When first trying a benzoyl peroxide product, I recommend starting with the lowest percentage and working your way up if needed to minimize dryness and irritation that can often occur, Dr. Schmid says. WebIn clinical tests, Salicylic Acid (2%) produced minimal cumulative irritation and slight or no irritation(1.5%); TEA-Salicylate (8%) produced no irritation; Methyl Salicylate (>12%) produced pain and erythema, a 1% aerosol produced erythema, but an 8% solution was not irritating; Ethylhexyl Salicylate (4%) and undiluted Tridecyl Salicylate All of this acne talk may be sparking new questions youd like to have answered. If you have a salicylate allergy, it's a good idea to keep antihistamines and an EpiPen on hand. The severity of your breakouts. This Skincare Brand Is Meant to Help Your Skin Glow Like Youre in How to Apply Eye Cream Because Yes, You Could Be Doing It Wrong, Why Pimples Pop Up After Shaving and How to Prevent Them, Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin? In her role at mbg, she reports on everything from the top beauty industry trends, to the gut-skin connection and the microbiome, to the latest expert makeup hacks. However, it can cause skin irritation or lead to an allergic skin reaction. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 2020;3(3):CD011154. Topical preparations of salicylic acid, either alone or in combination with other medicines, can be used to treat the following common scaly skin conditions: Viral warts But while you should definitely steer clear of using hydrogen peroxide for acne (short answer: It's way too harsh for your skin), there's tons of research1 touting the latter as an effective acne treatment because of these antimicrobial properties. Carrot & Stick The Acne Spot Treatment Now, this is completely up to the person using the ingredients. Therefore, salicylic acid can neutralize the bacteria P. Acnes that is present in acne papules. Anyone with an allergy to salicylic acid should not use it on their skin. Soyer O, Sahiner UM, Sekerel BE. WebThe lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Salicylic Acid is around $49.78, 82.38% off the average retail price of $282.49 . These include preparations containing a combination of salicylic acid and topical corticosteroid, e.g. The best way to treat it is to avoid salicylates. Wondering about Benzyl salicylate skin benefits? arrow-right-small-blue 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. WebSalicylates are used as fragrance and flavor ingredients for foods, as UV absorbers and as medicines. Recent Examples on the Web Topical pain relievers can include ingredients such as methyl salicylate and menthol (which both give a cooling sensation), NSAIDs (to relieve pain), and capsaicin (a compound of chili peppers that produces a warming sensation), according to the Cleveland Clinic. The Best Hydrating Serums for Sensitive Skin, According to Our Edit Our Favorite Calming Products to Help You De-Stress. Read our, Allergic to Marijuana: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Sulfite Allergy Overview and What to Avoid, Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide For Acne, Salicylate intolerance: pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment. This ingredient occurs naturally in some plants. WebBenzyl Salicylate is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid; this ingredient has been associated with allergies and contact dermatitis. Its also described as having a musky smell. However, it is synthetically produced for personal, haircare, and skincare products. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Doing so can lead toReye's syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage. It has a sweet, floral smell thats somewhat reminiscent of balsamic products like vinegar. It reduces acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Your skin type also matters when choosing a treatment, as do the other skin care products in your routine, but the general verdict is this: For inflamed zits, an antibacterial benzoyl peroxide product is best (seek options buffered with hydrating actives to combat the drying effects); for pesky blackheads and whiteheads, oil-soluble salicylic acid is your guy. It's also important to closely work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan. MedlinePlus. WebBenzoyl peroxide offers similar benefits on a more minimal scale. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Lastly, salicylic acid possess anti-inflammatory properties, which is ideal for treating acne since inflammation will worsen breakouts. Symptoms of a salicylate allergy may include: Severe reactions can lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. WebBenzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid. While free radicals often have a negative connotation, in this case they can be used to effectively kill P. acnes bacteria by destroying the cell walls. If you have a salicylate allergy, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should be avoiding certain foods, products, and ingredients that contain salicylates. Though it can add a pleasant fragrance to skincare products and cosmetics, it may not be worth the risk. Allergic reactions. In this article, we compare the benefits and side effects of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Acne is a very complex chronic skin disease, with multiple factors at play in its formation. Be sure to use all products as directed and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Salicylic acid. As a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid speeds up cell turnover rates. Like its cousin, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide is antimicrobialmeaning it can kill bacteria. Topical preparations containing salicylic acid, 387253001, 771900008, 767474001, 292659003. We recommend using products with ingredients that are proven to be effective for preventing and treating acne. A doctor can help a person choose the most appropriate topical or oral product depending on the type of acne they have. Prescription acne medications often combine benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic, like Onexton (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide), or a topical retinoid, like Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide). Mild stinging may occur especially on broken skin and when higher concentrations are used. It is also on theEuropean Commissions list of 26 known allergens. Benzyl salicylate is an ester, a chemical compound derived from an acid. Its the esterification of salicylic acid with benzyl alcohol. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, floral smell. Benzyl salicylate is one of the first skincare ingredients to help protect the skin from UV rates. Even back in the 1920s! Benzoyl peroxide is a good choice if you experience: If you have papules and pustulesbasically, your typical zits and whiteheadsbenzoyl peroxide is a great option. And one of those factors is a bacteria called P. acnes. Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide For Acne - Verywell Health Salicylic acid works a bit differently than benzoyl peroxide. Dr. Schmids go-to product for acne-prone skin isSkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense. 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. How to Combine Vitamin C, Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. However, salicylates can also cause health problems for people who take them. Doctors may recommend benzoyl peroxide because it helps prevent bacterial resistance. For example, your healthcare provider, including an allergist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies), may conduct an exposure, or provocation, test. Mild side effects that typically subside include: More serious side effects may require medical attention. Classical All rights reserved. Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used to treat acne on the face and body. I recommend it to nearly all of my patients concerned with acne, he says. If you must head outdoors, dont forget to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply at least every two hourseven if its cloudy! Diprosalic. If youre not getting good results after using them for several weeks, its time to give your dermatologist a call for stronger prescription treatments. People can buy acne products that contain salicylic acid without a prescription. While some data suggest that foods high in salicylates can also cause a reaction, very little research supports this. The possible side effects of both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are similardryness, peeling, and irritation. Below well explain the details on how each of these ingredients fights acne, as well as whether benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is better. Young tweens with the beginnings of acne breakouts, Those with sensitive skin and/or sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, Stinging in or around the application area, Are allergic to aspirin or salicylic acid, Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, Have diabetes or blood vessel, kidney, or liver disease. First, begin with understanding your skins needs and then, compare them with how these acne-fighting ingredients work. [This] ultimately reduces the formation of acne. You can find salicylic acid in a wide range of skin care products, including face washes, creams, scrubs, cleansing cloths, and cleansing pads. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial made of benzoic acid and oxygen, Dr. Schmid says. Learn More at AdChoice and our Privacy Policy, How to Address Dehydrated Skin, According to Dermatologists. This decision should be made after having a conversation with your doctor or allergist. 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. I consistently have very positive feedback from our patients who incorporate it into their skin care regimen, he says. People can use benzoyl peroxide alone for mild acne. Both ingredients are intended for mild breakouts, and they can t It's available in both prescription form (read: you must visit a dermatologist) or OTC (so you can buy it your drugstore). Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are solid acne-fighting ingredientsit just depends on the type of acne you have. exfoliating dead skin cells that can clog pores, frequently asked questions about acne, here. Mandelic Acid Vs. Lactic Acid Which is Better? Aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid - and is also known as acetylsalicylic acid. Failing to follow instructions may lead to increased absorption through the skin and salicylic acid poisoning. Keep in mind, however, that some may experience excess skin dryness or irritation when pairing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together in a routine. In fact, heres where the similarities between these super-ingredients end! Both can help address acne and prevent new blemishes from forming, which is why some patients choose to combine the two in their routine. Sodium salicylate is roughly 350 times more soluble in water than salicylic acid due to its ionic character (Figure 4.55), and it is rather insoluble in organic solvents such as diethyl ether. Figure 4.55: Aqueous solubility data for salicylic acid and sodium salicylate (Ref 4). It works to clear breakouts in two ways: Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective OTC acne treatment ingredient available. WebThe Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety reviewed all the available data for Benzyl salicylate and recommends the limits for the 12 different product categories, which are the acceptable use levels of Benzyl salicylate in the various product categories. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8003110/#:~:text=Cutibacterium%20acnes%20is%20the%20most,role%20in%20local%20skin%20homeostasis. one of the oldest acne-clearing ingredients, this ingredient works best in treating inflammatory acne, dermatologists suggest not to use these ingredients together, Niacinamide: Benefits and secret to a glowing skin. Since salicylic acid gently sloughs off the top layers of dead skin cells, it is known to brighten a dull complexion. J Am Acad Dermatol. If using salicylic acid lotion, apply it to your scalp 1 to 2 times a day. Benzoyl peroxide targets the bacteria, and salicylic acid addresses the sebum. In chemistry, a BHA is an organic compound made up of a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) separated by two carbon atoms. When doctors diagnose acne, they will classify the condition as mild, moderate, or severe. Researchers estimate that acne affects about 85% of teenagers, but it can persist into adulthood. People can use other treatments instead of or in combination with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. A potent, yet gentle treatment serum targets blemishes. Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet, floral smell. It is found in countless over-the-counter products, including cleansing bars and liquids, astringents, creams, gels, lotion, and masks. Chin RL, Olson KR, Dempsey D. Salicylate toxicity from ingestion and continued dermal absorption. Runde, T. J., & Nappe, T. M. (2019). Label: Salicylic acid salicylic acid gel [Fact sheet]. Aspirin desensitization as a potential treatment for food-associated salicylate reactions. Salicylic acid is in many wash-off and leave-on products in concentrations between 0.5% to 2%. These include: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two medications that people use to treat acne. Here, we examined the hydrolytic metabolism of phenyl and benzyl salicylates by various tissue microsomes and plasma of rats, and by This post may contain affiliate links. Redensyl: the hair growth rejuvenator - How It works? Salicylates are found in many different foods and other products. The strength of benzoyl peroxide in these products varies considerably between 2 and 10 percent. This, in turn, keeps them from building up within the pore. Unusually warm skin and reddening of skin. Jamie Schneider is the Beauty & Wellness Editor at mindbodygreen. The key difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid removes dead skin cells that can clog pores. All of this acne talk may be sparking new questions youd like to have answered. Given the limited benefits, its not worth it. All rights reserved. Like, if you are tired of blackheads and whiteheads, you should rather pick salicylic acid to clean your pores. People using the salicylic acid product had a more significant reduction in acne compared to those using a placebo. It appears as an almost 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. Learn about using benzoyl peroxide for. It will also discuss testing, treatment, and which foods to avoid. Effectiveness of personalized low salicylate diet in the management of salicylates hypersensitive patients: interventional study. However severe acne scars (such as ice pick scars) usually require professional intervention. Editors note: Acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are notoriously drying. This benefit and its subtle fragrance make it popular in skincare products today.
