Salicylic acid is a class of drugs called salicylates that can be found in many plants, fruits, and vegetables. This transparent liquid can treat mild to moderate acne, and it acts as a chemical face exfoliator to reduce skin redness, inflammation, and pores blockage.
Furthermore, this fat-soluble beta hydroxy acid does more than that. It also balances your face sebum and regulates skin cells to be an acne and blemishes fighter. Plus, this clear and sticky serum is suitable for all skin types.
Here’s the compiled list of Malaysia’s top-rated Salicylic Acid serums in 2025.
1. The Ordinary Salicylic Anhydrous
The Ordinary Salicylic Anhydrous is a water-free product that exfoliates the skin and helps unclog pores. Also, your skin will be less like to cause irritation and breakouts with this squalane based Salicylic acid serum. You just need to apply a small amount to the affected areas every day to see the miracle.
Specifications:
- Volume: 30ml
- Ingredients: Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
- Country of Origin: Canada
Pros:
✅ Contains Squalane
✅ Water-free
✅ It won’t irritate your skin.
Price: RM51.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Salicylic Acid
Once you start to replace Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Salicylic Acid as your everyday toner, you will feel your serums and moisturizers become weightless and less sticky. This is because this gentle chemical exfoliator exfoliates your skin and improve your skin absorption.
Specifications:
- Volume: 118ml, 30ml, 10ml
- Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Methylpropanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (green tea/skin calming/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer)
- Country of Origin: United States of America
Pros:
✅ Green tea leaf extract keeps your skin moisture.
✅ Instant result
✅ Increases collagen production
Price: RM115
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Skintific 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
Believe it or not? Skintific 2% Salicylic Acid promised to treats any variant of acne in just three days. Do you think the benefits stop here? This Salicylic serum contains 4% Niacinamide to brighten your skin and 1% Ceramide to restore and protects your skin barrier.
Specifications:
- Volume: 20ml
- Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Methylpropanediol, Ectoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pionin, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide NG, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Allantoin, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Oligopeptide-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycolipids, Glycosphingolipids, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, Glycolic Acid, Sucrose, Urea, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol
- Country of Origin: Canada
Pros:
✅ Treats acne in 3 days
✅ Using TTE technology
✅ 1% Ceramide protects and repairs the skin barrier
Price: RM42
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Cosmoderm Niacinamide 10% Salicylic Acid 1% Serum
Cosmoderm Niacinamide 10% Salicylic Acid 1% Serum is proudly made in Malaysia. The star ingredients of this Salicylic serum is Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid. Plus, this cult favourite serum shrinks your pores and fine lines. Also, you can fade pigmentation with the dual power of Niacinamide and Salicylic acid.
Specifications:
- Volume: 30ml
- Ingredients: Aqua, Niacinamide, Alcohol Denat, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Carbonate, Lactic Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅ Especially for oily skin
✅ Contains Niacinamides
✅ Affordable
Price: RM39.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. SKINMADE 10% Azelaic Acid + 2% Salicylic Acid serum
SKINMADE 10% Azelaic Acid + 2% Salicylic Acid serum is formulated with a few spotlight ingredients like 10% Azelaic Acid to fade acne scars, 2% Salicylic Acid to boost your skin texture, and Cica to smoothes your skin. Thus, it is an all-rounded Salicylic Acid serum you can own.
Specifications:
- Volume: 30ml
- Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Azelaic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Coffea Arabica Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Adenosine, Ubiquinone, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅ Especially for oily skin and acne-prone skin
✅ Contains Cica for soothing skin
✅ Tested with real human skin
Price: RM45.10
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Cos De BAHA Salicylic Acid BHA 4% Serum
Not only does Cos De BAHA Salicylic Acid contains two hero ingredients: Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, but it also has chock-full soothing ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. Surprisingly, the skin absorbs this watery serum quickly.
Specifications:
- Volume: 30ml
- Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid (4%), 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Rosa Damascena Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Country of Origin: South Korea
Pros:
✅ Organic ingredients
✅ Contains soothing ingredients
✅ Eco-friendly brand
Price: RM36.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. MINIMALIST Salicylic Acid 2% Serum
Here’s the reason why MINIMALIST Salicylic Acid 2% Serum should be on your wish list. It wards off your stubborn blackheads. Yet, keep your face sebum in check, giving you a flawless matte look you ever dream of. Plus, it contains 2% of extra pure Salicylic Acid.
Specifications:
- Volume: 30ml
- Ingredients: Aloe Vera Juice, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin
- Country of Origin: South Korea
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula
✅ Contains soothing ingredient
✅ Extra Pure Salicylic Acid
Price: RM33.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Ruruberry 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Solution
While you might be familiar with this famous local brand, Ruruberry’s 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Solution is a non-abrasive and pore-clarifying serum. What’s more, it dissolves every skin impurities like excess oil and dead skin. With this, your skin will have a healthier turnover.
Specifications:
- Volume: 30ml
- Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Salicylic Acid, Triethanolamine, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Xylitol, Beta-Glucan, Allantoin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucose, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅ Mattifying effect
✅ Extensive exfoliating abilities
✅ Ideal for all skin types
Price: RM43.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Liquid Perfector
To address exfoliating and fighting angry acne, we recommend Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Liquid Perfector. It makes your skin perfect again as the brand name suggested — liquid perfector. Again, it contains one unique ingredient Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids that balances the skin microbiome.
Specifications:
- Volume: 20ml
- Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruth-12, Sodiroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruct, Sodium Eyroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Fruct, Coccinia Indica Fruth-12, Sodiroxyeth, Cocos Extract Pore, Phragmites Communis Extract, Citric Acid, Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol
- Country of Origin: Indonesia
Pros:
✅ Four times acne combats
✅ Balances skin microbiome
✅ Suitable for teenagers
Price: RM44.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Garden of Wisdom Salicylic Acid 2% Serum
We all know large pores and blackheads are a pesky issue to deal with, and that is when you need Garden of Wisdom Salicylic Acid 2% Serum. This Salicylic Acid is far from harmful and irritating with its minimalist ingredients. Also, it is lightweight and fast-absorbing with the spring water.
Specifications:
- Volume: 20ml
- Ingredients: Propanediol, Spring Water, Salicylic Acid 2.0%, Dehydroxanthan Gum
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Pros:
✅ Certified 100% natural and organic ingredients
✅ Lightweight and fast absorption
✅ Minimalist ingredients
Price: RM52.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
With the compiled list provided and the comprehensive information, do you feel more confident with your skin yet? Acne, blackheads, breakouts, and clogged pores will be none of your concerns anymore with Salicylic Acid serum on hands. After all, this superhero serum renews your skin.
However, here are a few things you need to bear in mind while using Salicylic Acid.
- Amount
You should use Salicylic Acid in moderation until your delicate skin can tolerate it. Forasmuch, you should apply it two to three days a week and take note of how your skin reacts. Then, increase the frequency from time to time.
- Sunscreen
Once again, Salicylic Acid is an active ingredient and it can be unstable while it is exposed to sunlight and it might affect your skin. Sunscreen can be your protective umbrella for your skin.
- Avoid using it together with Retinol
Retinol is another super-strong active ingredient that is a powerful ingredient for anti-ageing. If you layer it with Salicylic Acid, there’s a high chance your skin will break out and cause irritation.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
