Comparision

Salicylic Acid Vs Glycolic Acid: Which One Should You Use For Acne

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid grace the labels of several skincare products. From exfoliating masks to acne-control cleaners to brightening serums, you name it. But just how different are these two active ingredients? Moreover, which one should you use to beat acne? Let’s find out.

This blog covers the basics of the two exfoliants and their differences. We also look at the respective benefits of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, helping you make an informed decision.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is a form of AHA or Alpa Hydroxy Acid. Due to its small size, Glycolic Acid penetrates the lipid barrier to gently slough off dead cells, debris, and impurities. The meticulous yet gentle exfoliant causes healthy cellular regeneration of skin cells. You can use Glycolic Acid in your skincare if you need to achieve one (or more) of the following results.

1. Less fine lines and wrinkles

2. Firmer, tighter skin

3. Faded dark spots and patches

4. Enhanced skin brightness

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic Acid lies under the umbrella of BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid. It is an oil-soluble active that possesses both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Unlike Glycolic Acid which buffs away dirt and debris from the outermost layer of skin – Salicylic Acid percolates deep into the pores to work its magic. Results? Squeaky clean skin. You can use Salicylic Acid in your daily skincare if want one (or more) of the following.

1. Less whiteheads & blackheads

2. Reduced greasiness or shine on the face

3. Alleviated acne-related inflammation or irritation

So, Which One Should I Use For Acne?

Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid are both phenomenal acne remedies. Several anti-acne products carry both exfoliants for optimal results. If we had to pick one though, Salicylic Acid will edge out Glycolic acid – only by a wee bit. Let us understand how.

Salicylic Acid is a Godsend for all stages of inflammatory (papules, pustules, etc) and non-inflammatory acne. The sebum-regulating active dislodges the most stubborn impurities by seeping deep into the pores, keeping blackheads and whiteheads at bay. Moreover, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Salicylic Acid helps reduce breakouts and bumps.

Best Salicylic Acid And Glycolic Acid Products On Foxtale

Now that you are well-versed in the many benefits of Glycolic acid & Salicylic Acid – we bring you some Foxtale best-sellers featuring the two actives. You can grab these products or build the perfect skincare routine for acne-prone or oily skin. Read at your leisure and add them to your cart.

1. Acne Control Face Wash With Salicylic Acid

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide

When To Use It: Daily Twice

The acne control cleanser removes dirt, grime, and impurities from the pores while ensuring a balanced microbiome. The Salicylic Acid-infused formula regulates sebum production, unclogs pores, and reduces acne outbreaks. Moreover, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in the formulation ensures long-lasting hydration for the skin.

2. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide

When To Use It: Thrice A Week

You get the best of both worlds with Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum. Infused with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid, the serum dissolves build-up overnight to reveal smooth skin. The glycolic acid serum removes blackheads and reduces acne while bestowing a soft glow to your skin. Grab the gentle, nourishing formula for different stages of acne.

3. Acne Spot Corrector Gel

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid & Azelaic Acid

When To Use It: For An Acne Emergency!

With Salicylic and Glycolic Acids at the forefront, this SOS treatment visibly shrinks acne in 12 hours. The non-greasy gel inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria, unclogs pores, and prevents future acne marks. Moreover, Azelaic Acid in the formulation provides instantaneous relief from acne-related redness or inflammation.

4. Overnight Glow Mask

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid

When To Use It: Once A Week

Want salon-like brightening overnight? Get your hands on this Lactic Acid-infused mask STA. Our Overnight Glow Mask starts working in 30 seconds to dissolve buildup, revealing a bright and smooth surface. Moreover, its retexturizing formula reduces whiteheads, blackheads and acne bumps while bestowing an unparalleled glow to your face.

Conclusion: Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid are popular active ingredients in face masks, cleansers and many more skincare products. While Glycolic Acid buffs away dirt & debris from the outermost layer of the skin – Salicylic Acid percolates in the pores to dislodge buildup. The two exfoliants pair exceptionally well and are often used in everyday skincare to combat acne.

FAQs

1. Can I use Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid together?

Ans) Absolutely! Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid pair well together. If you wish to beat whiteheads, excessive greasiness or acne, try Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum with these star ingredients.

2. Can Glycolic Acid brighten my skin?

Ans) Yes. Glycolic Acid sloughs off dead cells, debris and other impurities from your skin, revealing a brighter surface.

3. What acid kills acne?

Ans) Use Salicylic Acid-infused products to bid farewell to acne. The oil-soluble active regulates sebum production, unclogs pores and inhibits bacterial growth – reducing acne.

4. Can I leave Glycolic Acid overnight?

Ans) Yes! You can even try Foxtale’s Overnight Glow Mask if you want a coveted glow without any hassle. The Glycolic Acid-based formula dissolves dead cells, impurities and debris for a smooth, radiant complexion.

