What are the incompatibilities of salicylic acid?

Author: Mr. Randall Ledner  |  Last update: Monday, November 10, 2025

The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with topical salicylic acid : methyl salicylate (in some muscle rubs such as BenGay) or aspirin. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using topical salicylic acid.

What should you not mix with salicylic acid?

Retinol: As Retinol and Salicylic Acid are both exfoliating, drying skincare ingredients, using both together in the same routine could lead to serious irritation. Glycolic Acid: Similarly, as an AHA, Glycolic Acid helps exfoliate the top layer of the skin, which is too intense when used alongside Salicylic Acid.

What does salicylic acid react with?

SALICYLIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic.

What medications interact with salicylic acid?

Medications known to interact with salicylic acid topical
  • adapalene topical.
  • alitretinoin topical.
  • bexarotene topical.
  • clascoterone topical.
  • isotretinoin.
  • tazarotene topical.
  • tretinoin topical.
  • trifarotene topical.

Who should avoid salicylic acid?

Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation. Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.

Choosing Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid

What is compatible with salicylic acid?

When you pair hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid, you're balancing the oil-reducing and pore-cleansing benefits with a much-needed hydration boost. This combination ensures that while salicylic acid is taking care of acne and oiliness, hyaluronic acid is there to fill your skin with plumping, hydrating goodness.

What are contraindications for salicylic acid?

Contraindications. Salicylic Acid 6% should not be used in any patient known to be sensitive to salicylic acid or any other listed ingredients. Salicylic Acid 6% should not be used in children under 2 years of age.

Why can't you use salicylic acid and vitamin C together?

ALTERNATE USE OF INGREDIENTS

' As discussed, we do not recommend that you layer salicylic acid and vitamin C directly since this can heighten skin sensitivity and potentially lead to discomfort or a disrupted skin moisture barrier.

What are the negative reactions to salicylic acid?

Slight burning, skin redness, and peeling may occur. These effects are expected. If any of these effects worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

What are the rules for salicylic acid?

To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin (such as cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes.

What is the best combination with salicylic acid?

Combining salicylic acid with ingredients such as niacinamide & AHAs works well to clear pores, reduce acne, and control sebum production. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid and 3% niacinamide. Salicylic acid and Niacinamide are an unique combo that works well on pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.

What Cannot be layered with salicylic acid?

Retinol and Salicylic Acid

Both of these ingredients are two of the most potent blends in the plethora of skincare products. Combining both of these together will act as a super charged, double intense skin nightmare resulting in severe dryness, sensitivity and an increase in skin photosensitivity.

Can you overdo salicylic acid?

There can always be too much of a good thing and salicylic acid is no different. The main negative side effect when overused is it can irritate and cause excess dryness. If you have sensitive skin, choose your formula carefully as some products contain denatured alcohol, which can be additionally drying.

Is it bad to mix hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid?

So, if you've ever found yourself staring at product labels wondering 'can I use hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid? ' The answer is a resounding yes.

What not to use with salicylic acid?

Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid

Generally, it's recommended you don't mix retinol and salicylic acid in your skincare routine due to the risk of redness or potentially irritating side effects [3].

Why did salicylic acid ruin my skin?

1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, those dead skin cells, dirt, and oils appear on the surface of your skin, which clogs your pores and causes acne.

Is witch hazel the same as salicylic acid?

While salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, witch hazel stands out for its gentleness and versatility. Both can be used to treat acne and improve skin appearance, but this natural astringent is often a better choice for those with sensitive or dry skin due to its soothing properties.

What is a bad combination for salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid

Mixing the two together will strip your skin and most likely cause irritation. Using these acids together can also over exfoliate the skin, which can actually speed up the aging process because it slows cell turnover.

What doesn't mix with salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid is considered to be one of the most effective peeling agents. Using Salicylic Acid with Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide can dry out the skin, causing flakiness and redness.

What is the main hazard of salicylic acid?

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, acid-base balance in the body and gastrointestinal tract when ingested in large amounts. This may result in delirium, tremors and coma.

What moisturizer to use after salicylic acid?

Thus, it is recommended to layer your skin with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid after applying the salicylic serum. It will provide your skin with the required hydration and leave your skin feeling fresh and radiant.

What acids should not be used together?

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are great ingredients used separately (or in pre-formulated blends) but mixing the two yourself could cause a major reaction and compromise your skin barrier. One word: ouch.

What compliments salicylic acid?

Benzoyl Peroxide:

This active ingredient is particularly effective in treating skin eruptions and blemishes, while salicylic acid is recommended for its exfoliating and comedolytic properties. Together, these two ingredients work in synergy to combat all types of skin imperfections.

Previous article
What does silver shampoo do?