Salicylates are found naturally in some plants (such as white willow bark and wintergreen leaves) and are thought to protect the plant against insect damage and disease. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765. Baenkler HW. She has a B.A. Doctors may recommend benzoyl peroxide because it helps prevent bacterial resistance. Every person with a salicylate allergy is different. Specific acne treatment ingredients should not be substituted for benzyl salicylate.Acne and blemish-prone skin can also be more susceptible to irritation from ingredients such as benzyl salicylate. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both effective acne-targeting ingredients. If youve ever had to deal with acne, you understand that it can be a difficult battle. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Salicylate Allergy: Symptoms, Triggers, What to Avoid - Verywell It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, floral smell. New Zealand approved datasheets are the official source of information for these prescription medicines, including approved uses and risk information. They come in a wide range of options, from body washes to spot As an exfoliator salicylic acid is better for treating acne scars. You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion. If youve heard of these ingredients before, you may be wondering: is benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid better? Check with your doctor if you experience: True allergy to topical salicylic acid is rare, however serious reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Our Recommendations on How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During a Long 8 Skincare Products That Will Give Your Spring Skincare Routine a B 20 Best Niacinamide Serums to Try Today, According to Our Editors. Lets take a deeper look at the uses of benzyl salicylate in skincare. Topics AZ Not only does it help protect the skin from sun damage, but it also helps protect skincare products from breaking down due to exposure to UV light, which is important in products that may be in clear or transparent packaging. Listed below are a few of the many salicylic acid preparations available in New Zealand. All rights reserved. Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical present in some bleaching products. And it is mainly because of how salicylic acid targets the different causes responsible for developing acne in the first place. However, salicylates can also cause health problems for people who take them. Its an important question to ask, since the answer could help you determine which ingredient (if not both) could be better suited to help. If a person experiences bothersome side effects from either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, they can reduce how frequently they use them. DermNet does not provide an online consultation service.If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. exfoliating dead skin cells that can clog pores, frequently asked questions about acne, here. Although they are considered safe and are generally well-tolerated, some people may be sensitive or allergic to them. WebA salicylate is a salt or ester of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by dissolving lipids. It clears excess oil and dead skin cells from your pores. Label: Epiduo Forte adapelene and benzoyl peroxide gel [Fact sheet]. Keeping your pores clean helps prevent future breakouts and lowers the blemishes caused by existing pimples and acne. However severe acne scars (such as ice pick scars) usually require professional intervention. Skincare Lab considers this a poor ingredient since it has limited direct skin benefits and can irritate the skin. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Salicylic acid works by exfoliating dead skin cells that can clog pores. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/acne-medication-market, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/pdf/jcad_5_5_32.pdf, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4c6b2aca-d940-42af-a068-418f015d277a, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a0610f87-3b39-458a-afa3-66be1fefd1de, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f4e5d381-098a-4c93-9ff0-002cae46daac, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d5646d2a-caea-4a7a-b107-764d15ad2538, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499879/, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)02614-6/fulltext, New clues to slow aging? Check the individual New Zealand datasheet on the Medsafe website. Dtsch Arztebl Int. Salicylic acid topical (for the skin) is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, seborrhea, or psoriasis, and to remove corns, calluses, and warts. Avoiding all salicylate-containing foods is difficult and may not be necessaryyou may be able to tolerate and enjoy many of them. Learn More at AdChoice and our Privacy Policy, How to Address Dehydrated Skin, According to Dermatologists. Allergic reactions. (2018). Benzyl Salicylate (CAS No. Dr. Schmids go-to product for acne-prone skin is. Just remember, whether they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, OTC treatments work best for those with mild acne. Benzoyl peroxide is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a super ingredient to treat cystic acne, the ones that are most difficult to treat and usually have pus inside them. And this is probably the only similarity. Then, as you slowly get used to these topical treatments for acne, you can opt for benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabric (bedding, clothing, or towels) and bleach hair. Common concerns. The cause of salicylic allergies remains unknown. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Besides, this ingredient works best in treating inflammatory acne, the breakouts that are hot, red and too painful to touch. It is a medium-risk ingredient for cosmetic and skincare use since it is linked to allergies and contact dermatitis. Salicylic acid (SA) is a critical plant hormone that is involved in many processes, including seed germination, root initiation, stomatal closure, floral induction, thermogenesis, and response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. This means it can reduce the amount of sebum on the skin and break down the lipids that hold skin cells together, providing exfoliation. Salicylic acid is typically recommended for: Salicylic acid's claim to fame is its ability to dissolve pore blockages and smooth out the skin. On the other hand, Benzoyl Peroxide is an organic acid belonging to the peroxide family which is mainly known for its antimicrobial properties. Chin RL, Olson KR, Dempsey D. Salicylate toxicity from ingestion and continued dermal absorption. However, it is synthetically produced for personal, haircare, and skincare products. