clean skin after toning, starting every other day and increasing as your skin adapts, while always protecting your skin with SPF during the day.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Reduces redness
Suitable for sensitive skin
Targets breakouts and pores
Fragrance and alcohol-free
#TOP 8

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum

769915233544
Clear
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum Cover
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum, Exfoliating Treatment for Acne-Prone Skin, 8.1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Body Acne Serum is designed to help you manage blemish-prone skin on your body by reducing the look of pores and smoothing rough skin texture. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid, which gently removes dead skin and clears away dirt and oil that can clog pores, helping to prevent breakouts. You can expect to see visible improvements in as little as three days, with fewer new blemishes forming over time. Plus, the serum comes with a precision nozzle, making it easy to apply directly to the spots that need attention, giving you more control and convenience in your skincare routine.

What We Like
Targets blemish-prone skin
Gentle exfoliation with salicylic acid
Fast visible results
Precision applicator for easy use
#TOP 9

Pure Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (30 mL) by Pure

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pure Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (30 mL) by Pure Cover
Pure Original Ingredients Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (30 mL), Pure & Simple Serum

The Pure Salicylic Acid 2% Solution by Pure is a facial serum specifically designed to treat acne, hyper-pigmentation, and premature aging. It is gentle yet effective and safe for daily use in the morning and evening. The solution helps to prevent future breakouts, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles, large pores, and under-eye bags. The ingredients of this facial serum are Propylene Glycol and Salicylic Acid. The best way to use it is by applying a small drop directly on spots or using a gauze pad to apply it to the entire face.

What We Like
Formulated to treat acne, hyper-pigmentation, and premature aging
Safe for daily use in the morning and evening
Can help prevent future breakouts and even skin tone
#TOP 10

Salicylic Acid 20% Serum for Acne and Premature Aging

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Salicylic Acid 20% Serum for Acne and Premature Aging Cover
Pure Original Ingredients Salicylic Acid 20% Solution (30 mL), Pure & Simple Serum

The Salicylic Acid 20% Serum is a professional-grade facial serum formulated to combat acne, hyper-pigmentation, and premature aging. Its ingredients, Propylene Glycol, and Salicylic Acid work together to even out skin tone, prevent future breakouts, minimize large pores, fine wrinkles, and under-eye bags. It is advised to test the serum on a small skin area before using it on the entire face. For best results, apply a small drop to affected areas or use a gauze pad to apply it to the entire face weekly or biweekly.

What We Like
Combats acne, hyper-pigmentation, and premature aging
Prevents future breakouts
Minimizes large pores, fine wrinkles, and under-eye bags
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can salicylic acid be used as a serum?

Salicylic acid 2% serum is for you if you have acne prone-skin and excessively oily skin. It helps reduce and prevents acne blemishes, smooth skin texture, and keeps the oils in check. All skin types can benefit from a lightweight salicylic acid liquid exfoliant, as it gives you a refined and healthy glow.

2. Which serum has salicylic acid?

The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum for Acne The salicylic acid in this serum is a strong exfoliant that controls the overabundance of sebum in the pores. It's an intense fixing to reduce existing pimples and skin inflammation, just as forestall further breakouts.

3. Can I use salicylic acid serum everyday?

"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.

Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid face serum research, we found 48 salicylic acid face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 406,303 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salicylic acid face serums list. We found that most customers choose salicylic acid face serums with an average price of $14.68.

The salicylic acid face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of salicylic acid face serums, including The Ordinary, Minimalist, THAYERS, La Roche-Posay, Eva Naturals. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.