Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum
2% Salicylic Acid is the maximum cosmetic use concentration and the most clinically tested level for acne and blackhead clearing. Unlike many Indian BHA products that use lower concentrations, this is at full potency. pH is publicly disclosed - an important transparency win. This is a leave-on, not a wash-off - the extended contact time is what delivers the exfoliation benefit. Introduce slowly if your skin is new to acids.
- Oily and acne prone skin
- Enlarged pores and uneven texture
- You have reactive or sensitised skin
- You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin
₹522 · ₹17/ml • Analysed 20 May 2026
Salicylic Acid is particularly effective for acne-prone oily skin types common in India's tropical climate. The oil-soluble BHA penetrates sebum-blocked pores better than water-based actives. Use with SPF during the day, both salicylic and glycolic acid increase photosensitivity. Avoid during monsoon season when skin barrier is often already compromised by humidity fluctuations.
This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
At a glance
What was checked
Each claim checked against publicly available evidence: published test reports, the ingredient list, and regulatory data.
The brand confirms 2% and the ingredient sits at a position consistent with the legal maximum for OTC leave-on cosmetics in India and the EU.
BHA at 2% is the most clinically tested concentration for unblocking sebum-blocked pores; the oil-soluble mechanism is well established in published literature.
Glycolic Acid (an AHA) appears at INCI position 5, before salicylic acid, making this a dual-acid product. The brand does not disclose the glycolic acid concentration or prominently communicate that AHA is present alongside the BHA.
No parfum, fragrance, or scent-use essential oils are listed in the published INCI.
Salicylic acid, Polylysine antimicrobial peptide, and EGCG anti-inflammatory are a credible acne-targeting combination; dual acid load warrants a patch test for beginners.
Score breakdown
How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyStrong44/50Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Salicylic Acid at 2% is the maximum concentration permitted for leave-on cosmetic use in both the EU and India. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no SLES, no formaldehyde releasers, no fragrance allergens. Glycolic Acid, an AHA, appears at position 5 in the ingredient list - before Salicylic Acid at position 7. This positioning indicates the formula contains a meaningful concentration of glycolic acid that the brand does not explicitly state, making this a dual-acid product rather than a single-BHA serum. This is important: combined acid load increases the risk of dryness, skin barrier disruption, and irritation, particularly for sensitive, eczema-prone, or already-compromised skin. This serum is not suitable for beginners without a gradual introduction.
Formula DesignExcellent18/20Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate into sebum-blocked pores - the mechanism that makes BHAs effective for blackheads and comedones.
Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate into sebum-blocked pores - the mechanism that makes BHAs effective for blackheads and comedones. Glycolic Acid at position 5 adds a surface keratolytic effect, improving skin texture and helping salicylic acid penetrate more effectively. Polylysine, a natural fermentation-derived antimicrobial peptide, targets Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside) from green tea provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. The glycolic acid concentration is not disclosed by the brand, which is a meaningful gap given that it appears at a significant position in the formula - and makes this a dual-acid product that consumers may not be aware of.
Test TransparencyExcellent18/20The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co and Salicylic Acid at 2% is brand-confirmed.
The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co and Salicylic Acid at 2% is brand-confirmed. However, Glycolic Acid appears at a functionally meaningful position in the list without any concentration disclosed - a significant gap given this makes the formula a dual-acid product. The formula pH is also not disclosed, which is material information for any acid-based product. No unsubstantiated marketing claims are made. No third-party clinical data has been published.
EthicsConcern4/10PETA-certified cruelty-free.
PETA-certified cruelty-free. Vegan. No synthetic fragrance or dyes. Indian brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets. Uses biodegradable chelating agents. Minimalist packaging. Independent verification of sustainable sourcing for palm-derived ingredients has not been confirmed.
Ingredient list
24 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Water/Aqua |
Methylpropanediol |
Butylene Glycol |
Ethoxydiglycol |
Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Salicylic Acid |
Glycerin |
Marrubium Vulgare Extract |
Show all 24 ingredientsShow fewer
Pentylene Glycol |
Polylysine |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside |
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Xanthan Gum |
Lecithin |
Sclerotium Gum |
Pullulan |
Phenoxyethanol |
Lactic Acid |
Isoceteth-20 |
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Oligopeptide-10 |
Sodium Hydroxide |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Claims check
Each marketing claim assessed against publicly available evidence
The brand confirms 2% and the ingredient sits at a position consistent with the legal maximum for OTC leave-on cosmetics in India and the EU.
Evidence visible
BHA at 2% is the most clinically tested concentration for unblocking sebum-blocked pores; the oil-soluble mechanism is well established in published literature.
Evidence visible
Glycolic Acid (an AHA) appears at INCI position 5, before salicylic acid, making this a dual-acid product. The brand does not disclose the glycolic acid concentration or prominently communicate that AHA is present alongside the BHA.
Missing
No parfum, fragrance, or scent-use essential oils are listed in the published INCI.
Evidence visible
Salicylic acid, Polylysine antimicrobial peptide, and EGCG anti-inflammatory are a credible acne-targeting combination; dual acid load warrants a patch test for beginners.
Evidence visible
2% Salicylic Acid is the maximum cosmetic use concentration and the most clinically tested level for acne and blackhead clearing. Unlike many Indian BHA products that use lower concentrations, this is at full potency. pH is publicly disclosed - an important transparency win. This is a leave-on, not a wash-off - the extended contact time is what delivers the exfoliation benefit. Introduce slowly if your skin is new to acids.
Full methodology
- What global regulations say about each ingredient
- What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
- What formula concentration context changes
- What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
- What the stated user group needs
- What published test evidence confirms
- What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports
