Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Glycolic Acid?

Acids exfoliate the skin, just in different ways. Using different ones together in the same routine can sometimes lead to over-exfoliation. This can compromise your skin barrier, resulting in redness, peeling, sensitivity and even breakouts caused by irritation.

However, when used properly, the combination of BHAs and AHAs can help clear pores, smooth texture, and improve overall clarity. It’s particularly effective for those with combination skin dealing with both acne and dullness or discolouration.

Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Glycolic Acid?

Yes—but only with caution, proper spacing, and a solid understanding of your skin's tolerance.

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are both chemical exfoliants, but they target different layers of your skin. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and works inside the pores, making it ideal for acne-prone or congested skin. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is water-soluble and works on the skin's surface to smooth texture, fade pigmentation, and refine dullness.

Used together, these two ingredients can be a powerful solution for breakouts, texture issues, and uneven tone. But there’s a catch: overuse or poor layering can lead to irritation, dryness, and even barrier damage.

Why it can work:

• Dual exfoliation: Targets both surface skin and deeper within pores.
  
  
• Complementary action: One clears congestion; the other smooths and brightens.
  
  
• Great for acne + pigmentation: Tackles multiple concerns in one regimen.
  
  
• Enhances results over time: With careful usage, skin becomes clearer, smoother, and more even.

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What does salicylic acid do for skin?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to deeply penetrate the pores and exfoliate from within. It works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells and dissolving sebum, helping to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it ideal for calming active pimples and reducing redness.

It’s a hero ingredient for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin and is typically used in cleansers, toners, or targeted treatments in concentrations of 0.5% to 2%.

Key benefits of salicylic acid:

• Clears pores: Penetrates deep to dissolve oil and debris.
  
  
• Fights acne: Targets blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory spots.
  
  
• Calms inflammation: Reduces redness and swelling.
  
  
• Improves texture: Gently smooths bumpy or rough skin.
  
  
• Prevents future breakouts: Keeps pores clear with regular use.
  
  
• Regulates oil: Helps reduce excess shine and sebum over time.
  
  

Best for:

• Oily or acne-prone skin
  
  
• Blackheads and clogged pores
  
  
• Inflammatory acne (red, swollen spots)
  
  
• Body acne (chest, back)
  
  

What does glycolic acid do for skin?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It’s the smallest AHA molecule, which allows it to penetrate the top layer of skin quickly and efficiently. Glycolic acid works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the skin's surface, encouraging cell turnover and revealing fresher, more radiant skin.

This makes it ideal for addressing dullness, pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture.

Key benefits of glycolic acid:

• Exfoliates surface layers: Sheds dead skin for a smoother finish.
  
  
• Brightens complexion: Reveals more radiant, even-toned skin.
  
  
• Fades dark spots: Helps with melasma, post-acne marks, and sun damage.
  
  
• Refines texture: Smooths rough or bumpy skin.
  
  
• Boosts collagen: Stimulates renewal for firmer, plumper skin.
  
  
• Enhances absorption: Allows deeper penetration of other skincare products.
  
  

Best for:

• Dull or uneven skin tone
  
  
• Fine lines and rough patches
  
  
• Sun damage or pigmentation
  
  
• Normal to dry or combination skin
  
  

Glycolic acid is often found in toners, pads, and serums, usually in concentrations from 5% to 10% (or higher in professional treatments).

Comparing Salicylic Acid With Glycolic Acid Side-by-Side

Benefit	Salicylic Acid	Glycolic Acid
Primary Function	Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores and targets acne	Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface for smoother, brighter skin
Exfoliation Type	✅ Deep pore exfoliation	✅ Surface exfoliation
Treats Acne & Breakouts	✅ Excellent for blackheads and oily skin	⚠️ Mildly helps by clearing dead skin buildup
Brightens Skin	⚠️ Indirectly improves clarity	✅ Strong brightening and glow-enhancing effects
Improves Texture	✅ Refines and smooths congestion	✅ Smooths and softens rough patches
Fades Hyperpigmentation	⚠️ Gradual fading of post-acne marks	✅ Strong effect on dark spots and dull tone
Oil Control	✅ Reduces sebum and prevents clogging	❌ Minimal impact on oil levels
Hydration Support	❌ Can be drying if overused	⚠️ Can dehydrate skin; always follow with moisturiser
Irritation Potential	⚠️ May cause dryness or flaking	⚠️ Can sting or irritate sensitive skin
Suitable for Sensitive Skin	⚠️ With caution; best in low strengths	⚠️ Often too strong for very sensitive skin
Best Time to Use	PM – ideal for oily, acne-prone routines	PM – great for weekly resurfacing treatments

How to use salicylic acid and glycolic acid safely

Option 1: Alternate use (recommended for most)

Use one acid at a time on different nights to give your skin a break and avoid irritation.

Example schedule:

• Monday: Salicylic acid
  
  
• Tuesday: Hydration / recovery
  
  
• Wednesday: Glycolic acid
  
  
• Thursday: Hydration / recovery
  
  
• Friday: Salicylic acid
  
  
• Weekend: Barrier-repair products only

This approach gives your skin time to recover and benefit from each ingredient without overlap.

Option 2: AM/PM split (for experienced users)

Use salicylic acid in the morning and glycolic acid at night, but only if your skin is used to both and isn’t showing signs of sensitivity.

• AM: Cleanser → Salicylic acid toner → Moisturiser → SPF
  
  
• PM: Cleanser → Glycolic acid serum → Moisturiser
  
  

Always apply sunscreen during the day when using exfoliating acids.

A.M.

P.M.

Option 3: Layering in one routine (only for resilient skin)

If your skin is tolerant and you want a high-impact exfoliation routine (e.g., before a big event), you can layer salicylic acid first (to clear pores), followed by glycolic acid (to exfoliate the surface). Limit this to once a week and follow with hydrating products and barrier support.

FAQs

Can I use glycolic acid and salicylic acid on the same day?
Not in the same routine unless your skin is highly tolerant. You can use one in the morning and the other at night, or—preferably—on alternating days.

Which should I apply first—salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
If layering, apply salicylic acid first to penetrate the pores, followed by glycolic acid for surface exfoliation. However, this is only recommended occasionally and for advanced users.

Will using both acids cause over-exfoliation?
It can if overused. Signs include redness, flaking, and increased sensitivity. Stick to a few times per week and always moisturise.

What’s the best combination for acne and texture?
Salicylic acid treats the acne, while glycolic acid smooths texture and fades marks. Together, they’re a powerful duo—but only if balanced with hydration and barrier care.

Looking for further tips to carefully, safely and effectively get high-impact results? Read up on How To Get Rid Of Textured Skin.
You can also read up on our The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peel Review, for insights into the viral AHA/BHA combo facial.