What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). The Glowness 2% BHA Serum contains 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, which the product page says helps clear pore build-up and helps reduce the look of blemishes for smoother skin.

Salicylic acid is a BHA

BHA is short for beta hydroxy acid. In the Glowness 2% BHA Serum, the BHA is salicylic acid: the product page lists "2% Plant-derived Salicylic Acid (BHA)".

How it differs from AHAs

A paper on salicylic acid as a peeling agent (Arif, 2015) puts it this way: "SA is a lipid-soluble agent, in contrast with the α-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid), and is therefore miscible with epidermal lipids and sebaceous gland lipids in hair follicles." SA is salicylic acid; α-hydroxy acids are AHAs.

What it does in the Glowness 2% BHA Serum

In the words of the Glowness product page:

Helps clear pore build-up and helps reduce the look of blemishes for smoother skin.
Plant-derived 2% BHA helps clear built-up oil and dead cells for visibly tighter-looking pores.

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

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*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.

Where the Glowness salicylic acid comes from

Salicylic acid can come from plants, and the same paper notes: "However, SA can also be synthesized artificially." The salicylic acid in the Glowness 2% BHA Serum is plant-derived, so it is of natural origin.

If you are looking for a face peel

A face peel and a leave-on serum are different products used in different ways. The Glowness 2% BHA Serum is a leave-on serum: the product page directions say "Dispense 2-3 drops of Glowness Serum onto your fingertips, then gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions. Do not rinse."

Strength is the other difference. A paper on salicylic acid as a peeling agent (Arif, 2015) describes the strengths used: "The standard procedure for chemical peeling with SA involves use of a 20% or 30% SA formulation in an ethanol base." The Glowness serum contains 2% plant-derived salicylic acid. For what that number means, see what 2% means on a label.

The same paper says: "The ability of salicylic acid to exfoliate the stratum corneum makes it a good agent for peeling." That describes peeling at those strengths, not this product. For how the leave-on formats differ, see BHA liquid exfoliant, serum or scrub.

How to use the Glowness 2% BHA Serum

Follow the directions on the pack. Patch-test before first use: see how to patch test a new skincare product.

Cleanse: start with a fresh, clean face.
Dispense 2-3 drops of Glowness Serum onto your fingertips, then gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions. Do not rinse. Avoid eye contour, lash line, and eyelids.
Allow the serum to absorb for 15-20 minutes. For best results, follow up with a moisturiser.
Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

What else is in it

Alongside 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, the Glowness 2% BHA Serum contains chamomile and calendula extracts, aloe vera juice, D-panthenol (vitamin B5), horse chestnut seed extract and niacinamide. Every ingredient is in our full ingredient list guide.

Using it with other products

We make no pairing recommendation for retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or benzoyl peroxide. See what you can mix with salicylic acid. For more on BHA and AHA, see BHA for oily and combination skin.

Warnings (from the product page)

External use only. Patch-test before first use. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if you experience irritation; rinse skin and discontinue use. Consult a physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or allergic to salicylic acid. Not to be used for children under 3 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

Sources

Salicylic acid as a peeling agent (Arif, 2015), read 31 Oct 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is salicylic acid a BHA?

Yes. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).

What does the Glowness 2% BHA Serum do for pores?

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum helps clear pore build-up and helps reduce the look of blemishes for smoother skin. Plant-derived 2% BHA helps clear built-up oil and dead cells for visibly tighter-looking pores.

Where does the salicylic acid in Glowness come from?

It is plant-derived, so it is of natural origin.

How often can I use salicylic acid?

For the Glowness 2% BHA Serum, follow the directions on the pack. For any other product, follow its own directions.

Can I use the Glowness 2% BHA Serum when pregnant?

Consult a physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or allergic to salicylic acid.

Do I need SPF with the Glowness 2% BHA Serum?

Yes. Use SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

Is the Glowness 2% BHA Serum a face peel?

No. It is a leave-on serum. The product page says "Do not rinse."

What strength is used for a salicylic acid peel?

A paper on salicylic acid as a peeling agent (Arif, 2015) says: "The standard procedure for chemical peeling with SA involves use of a 20% or 30% SA formulation in an ethanol base." The Glowness serum contains 2% plant-derived salicylic acid.