Ingredient glossary

Salicylic acid

The most oil-soluble of the group, so it reaches into oily pores

BHA · in DuoClear™

Salicylic acid

The most oil-soluble of the group, so it reaches into oily pores. It suits the Face Wash, Pads and Renewal Complex, which are built for pores and texture.

2%In DuoClear™

2.97pKa

138g/mol

2.26log P

BHA · C₇H₆O₃ · 138 g/mol · pKa 2.97 · log P 2.26

Two acids, two places: the pore and the surface

Where it works

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can move through sebum and into the pore lining to loosen built-up oil and dead skin.

Why two acids?

Skin needs help in two places: inside the pore, where oil and dead cells collect, and on the surface, where rough texture builds up. One acid rarely does both well.

Why low pH matters

An acid only works in its free-acid form. Below its pKa (salicylic 2.97, mandelic 3.41), most of the acid stays active. At a higher pH, more of it turns into a salt. DuoClear™ formulas are kept at a low pH so the acids stay acids.

Found in