Most salicylic serums in India are similar with only a few differences, so better is to stick to a reputed brand. Most of them are Fragrance-free, Silicone-free, Sulfate-free, and Parabens-free. I have listed the top brands of salicylic acid serum in India with their pros and cons, if any.

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum

Available on Amazon.in

It is Aloe vera gel-based serum with 2 % Salicylic acid. You can buy it on

The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum 

Available on Amazon.in

This serum has witch hazel and willow bark extracts along with salicylic 2%. Both these help in controlling acne tendencies. It is a water-based product with hydrating agents, that can keep your skin soft and supple.

Azani Active Care Acne Clarifying Serum

Recommended for dark spots with comedones

Available on Amazon.in

In addition to salicylic acid 2 % , Azani active acne serum has glycolic acid 1% and Licorice extracts that help in skin lightening. Therefore, Azani Active Care Acne Clarifying Serum is recommended for those who have dark spots along with acne.

Luxura Sciences Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum

Available on Amazon.in

Recommended for red pimples and comedones

Luxura Sciences Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum is an aloe vera-based serum with the following active ingredients in addition to 2 % salicylic acid:

• Niacnimade niacinamide helps in reducing dark spots
• Cinnamonium, Eugenia Flower Oil, and tea tree oil help in reducing acne tendency
• Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate,  and aloe Vera nicotinamide help in soothing and hydrating your skin.

The only thing we don’t like about this serum is the use of preservatives like DMDM, and Hydantion.

Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Serum for Acne Prone 

Available on Amazon.in

Mama Earth tea tree face serum has 2% salicylic, along with Licorice Extract, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, and Tea Tree Oil. It is a water-based serum with hydrating agents that can keep your skin soft and supple. The licorice extract helps in skin lightening and tea tree oil helps in reducing acne tendencies.

StBotanica Bha Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum 

Recommended for sensitive skin

Available on Amazon.in

StBotanica Bha Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum is water based serum infused with hydrating and soothing agents like hyaluronic acid, allantoin, glycerin, and arginine to keep your skin soft while salicylic acid exfoliates your skin. It is also enriched with watermelon, strawberry, and willow bark extract that act as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne agents respectively. The opaque air-tight bottle packing of this serum ensures that your product is not exposed to sun or air.

Paula’s Choice-SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

Available on Amazon.in

Recommended for luxury beauty lovers

Paula’s Choice-SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is water based serum infused with hydrating agents like Methylpropanediol and butylene Glycol. In addition to 2% salicylic acid, it has green tea extract that acts as an antioxidant. This serum is heavy on the pocket but comes with the reputation of a brand that is popular in the US.

Best Salicylic acid serum in the United States

Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

Available on Amazon.com

Paula’s Choice-SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is water based serum infused with hydrating agents like Methylpropanediol and butylene Glycol. In addition to 2% salicylic acid, it has green tea extract that acts as an antioxidant.

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Available on Amazon.com

Recommended for anti-aging and comedones

It has hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in addition to Salicylic acid. 

Tea Tree Serum

Recommended for anti-aging and red pimples

Available on Amazon.com

This serum has a powerful blend of salicylic acid, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Niacinamide, and Tea Tree Oil.

Side effects of salicylic acid

Salicylic acid usually does not cause side effects, however, here are a few watchouts:

Increase in acne: Initial purging might occur in acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid unclogs your pores, which might lead to black/whiteheads and even red pimples. This might take a month to settle.

Skin might become dry and flaky: Salicylic acid helps in controlling your oil secretions, which is desirable in oily skin. However, over prolonged use or in dry weather, it might lead to dryness and flaking. It is advisable to put a lightweight moisturizer before putting salicylic acid. If this does not help stop using salicylic acid for a week or two. Re-introduce once your skin feels better.

Irritation/ redness: If you develop noticeable redness, irritation, burning, or itching on the first few applications of salicylic acid, then it is advisable to not use salicylic acid on your skin again. However, if you develop a reaction after repeated application, then discontinue for a week or two and re-introduce gradually, beginning from twice a week. If the reaction re-occurs, then stop it altogether.

Cautious use in pregnancy and lactation: Salicylic acid should not be used on large surface areas of skin during pregnancy or lactation. You should not use salicylic acid in areas, where your baby can suck you like the breast area, shoulders, or even face.