Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are popular exfoliating ingredients in skincare, but they target different skin issues based on how they work and what skin types they suit best.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA. It dissolves in water and works on the skin’s surface. This acid loosens dead skin cells from the top layer, speeds up cell turnover, and helps smooth out rough texture. Over time, it boosts collagen to improve fine lines and even out skin tone. People with dull, dry, or sun-damaged skin often see the best results. It tackles pigmentation like sun spots or age spots by peeling away the outer layer to reveal brighter skin underneath. You might notice changes in two to four weeks with regular use.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA. It dissolves in oil, so it sinks deep into pores. This makes it great for oily or acne-prone skin. It clears out excess oil, unclogs pores, and fights blackheads and whiteheads. Its anti-inflammatory effects calm redness and swelling from breakouts. It treats acne at its source and prevents new ones by controlling oil. Results take longer, around six to eight weeks, but it is gentler on sensitive skin.
The main differences come down to their action and best uses. Glycolic acid focuses on surface-level problems like dullness, uneven tone, and dryness. Salicylic acid goes deeper for oil control, congestion, and active acne. For dark spots from acne scars, salicylic acid helps more because it reduces inflammation inside pores. Glycolic acid shines for surface spots from the sun.
Choose based on your skin needs. Oily skin with breakouts does well with salicylic acid first. Add glycolic acid later for scars or texture once acne calms. Dry skin benefits from low-strength glycolic acid to flake off dead cells and boost hydration. Both can cause dryness or redness at first, so start slow and use sunscreen daily since they make skin more sun-sensitive.
For body acne, salicylic acid handles inflamed spots best, while glycolic acid smooths rough areas and fades marks.
Sources
https://www.healthgennie.com/blog/salicylic-acid-vs-glycolic-acid
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/hyperpigmentation/salicylic-vs-glycolic-acid-dark-spot-battle
https://mugguskincare.com/blogs/news/salicylic-acid-vs-glycolic-acid-which-works-best-for-body-acne
