Best Salicylic Acid Face Serums of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

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Salicylic acid face serums are skincare products that contain a powerful beta-hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. These serums are designed to penetrate deep into the skin to help remove excess oil and dead skin cells, which can lead to acne breakouts and blemishes. Salicylic acid is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective ingredient for reducing redness and calming irritated skin. These face serums are suitable for all skin types, but particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne Cover #TOP 1
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Revolution Skincare London 2% Salicylic Acid Serum Cover #TOP 2
Revolution Skincare London 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Serum with Aloe Vera Cover #TOP 3
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Serum with Aloe Vera
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Salicylic Acid Face Serums

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne

Minimalist
SA02
Transparent
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne Cover
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum For Acne, Blackheads & Open Pores | Reduces Excess Oil & Bumpy Texture | BHA Based Exfoliant for Acne Prone or Oily Skin, Transparent, 30 ml (Pack of 1)

The Minimalist Salicylic Acid Serum is designed to tackle acne, blackheads, and open pores effectively. Its 2% BHA formula penetrates deeply to cleanse and clear your pores, removing dirt, debris, and excess oil for a smoother skin texture. Regular use not only helps eliminate existing blackheads and whiteheads but also prevents future breakouts, ensuring clearer skin. Additionally, it balances oil production while soothing redness, providing a mattifying effect that leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy.

What We Like
Effective blackhead removal
Minimises pore size
Controls excess oil
Fragrance and paraben free
Suitable for sensitive skin

Revolution Skincare London 2% Salicylic Acid Serum

1693998
Clear
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Revolution Skincare London 2% Salicylic Acid Serum Cover
Revolution Skincare London, 2% Salicylic Acid, Targeted Blemish Face Serum, Lightweight & Oil Free, 30ml

The Revolution Salicylic Acid Serum is designed to effectively target blemishes and enlarged pores, helping you achieve a clearer complexion. With its formulation containing Witch Hazel, it soothes your skin while reducing excess oil, making it ideal for daily use. This lightweight and oil-free serum ensures it feels gentle on your skin, allowing you to apply it every morning and evening. Additionally, it is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your skincare choice.

What We Like
Targets blemishes effectively
Soothes skin with Witch Hazel
Lightweight and oil-free
Vegan and cruelty-free

Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Serum with Aloe Vera

SKSALSRME
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Serum with Aloe Vera Cover
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Serum Extreme 2% for Face with Aloe Vera and Purple Ginseng Extract, BHA Serum for Hydrating Skin Refine Pores Oil Control, 50 ml

The Nip + Fab Serum is designed to tackle problematic skin with its 2% salicylic acid, promoting cell turnover and helping to unclog pores. It features moisturising aloe vera, which enhances skin hydration, keeping your complexion soft and supple. Additionally, purple ginseng extract aids in controlling excess oil production, contributing to a balanced skin appearance. Incorporating this serum into your skincare routine can lead to a fresh and radiant look, ensuring your face feels revitalised and well-cared-for.

What We Like
Targets problematic skin
Unclogs pores effectively
Boosts skin hydration
Controls excess oil
Leaves skin fresh and radiant
#TOP 4

Garnier Skinactive Charcoal Serum with AHA, BHA & Niacinamide

AHA + BHA + Niacinamide
Anti-Blemish Serum
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Garnier Skinactive Charcoal Serum with AHA, BHA & Niacinamide Cover
Garnier Skinactive 4% AHA + BHA (Salicylic Acid) & Niacinamide Charcoal Serum, Resurface & Smooth Skin Texture, Improve Appearance Of Marks & Blemishes, Suitable for Sensitive Skin, 30ml

The Garnier Charcoal Serum features a scientifically-proven formula with 4% AHA, BHA, and Niacinamide, designed to enhance your skin's appearance. This serum works to resurface your skin, leaving it feeling mattified and smoother after just one use. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone skin. The vegan formula contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious users.

What We Like
Improves skin texture
Suitable for sensitive skin
Vegan and cruelty-free
Fast-acting results
#TOP 5

Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum for Blemishes

Creightons
SA0003
Clear
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum for Blemishes Cover
Creightons Salicylic Acid Intense Serum 2% (30ml) – Reduces Blemishes, Pores & Blackheads | Dermatologically Tested, Vegan & Cruelty-Free | For Oily/Blemish-Prone Skin

The Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum is designed to tackle common skin issues like blemishes and blackheads. With 2% Salicylic Acid, it effectively reduces blemishes and minimizes the appearance of pores. You will also benefit from deep exfoliation as the serum penetrates your pores, removing dirt and bacteria. Dermatologically tested, this serum is safe for oily and blemish-prone skin types, ensuring you can use it with confidence. For optimal results, simply apply it daily to clean, dry skin.

