Australia's Cleanest Salicylic Acid Serums

Professional-grade BHA exfoliation in clean organic carriers - no propylene glycol, no synthetic solvents, no compromise.

Most salicylic acid products rely on propylene glycol and synthetic solvents to dissolve the acid. Ours use organic oils instead. Because salicylic acid is oil-soluble, an oil carrier delivers it effectively into the hair follicle where congestion collects - while the oil base keeps skin comfortable rather than stripped.

What's in them: salicylic acid (BHA), organic castor oil, organic fractionated coconut oil, olive squalane, natural vitamin E (tocopherols).

What's not: propylene glycol, synthetic solvents, parabens, preservatives, fragrance, emulsifiers, silicones, PEGs, phenoxyethanol.

What they help with:

Gently exfoliates and clears congestion, blackheads and the look of breakouts

Helps refine the appearance of skin texture and tone

A non-drying organic oil base that supports rather than strips the skin barrier

Gentle enough for reactive and mature skin (patch test first if very sensitive)

From a gentle 1% for everyday use up to a professional-strength 10% for experienced users, there's a strength to suit where your skin is now, and room to build up as it adjusts.

Salicylic Acid: Common Questions

How do I choose a salicylic acid strength? Start with your experience and skin sensitivity. A low strength (1-2%) suits daily use and most skin types, including sensitive skin - our 2% Skin & Scalp Detox Oil sits here. Higher strengths (up to 10%) are for experienced users with non-sensitive skin who want more. There's no benefit in starting stronger than your skin is ready for; you can always build up.

Is oil-based salicylic acid better than water-based? It depends what you want. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so an oil base carries it effectively into the hair follicle where congestion collects, and it does so without the surfactants, propylene glycol and preservatives that water-based formulas rely on. That makes oil-based options gentler on the skin barrier - a good fit for skin that's easily stripped or dried out by foaming cleansers. Water-based formulas foam and rinse differently, which some people prefer for very oily skin.

Can salicylic acid be used on the scalp? Yes - it's well suited to a flaky, congested or itchy scalp, where it gently loosens and clears build-up. An oil-based salicylic acid can be massaged into the scalp and left to work before washing out, which is harder to do with a foaming product. Start once or twice a week and adjust to how your scalp responds.

Is salicylic acid suitable for sensitive skin? At a low strength and in a gentle base, often yes - a 1-2% salicylic acid in a nourishing oil is much gentler than a high-strength or alcohol-based formula. If your skin is very reactive, start with the lowest strength, patch test first, and use it less often to begin with. Higher strengths (10%) aren't the place to start for sensitive skin.

What does salicylic acid actually do? It's a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works as a keratolytic - it loosens the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed evenly instead of building up. Because it's oil-soluble, it can get into the hair follicle to help clear congestion. The result is skin and scalp that look and feel clearer, smoother and more comfortable.

How often should I use it? That depends on the strength and your skin. Lower strengths can often be used daily; higher strengths are usually every few days. A good approach with any new active is to start slowly - a few times a week - and increase gradually, easing off if you notice any irritation. More isn't better.