Ingredient

salicylate

Mid risk

FunctionExfoliant

What it is — Salicylate (INCI: Salicylate) refers to the salt/conjugate-base form related to salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Depending on how it is formulated and the pH, it can behave as a mild exfoliant.

What it does — It is used to help gently loosen dead surface cells and clear the look of congestion, contributing to a smoother, clearer-looking surface.

Typical use — It appears in exfoliating toners, serums, cleansers and blemish-targeted products, usually at low levels.

Who it suits / good to know — Often chosen for oily or blemish-prone skin. BHA-type ingredients can cause dryness or irritation if overused, so introduce gradually and avoid stacking several strong exfoliants at once; daytime sun protection is sensible. Those with a known salicylate sensitivity may wish to avoid it.

Safety — DHALIORA grades it mid risk: a salicylic-type (BHA) exfoliant that may cause irritation at cosmetic use. This reflects the ingredient in general and is not medical advice; patch-test and introduce slowly.

Why we grade it Mid: Mid risk - salicylic-type (BHA) exfoliant that may cause irritation at cosmetic use.
Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 0 DHALIORA products

Not currently in any DHALIORA product.

How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
← Back to the ingredient glossary