2%

Salicylic Acid

Anti-Acne Serum

Yes. This serum is specifically formulated to target active acne and recurring breakouts.

Yes. Salicylic Acid works inside the pores to reduce blackheads and whiteheads with regular use.

No product can permanently shrink pores. This serum helps reduce the appearance of pores by keeping them clean and oil-free.

Yes. Salicylic Acid exfoliates inside the pore and on the skin surface, which helps smooth out bumpy texture caused by clogged pores, mild comedonal acne, or excess dead skin buildup. With consistent use (2–3 times a week at night), skin texture becomes visibly smoother.

This serum is designed for oily, acne-prone skin. Salicylic Acid is an active exfoliant that can cause dryness or mild irritation on dry or sensitive skin.

If you want to try it, start with once a week at night and always follow with a hydrating moisturiser. If irritation persists, consider the PHD 10% Niacinamide Serum instead — it's gentler while still helping with acne marks and oil control.

This serum primarily targets active acne and clogged pores.
For acne marks and pigmentation, pair it with Niacinamide or Alpha Arbutin in your routine.

• Reduction in active acne: 1–2 weeks
• Fewer breakouts & clearer pores: 4–6 weeks with consistent use

No. This serum should only be used at night. Salicylic Acid is an exfoliant that increases photosensitivity. Always apply it as part of your PM routine (2–3 times a week) and follow with sunscreen the next morning.

No. Do not use daily. Use this serum 2–3 times a week at night only. Salicylic Acid is an exfoliant — daily use can lead to over-exfoliation, dryness, and irritation.

On the nights you don't use it, switch to a gentler serum like the PHD 10% Niacinamide Serum or PHD 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Night routine only (2–3 times a week):

1. Cleanser
2. 2–3 drops of Salicylic Acid Serum
3. Moisturiser

Avoid layering with other exfoliating acids in the same routine.

This is a full-face serum — apply it all over (not just on pimples). It works to prevent breakouts across the entire face by unclogging pores and controlling oil.

For targeting individual active pimples (especially inflamed ones with pus), use the PHD Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment Gel — that's designed for direct application on specific pimples overnight. For best results, use both.

Yes — mild purging can occur in the first 2–4 weeks as Salicylic Acid increases cell turnover, bringing clogged pores to the surface. This typically happens in areas where you already get breakouts.

Purging typically lasts 2–4 weeks and then improves.
If breakouts appear in new areas or persist beyond 4–6 weeks, it may be irritation instead.

To support your skin:
– Keep the rest of your routine gentle
– Don't introduce other new actives
– Use hydrating moisturiser and sunscreen
– If severe irritation, burning, or worsening acne occurs, stop use.

Salicylic Acid exfoliates the skin, which can cause temporary dryness or mild irritation, especially in the beginning.

✔ Always follow with a moisturiser

✔ Reduce frequency if irritation occurs

Yes. Daily sunscreen is mandatory, as exfoliation can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Yes.

• Salicylic Acid: night (2–3x/week)
• Niacinamide: morning, or on other nights

Niacinamide helps soothe and balance the skin. Use them on different nights rather than layering in the same routine.

• Vitamin C: use in the morning
• Salicylic Acid: use at night
• Retinol: do not layer in the same routine; alternate nights instead

Yes. They target different concerns:

• Salicylic Acid: Active acne and clogged pores
• Alpha Arbutin: Pigmentation and dark spots

Use them on different nights — Salicylic Acid 2–3x/week, Alpha Arbutin on the remaining nights.

Both Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid are excellent ingredients for acne, but they serve very different purposes — and often, the best results come when they're used together.

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into your pores, helping to dissolve excess oil, dead skin, and debris. It's especially effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and active breakouts. If you're struggling with clogged pores or frequent pimples, Salicylic Acid is your go-to for clearing and preventing acne.

