Skin Concerns
· Acne
· Blackheads
· Fatigue/Radiance
What You’ll See On The Ingredient List
Salicylic Acid
Why Your Skin Needs It
If you experience any type of blemishes, from sporadic breakouts to stubborn acne, you need salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) stimulates cell turnover and unclogs pores, revealing fresh skin that’s naturally smoother with greater clarity.
The Clinique Expertise
Acne Solutions™ Clinical Advanced Clearing Gel has a potent dose of salicylic acid that helps clear up those stubborn blemishes quickly upon application. It also helps prevent new ones from making an unwelcome appearance.
What Our Clinique Derm Says
“I love salicylic acid and use it all the time. It’s a highly effective and super-gentle chemical exfoliant that whisks away pore-clogging dead skin cells to pave the way for clearer skin,” says Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Salicylic Acid
ingredient to know
Salicylic Acid
ingredient to know
Salicylic Acid
Overview
Top Sellers With Salicylic Acid

CN 10 Alabaster
Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
24H full-coverage foundation instantly perfects with a matte finish, plus visibly improves skin with 3 serum technology.

CN 28 Ivory
Acne Solutions™ Liquid Makeup
Skin-clearing treatment foundation powered by salicylic acid helps cover, clear, and prevent acne. In 24 shades.

Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Foam
Daily medicated cleanser powered by 1.5% salicylic acid helps clear and prevent acne, and unclog pores.
#skincare
“I have incorporated @clinique Acne Solutions into my daily skincare routine and it has helped to clear the blemishes and unclog the pores.”
@jaquelinespadoni
#skincare
“I have incorporated @clinique Acne Solutions into my daily skincare routine and it has helped to clear the blemishes and unclog the pores.”
@jaquelinespadoni
More Key Ingredients
Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex
Aloe bioferment + HA complex helps hydrate in two ways—attracts moisture and helps retain it.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids gently slough away dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin.
CL302 Complex
Clinique’s exclusive CL302 Complex helps visibly reduce dark spots and discoloration.
Glycerin
Glycerin supports your skin’s natural moisture barrier by attracting moisture from the air and retaining water in skin to help keep the skin hydrated.
Gyokuro Green Tea
Gyokuro green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm upset skin, reduce irritation, and protect against future damage.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid plumps skin with hydration, helping it look and feel better instantly.
Lactobacillus Probiotic Ferment
Lactobacillus probiotic ferment helps calm the look of irritation and promotes stronger skin.
Retinoid
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, which helps accelerate cell turnover and refine skin’s texture.
Safflower Seed
Safflower Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid and helps leave skin feeling soft and nourished.
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Sigesbecia Extract is a powerful procollagen extract, prized for helping skin maintain its natural density.
Performance, Safety, Science
Clinique launched the first-ever line of dermatologist-developed skincare in 1968. The promise: to deliver effective, safe, clinically proven formulas that create great skin. We avoid using allergens, irritants and ingredients in ways that could potentially harm your skin.
Proven results are from how multiple ingredients are combined using the latest scientific breakthroughs to achieve maximum results without irritation. As science evolves, we continuously re-examine ingredients with our researchers, formulators, clinicians, and guiding board-certified dermatologists.
No parabens. No phthalates. No fragrance. Just happy skin.
Salicylic Acid - Frequently Asked Questions
Salicylic acid stimulates cell turnover and unclogs pores, revealing fresh skin that’s naturally smoother with greater clarity.
If you experience blemishes—from sporadic breakouts to stubborn acne—salicylic acid helps clear trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Acne Solutions™ Clinical Advanced Clearing Gel
This medicated formula helps clear up acne and prevent future blemishes. It starts working with one application and helps reduce blemishes, excess oil, and shine.
Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
This formula contains salicylic acid to help smooth and retexturize skin over time. It also helps even the look of skin tone and blur imperfections.
This oil-free foundation helps cover and treat acne. It contains salicylic acid that helps treat existing breakouts and keep them from coming back.
Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Foam
This daily cleanser helps remove dirt and excess oil while unclogging pores. The medicated formula helps clear and prevent acne.
According to Clinique’s dermatologist, salicylic acid is described as a highly effective and super-gentle chemical exfoliant.
Each product with salicylic acid addresses different needs. You can choose your salicylic acid product based on whether you want a treatment, a cleanser, or makeup with treatment benefits.
| Product | What it does | How it uses salicylic acid | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne Solutions™ Clinical Advanced Clearing Gel | Helps clear acne & prevent future blemishes | Medicated formula helps reduce blemishes, oil & shine | Fast-acting breakout treatment |
| Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 | Smooths, retexturizes & evens look of skin tone | Salicylic acid helps refine skin texture | Makeup + skincare results |
| Acne Solutions™ Liquid Makeup | Covers & treats acne; helps prevent new breakouts | Salicylic acid treats breakouts as you wear it | Acne-prone skin needing coverage |
| Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Foam | Removes dirt, oil & unclogs pores | Medicated cleanser helps clear & prevent acne | Daily cleansing for acne-prone skin |