What We Like
Reduces blemishes effectively
Improves skin texture
Deeply exfoliates pores
Safe for oily skin
#TOP 6

Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Daily Serum for Spot-Prone Skin

Neutrogena
farblos
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Daily Serum for Spot-Prone Skin Cover
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Daily Serum (1x 30ml), Refining and Clearing Face Serum with Salicylic Acid, AHA/PHA, Daily-Use Oil-Free Serum for Spot-Prone Skin to Help Defend Against Breakouts

The Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Serum is designed to help you achieve clear, radiant skin. Its clinically-proven formula features active ingredients like Salicylic Acid and AHA, which work together to refine your skin texture and enhance its natural glow. By increasing skin cell turnover, this serum aids in fading acne marks, promoting a healthier complexion. Developed with dermatologists, it helps prevent breakouts, ensuring you can enjoy clearer skin in just one week.

What We Like
Clinically proven formula
Helps prevent breakouts
Fades acne marks
Refines skin texture
Boosts skin radiance
#TOP 7

100ml Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

100 ml (Pack of 1)
100ml Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
100ml Retinol Serum for Face Enhanced with Hyaluronic Acid Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid Serum - Anti Wrinkle & Acne Treatment Skincare against Blemishes - Face Serum for Women by Satin Naturel

The Satin Naturel Retinol Serum is a high-strength formula designed to enhance your skin's appearance while you sleep. It promotes cell renewal and collagen production, helping you achieve a smooth, youthful complexion. Infused with Aloe Vera, this serum deeply hydrates your skin, making your evening routine refreshing. The innovative formula also includes hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, ensuring optimal results for reducing wrinkles and blemishes, making it a valuable addition to your skincare regimen.

What We Like
High-strength retinol for effective results
Hydrates skin with Aloe Vera
Innovative natural formula
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 8

Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol

ENVCP1
Plus
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol Cover
Vitamin C Serum Plus With Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Retinol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid Vitamin C Serum for Face - Anti Aging Serum, Skin Clearing, Brightening Serum for Dark Spots (30ml)

The Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum offers a powerful blend of ingredients designed to enhance your skin's health. With antioxidants, it protects against UV damage while Hyaluronic Acid delivers intense hydration, keeping your skin plump. Niacinamide helps soothe inflammation, promoting an even skin tone and reducing dark spots. Additionally, Retinol and Salicylic Acid work together to cleanse pores and combat acne, ensuring your complexion looks clear and vibrant. This serum is perfect for anyone seeking effective skincare solutions.

What We Like
Effective anti-aging properties
Reduces dark spots
Hydrates and nourishes skin
Helps clear acne

Skincyclopedia Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne

B09M464T69
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Skincyclopedia Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne Cover
Skincyclopedia 2% Salicylic Acid Serum with Tea Tree Oil, Niacinamide and Zinc - Acne Treatment, Blackheads and Pore Minimizer for Oily and Combination Skin - BHA Exfoliant for Men and Women, 30ml

The Skincyclopedia Serum is a powerful exfoliating treatment designed specifically for blemished skin. With its key ingredient, salicylic acid, it effectively purifies spot-prone areas, making it an excellent choice for removing blackheads and pimples. This serum also combines tea tree oil and niacinamide, which work together to dry out blemishes, clean pores, and reduce scarring, helping you achieve a clearer complexion. Ideal for both men and women with oily or combination skin, this serum is a convenient solution for tackling acne.

What We Like
Effective for acne-prone skin
Reduces blackheads and pimples
Minimises scarring
Suitable for both men and women
Easy to incorporate into routine
#TOP 10

Pai Labs 2% Salicylic Acid Booster Serum

LAB-044
10 ml (Pack of 1)
Pai Labs 2% Salicylic Acid Booster Serum Cover
Pai Labs London | 2% SALICYLIC ACID Clarifying Booster Serum, Reduces Spots, Blemishes, Blackheads and Unclogs Pores. Non-Drying, Suitable for Sensitive Skin. 10ml

The Pai Labs Booster Serum is designed to elevate your skincare routine with its concentrated formula. With 2% salicylic acid, it effectively exfoliates dead skin cells to help prevent blackheads and blemishes. The serum is non-drying, containing hydrating glycerin and organic chamomile water, which soothe sensitive skin. Additionally, prebiotic inulin enhances your skin's microbiome, promoting natural healing. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skin's appearance without irritation.

What We Like
Reduces spots and blemishes
Non-drying and hydrating
Suitable for sensitive skin
Clinically tested for safety
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a salicylic acid serum everyday?

Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? While it is okay to use salicylic acid every day, it could cause irritation. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there.

2. Is salicylic acid serum good for skin?

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient for people with oily and acne-prone skin, and particularly for treating blackheads and whiteheads. If you are suffering from only minor congestion of the pores on your skin, then salicylic acid may be too strong of a spot treatment option and could potentially lead to dry skin.

3. Is salicylic acid best for face?

Salicylic acid works best when applied to your entire face (avoid eyes, lips, and mouth) because it removes dead skin cells from your pores and cleans out excess oil from pores. This helps prevent future breakouts.

Editor's Notes

During our salicylic acid face serum research, we found 175 salicylic acid face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 445,518 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 £6.67.

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 Minimalist, Revolution Skincare London, Nip+Fab, Garnier, Creightons. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 153 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.