Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is 水杨酸 (shuǐ yáng suān) in Chinese, written 水楊酸 in Traditional Chinese (Taiwan). It's an oil-soluble BHA exfoliant that clears sebum and dead-skin buildup from inside pores, targeting blackheads and breakouts.

No. It only dissolves excess dead skin and sebum — it doesn't break down healthy skin cells or the barrier. Overdo the concentration or frequency, though, and you'll get dryness and sensitivity, so start at 2-3 times per week.

Low concentrations (0.5% – 1%) are fine — they help keep pores clear and prevent infection. If a spot has come to a head or is pus-filled, stabilize it with anti-inflammatory products first, then reintroduce salicylic acid gradually to avoid spreading the inflammation.

Pore-clearing effects usually show within 1-2 weeks — pores look cleaner. Improvement in breakouts and blackheads takes 4-8 weeks of consistent use, since skin renewal runs on a roughly 4-week cycle. Don't expect overnight results.

Your concentration or frequency is too high. Cut back to once a week, or follow immediately with a hydrating serum and moisturizer. You can also switch to a salicylic acid product formulated with humectants like hyaluronic acid.

Not recommended. Both are chemical exfoliants, and combining them sharply raises the risk of over-exfoliation — dryness, sensitivity, redness. Alternate them on different nights instead, or ask a dermatologist to plan your routine.