How to choose a 2% BHA (salicylic acid) serum

For oily or combination skin, look for a leave-on serum with 2% salicylic acid (BHA), a full ingredient list you can read, and a size that lasts. Then begin once a day in the evening for the first week, with moisturiser after and SPF in the daytime, and apply twice daily after that if your skin feels comfortable.

Five things to check

Strength: 2% is the common strength for leave-on salicylic acid exfoliants.
Leave-on or rinse-off: a cleanser is washed away, while a leave-on serum stays on your skin.
Skin type: BHA is oil-soluble, which is why it is usually suggested for oily and combination skin. If your skin is only dry, choose something else.
What else is in it: read the full ingredient list, not only the headline ingredient.
Size: compare the price per ml, not only the price per bottle.

How the Glowness 2% BHA Serum fits

Glowness is a 50 ml leave-on exfoliant with 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, made for oily and combination skin*. Alongside the BHA it contains chamomile and calendula extracts, aloe vera juice, D-panthenol (vitamin B5) and horse chestnut seed extract. The full list is in our ingredients guide.

Who should skip it

Skin that is only dry.
Pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to salicylic acid: consult your GP or pharmacist before use.
Anyone using prescription retinoids or isotretinoin: ask your prescriber, GP or pharmacist before adding a BHA.
Children.

Start slowly

Whichever serum you choose, patch test it first, then follow its own directions. For Glowness: Begin once a day (evening) for the first week and then apply twice daily if skin feels comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

What strength of salicylic acid should I look for?

2% is the common strength for leave-on salicylic acid exfoliants.

Is a BHA serum good for oily skin?

BHA is oil-soluble, so it can work inside oily pores, which is why it is usually suggested for oily and combination skin.

How big is the Glowness bottle?

50 ml.

Where can I buy Glowness?

On glowness.co.uk and on Amazon UK.

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum (50 ml) is a leave-on exfoliant with 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, made for oily and combination skin*.

*Based on a 28-day dermatologist-assessed study of 20 women aged 18-35 when used as part of a skincare routine. Individual results may vary.