On the other hand, Niacinamide is a multi-tasking vitamin that helps regulate sebum (oil) production, reduces inflammation, and supports your skin barrier. It's also fantastic for fading post-acne marks and calming irritated skin.

So to answer your question:
- If your concern is active acne or congestion, start with Salicylic Acid.
- If you're dealing with acne aftermath, oiliness, or redness, Niacinamide is key.
- And if you're dealing with both — as many of my patients are — look for a formula that combines them. Together, they create a powerful acne-fighting and skin-restoring duo.

Remember: It's not about picking one over the other — it's about building a routine that addresses both the cause and the consequence of breakouts.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your doctor before using products containing Salicylic Acid.

While salicylic acid is scientifically considered safe for younger users, /PHD/ recommends this formula for teens and adults above 18 to avoid unnecessary exposure and minimize risk of irritation. Those under 18 should consult a dermatologist before use.

As research on topical salicylic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains limited, we advise expecting or nursing individuals to seek medical guidance. The same applies to anyone with pre-existing skin conditions or underlying health concerns—always consult your dermatologist before introducing a direct acid like salicylic acid into your routine.

That's a really important question — and I'll be honest with you: it's difficult to answer in just one word, because hormonal acne can be triggered by many different factors — from puberty and excess oil production to stress, genetics, and even diet.

What I can tell you is this:
Salicylic Acid, which is the key ingredient in this serum, is clinically proven to help reduce acne.
It goes deep into your pores to remove trapped oil and dead skin, clears blackheads and whiteheads, and calms inflammation.

So yes, this serum is a great place to start. But managing hormonal acne often also needs:
1. A consistent skincare routine
2. Sun protection
3. Possibly some lifestyle changes — like reducing dairy or sugar, if your skin reacts to those
4. Sometimes, professional support, especially if the acne is painful.

Stick with it for at least 4–6 weeks, and be kind to your skin. The journey takes time, but using our 2% Salicylic Acid Anti-Acne Serum is a smart, science-backed first step.

• Suitable for men and women
• Ideal for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
• Best for active acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores

Yes — it's gentle enough to be used on your body as well as your face. Just apply on clean skin post-shower and let it absorb before putting on clothes. Especially useful for post-workout breakouts or heat-triggered bacne.

Yes, always follow with a moisturiser — Salicylic Acid can be drying, so moisturising helps maintain your skin barrier. For oily/acne-prone skin, the PHD 3% Niacinamide Oil-Free Moisturiser is ideal — lightweight, non-greasy, and won't clog pores.

Salicylic Acid works by exfoliating the skin and speeding up cell turnover, which can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) over time—especially when the marks are shallow and recent. However, its primary role is to treat active acne, not deep or stubborn pigmentation.

For more visible results on leftover marks, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, pair it with /PHD/'s 10% Niacinamide Spot Correcting Serum. It helps reduce excess melanin, calms inflammation, and improves skin clarity—without clogging pores.

This serum helps treat active acne, unclog pores, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, control excess oil, and prevent future breakouts. With regular use, skin looks clearer and smoother.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates deep into pores to:

• Dissolve excess oil and debris
• Unclog pores
• Reduce acne-causing bacteria
• Calm inflamed breakouts

At 2% concentration, it is considered effective and safe for acne-prone skin when used correctly.

Absolutely. Acne doesn't discriminate by gender, and neither does science. /PHD/'s 2% Salicylic Acid Anti-Acne Serum is formulated for oily-acne prone skin for men and women. In fact, due to typically higher sebum production in men, this serum can be especially effective at controlling oil and clearing clogged pores.

Yes, when used correctly and not over-exfoliated.
Long-term use is safe with proper moisturisation and sunscreen.

No. The serum is free from added fragrance, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

You can purchase this product from this website and authorised platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Meesho, Purplle, and Nykaa). For quick delivery, it's also available on Flipkart Minutes and Swiggy Instamart.

For order or delivery queries, please contact our support team.