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide works to keep your skin free from breakouts. Many people have tried hydrogen peroxide for acne because of its antibacterial and drying properties, but does it work? Label: BenzaClin clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel [Fact sheet]. Animal studies with benzoyl peroxide have not been reported. It can cause skin dryness when used in excess, so talk to your dermatologist about the best concentration and frequency to abide by. According to the AAD, studies have shown that products formulated with a higher percentage of benzoyl peroxideover 2.5%are not synonymous with increased effectiveness. It penetrates the pores or follicles of the skin and kills the bacteria that lives there and contributes to inflammation that results in acne. You can find the ingredient in many different types of skin care products, including face washes, creams, lotions, gels, or pre-moistened wipes. REFERENCES: Published 2017 Jul 4. doi:10.3390/ijms18071437. Doctors may, therefore, recommend using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide once daily or every other day, depending on the persons tolerance. Which Thayers Toner Should You Use for Your Skin Type? Studies show products with higher benzoyl peroxide concentrations above 2.5 percent do not necessarily increase the effectiveness of products and can irritate the skin. It works well for more mild forms of acne, can reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and can be safer for those with sensitive skin. When salicylic acid is used in combination with other medicines it takes off the upper layer of skin allowing the additional medicines to penetrate more effectively. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common acne treatments. Formulated with 2% blemish-fighting Salicylic Acid along with soothing and redness-reducing Chamomile Flower and Green Tea Leaf Extract. Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Right for The typical dose is to apply salicylic acid shampoo on your scalp and rinse two times a week. Safety Assessment of Benzyl Salicylate As Salicylate intolerance: pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment. Salicylic Acid This benefit and its subtle fragrance make it popular in skincare products today. THIS SITE IS AFFILIATED WITH FORMULYST AND CARROT & STICK, WHOSE PRODUCTS ARE AMONG THOSE WE REVIEW AND RANK. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent) that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin. For those with a sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is obviously the better option. You dont necessarily have to choose one ingredient over the other, either. Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide debate really comes down to the type of acne you have: This article discusses salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide acne treatments. Protect areas surrounding the affected area by applying petroleum jelly around the periphery of the area to be treated. Salicylic acid also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Many oral and topical treatments are available to improve acne. Always follow up with an adequate moisturizer after washing your face to prevent excessive dryness. Read on to learn what salicylic acid is, how it works to treat acne, and whether it is safe and effective. It contains the optimal combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic and citric) and beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid and LHA), as well as a 2% dioic acid, which helps to minimize excess sebum. Dr. Schmid recommends using it to spot treat, area treat, or to simply use all over the face. Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used to treat acne on the face and body. However, this is not easy because of its widespread use in foods, beauty products, and medications. Salicylic acid works a bit differently than benzoyl peroxide. People can use benzoyl peroxide alone for mild acne. It reduces acne-causing bacteria on the skin. American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org. Why? It is a medium-risk ingredient. Benzoyl peroxide is not just an OTC treatment. However, true allergic reactions happen when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances called allergens. Medications such as Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and aspirin that contain large amounts of synthetic salicylates appear to be closely linked with many salicylate allergies and intolerances. It also works to dry out sebum in the skin, which can contribute to acne. You can gradually move up if your skin handles it well. Salicylic acid topical What may trigger one person, may not trigger another. Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne. Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness. For example, if you use salicylic acid in the morning, it would be best to apply benzoyl peroxide at night. Since a leave-on product stays on the skin all day, it has the ability to speed up the skins natural exfoliation process, leaving you with clear skin. The one advantage benzoyl peroxide has over salicylic acid is that its considered to be better for larger blemishes and stubborn acne because of its strong antibacterial effects. Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following after using topical salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is related toaspirinand may increase the risk of bleeding or lead to other complications. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. J Am Acad Dermatol. Unless your hands are being treated, wash them immediately after applying this medicine. An allergist may ask for your detailed medical history and ask you to keep a food diary to diagnose a salicylate allergy to foods. Benzyl salicylate is not a toxic skincare ingredient, meaning it doesnt pose risk to health.