2%

Salicylic Acid

Anti-Acne Serum

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, a slight change in colour over time can be completely normal, especially for serums that contain active ingredients. Exposure to light, air, or temperature fluctuations can cause natural shifts — but this doesn’t impact the safety or efficacy of the product. At /PHD/, we rigorously stability-test every formulation to ensure it performs as intended, even with these minor changes.

It’s possible you're experiencing purging, which is common when starting actives like Niacinamide, Retinol, Salicylic Acid or Vitamin C. This happens as the product speeds up cell turnover, bringing clogged pores to the surface usually 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 moisturizer and sunscreen

We’re here if you’d like help adjusting your routine!