Blemish Facial Serum with 2% Salicylic Acid & Centella Asiatica 30ml: Targeted blemish treatment
skinChemists - The Cosmeceutical Skincare Company. Award-winning British luxury skincare with pharmacy roots reaching back to 1955. High-performance actives in routines that take just two minutes.
Why you'll love it
Blemishes look visibly reduced as 2% Salicylic Acid clears excess oil and debris from inside the pore
Pores appear clearer and less congested, particularly across the nose, chin and forehead
Redness around active spots looks calmer thanks to soothing Centella Asiatica
Skin feels less oily through the day without being stripped dry
Blackheads and congestion look reduced with consistent use
Fast-drying, weightless texture absorbs immediately and can be used all over or spot-applied
Two ingredients that do opposite jobs - clearing and calming - in one bottle
What it is
A targeted treatment serum for blemish-prone skin, built around 2% Salicylic Acid at the concentration most commonly used in leave-on blemish products. Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which means it is oil-soluble and can travel into the pore itself rather than working only on the surface. There it dissolves the mix of excess oil and dead cells that leads to congestion, blackheads and breakouts.
Because that kind of clearing action can leave skin looking red and feeling sensitized, the formula pairs it with Centella Asiatica Extract. Long used in Korean skincare for irritated and blemish-prone skin, Centella calms the look of redness and helps keep skin comfortable through a treatment routine.
Glycerin holds moisture in the surface so skin stays hydrated. The texture is deliberately light and quick-drying, which makes it practical either across the whole face or applied to individual areas.
Key ingredients
Salicylic Acid (2%)
A beta hydroxy acid that works inside the pore to dissolve excess oil and dead cells. It helps clear congestion, reduce the look of blackheads and calm the appearance of active blemishes.
Centella Asiatica Extract
A soothing botanical long used for irritated and blemish-prone skin. It helps calm the appearance of redness and keeps skin comfortable alongside an exfoliating acid.
Glycerin
A moisture-binding humectant that helps prevent the skin from feeling dry or tight. It supports lasting hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Who it's for
This serum is ideal for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin dealing with breakouts, blackheads, congested pores or persistent shine. It suits the classic congested zones - nose, chin, forehead - and also works on back and chest breakouts.
Very dry or sensitive skin should use it two or three times a week rather than daily, or apply it only where needed. Not suitable for anyone with a salicylate or aspirin sensitivity. Avoid during pregnancy without speaking to your healthcare practitioner.
What to expect
Skin feels clean and matte within minutes of the first application, with no greasy film. Active blemishes often look calmer within a few days. Some skin goes through a short adjustment period as pores clear - a temporary increase in small spots, usually settling within two to four weeks. Clearer pores and fewer breakouts typically become evident between four and eight weeks of consistent use.
How to use
Apply two to three drops to clean, dry skin in the evening.
Smooth across areas prone to congestion, or apply directly to individual blemishes, then allow to dry before following with your moisturizer. Start with every other evening and build to nightly as your skin adjusts. Because the formula contains an exfoliating acid, daily SPF is important. Avoid layering with Retinol on the same night - alternate evenings instead.
Product attributes
Brand: skinChemists
Product name: skinChemists Acne Prone Serum Salicylic Acid 2%, Centella Asistica 3% 30ml
Product type: Targeted blemish treatment serum
Size: 30ml
Cruelty-free: Yes
Is it vegan: Yes
Contains SPF: No
Key active: 2% Salicylic Acid
Supporting ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract and Glycerin
Primary concerns: Blemishes, blackheads, congested pores, excess oil and redness
Suitable for: Oily, combination and blemish-prone skin
Texture: Weightless, fast-drying fluid
Finish: Matte and non-greasy
Routine position: After cleansing, before moisturizer
Recommended use: Every other evening, building to nightly
Application areas: Face, or spot-applied; also suitable for back and chest
Frequently asked questions
Will my skin purge at first?
Some skin goes through a short adjustment period as pores clear, with a temporary increase in small spots. This usually settles within two to four weeks. If it worsens beyond that, reduce frequency.
Can I use it with Retinol?
Best to alternate nights rather than layer them, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin.
Can I use it as a spot treatment only?
Yes. Apply directly to individual blemishes if you prefer not to treat the whole face.
Will it dry my skin out?
It can if used too often at first. Start every other evening, always follow with moisturizer, and build up gradually.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Use it two or three times a week rather than daily, and watch how your skin responds. The Centella helps, but 2% Salicylic Acid is an active concentration.
Can I use it if I'm allergic to aspirin?
No. Salicylic Acid is chemically related to aspirin, so avoid this product if you have a salicylate sensitivity.
Can I use it during pregnancy?
Speak to your healthcare practitioner first. Leave-on salicylic acid is generally advised against during pregnancy.
Do I need SPF?
Yes. Exfoliating acids increase sun sensitivity, so daily sun protection is important while using this.
How long will the product last?
Used as directed, roughly two to three months for the 30ml bottle.
Caution:
This is a cosmetic product for external use only, and all results will be temporary; individual results may vary. Carry out a patch test before application, and do not apply to broken, damaged, or sunburnt skin. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. If redness, irritation, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare practitioner. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new skin treatment, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. Do not ingest. Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, and keep out of the reach of children.