When should you not use salicylic acid cleanser?

Author: Mrs. Brianne Hermann  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, poor circulation, skin problems (such as infection, wounds, atopic dermatitis). During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed.

When not to use salicylic acid face wash?

Watch out for Skin Irritation

Watch out for signs of skin irritation, like redness or itching. If it occurs, reduce salicylic acid use and consider an exfoliating body wash for gentle cleansing. Maintain skin barrier with a nourishing lotion and seek dermatologist advice if needed.

What to avoid with salicylic acid cleanser?

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].

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.

What pairs well with salicylic acid?

For an enhanced skincare regimen, you can pair your salicylic acid serum with the following active ingredients:
  • Hyaluronic acid serum and salicylic acid serum. ...
  • Niacinamide serum and salicylic acid serum. ...
  • Alpha arbutin serum and salicylic acid serum.

minimalist 2% Salycylic Acid Serum Review | 45 Days Experience with ⛔ Live Results #nonsponsored

What are the side effects of salicylic acid on the face?

The first few days of using salicylic acid to treat your acne may cause the skin to become dry or irritated. To avoid this, use the product lightly at first and gradually increase the amount once you have gotten used to it. Salicylic acid should not be used on broken, red, swollen, itchy, irritated, or infected skin.

What skin type is salicylic acid bad for?

Salicylic Acid is best suited for oily skin and acne-prone skin. However, dry and sensitive skin types can use Salicylic Acid in their skin care routine, but best to be used in moderation.

Can salicylic acid make acne worse?

Salicylic acid is one ingredient that may cause a temporary bout of acne. 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.

What cannot 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 are the warnings of salicylic acid?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using salicylic acid and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:
  • hives.
  • itching.
  • throat tightness.
  • difficulty breathing.
  • feeling faint.
  • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.

Does salicylic acid cleanser purge skin?

Skin purges are usually triggered by chemicals that exfoliate your skin, such as retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

What is skin purging?

“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.

What moisturizer to use after salicylic acid?

For those who need the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid daily, cleanse with SA Smoothing Cleanser with Ceramides, then follow with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to enhance hydration.

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 ordinary products should I not use together?

Which The Ordinary products should not be used together? Many people are divided over which ingredients can and can't be layered together, however 'best practice' advice from dermatologists is not to layer acids with each other, or with vitamin C, or retinoids.

Can I use vitamin C serum after salicylic acid face wash?

' Yes, you can use these two ingredients together. But before incorporating salicylic acid and vitamin C into your skincare regimen, we suggest identifying your skin type to assess how you might tolerate this pairing – those with particularly dry or sensitive skin may find this combination too harsh.

Who should not use salicylic acid face wash?

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, poor circulation, skin problems (such as infection, wounds, atopic dermatitis). During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed.

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.

What to avoid while using salicylic acid?

Benzoyl Peroxide

But benzoyl peroxide is extremely harsh on the skin, and if prescribed by a dermatologist, then by all means, use it but do not mix it with salicylic acid. It is going to make your skin extremely dry, sensitive and break out more. No one likes to trade in one skin problem for another!

Why am I getting more pimples after using salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid can cause skin purging. Also known as BHA, it's the chemical exfoliant most associated with this phenomenon because its oil-soluble nature lets it penetrate pores, breaking apart clumps of skin cells trapped in the pore lining.

Previous article
What happens if I workout 1 hour everyday?
Next article
Does Oprah wear hair extensions?