5. What active ingredient should I use to prevent non-inflammatory acne like whiteheads and blackheads?

Ans) Try Salicylic Acid to fight pesky whiteheads and blackheads. The active dislodges dirt, excess sebum and grime from the pores, preventing blackheads.

6. How to use Salicylic Acid?

Ans) If you are using Salicylic Acid in the serum format – dab a few pumps of the formulation on to your face. Avoid using a heavy hand as it may strain your skin.

7. What is the best Salicylic Acid Serum?

Ans) Try Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum! The lightweight formula blots excess oil, unclogs pores and alleviates inflammation – the perfect fit for folks with acne or acne-prone skin.

Srishty Singh

Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

Srishty Singh

AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

Acne-free & smooth skin

₹ 545

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Acne Spot Corrector with Salicylic Acid

Acne reduction in 12 hours

₹ 449

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Chemical exfoliation has become one of the most popular skincare trends to this day, with varieties of products flooding the market. For the consumers, understanding the ingredients behind the products is the key to choosing the best. Presently, one of the most trending chemical exfoliants is PHA or polyhydroxy acid. If you are looking for a gentle solution to break free from the harshness of physical exfoliants, this can be your go-to product. Read on to know all about PHA and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine. What Is PHA? Just like AHA and BHA, PHA is another type of hydroxy acid or a chemical exfoliant. However, the larger molecules of this element set it apart as one of the gentlest chemical exfoliants you can find. They do not penetrate your skin too deep but enough to remove the dead skin satisfactorily. There are different types of PHA among which gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid are the most popular. You can find these in the form of serums, toners, and moisturizers. Benefits Of PHA: Why Is It Best For Beginners? With so many types of chemical exfoliants flooding the market, a common question that arises is what makes PHA so special. There are several benefits of PHA which make it one of the best products for skin exfoliation. 1. Suitable for sensitive skin: The PHA is mild enough to suit sensitive skin as well. The larger molecules need more time to penetrate the skin and hence do show the reactions too drastically. 2. Non-irritant: Since it is so gentle on the skin, it does not cause any irritation, especially for sensitive skin. There is no stinging sensation which is often common with other types of chemical exfoliants. 3. Maintains hydration: When using PHA, your skin remains hydrated since the ingredient is a humectant. It imparts a glow to your skin. 4. Anti-inflammatory: PHA is rich in antioxidants and can soothe inflammations even though it is an exfoliant. 5. Keeps glycation at bay: PHA helps to fight glycation which leads to the weakening of collagen and elastin in your skin. Side Effects Of PHA The best thing about PHA is the lack of side effects. There are no known side effects of PHA even on sensitive skin. It works superficially and thoroughly removes dead skin cells from the epidermal layer of your skin. Since it does not penetrate deep, it is a safe and easy-to-use exfoliant. AHA vs BHA vs PHA: Know the difference to pick the best Apart from PHA, there are other forms of more potent chemical exfoliators like AHA and BHA. But how do you determine which would suit your skin best? AHA BHA PHA Alpha Hydroxy Acid Beta Hydroxy Acid Polyhydroxy acid They are intense and penetrate deep, They work by flushing blocked pores. They are superficial chemical exfoliants More suitable for normal skin with major issues. Suitable for acne-prone skin. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Should not be used more than once or twice a week. Can be used upto 3 times a week. Can be used every day if required. Glycolic, Lactic, Citric, Mandelic, and Malic acid are forms of AHA. Salicylic acid is a form of BHA. Gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid are all forms of PHA. How To Use PHA? PHA is available in many forms like serums, moisturizers, and toners. Studies have proven it has anti- ageing effects without any side effects or irritation. However, it is essential to choose the right type of product to reap the maximum benefit. Especially for sensitive skin, PHA in the form of toner is the best choice. It is gentle on the skin and provides hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. However, it does not cause any irritation which is a possibility when you use any exfoliant on sensitive skin. Best Products To Use With PHA's Being such a versatile ingredient, PHA can be used with various other products and does not cause any side effects in most cases. 1. Cleanser: Most mild cleansers like the Foxtale daily duet cleanser complement any PHA exfoliant perfectly. 2. Face serum: Most types of face serums complement PHA products perfectly. However, if you are using a vitamin C serum like the Foxtale Vitamin C face serum, it is best not to layer PHA-based products with such serum in the same routine. You can easily use the vitamin C serum in the morning and PHA at night. 3. Moisturizer: The PHA is a humectant and helps to improve your skin barrier and retain moisture. When paired with a smoothening moisturizer like Foxtale Ceramide super cream, you get the maximum benefits possible from the combination. 4. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must for every skin type. Thankfully, PHA does not interfere with any type of sunscreen and works particularly well with a hydrating sunscreen like Matte Finish Sunscreen which also helps protect the skin barrier with ingredients like Vitamin B3. The PHA is one of the gentlest exfoliants and when used correctly, it can be beneficial for all skin types.