These days, beauty consumers are increasingly mindful of what they put on their skin. With an overwhelming amount of information available online, it’s essential to sift through the noise and trends to find what genuinely works. Transparency is key, and people are prioritizing products that are effective, scientifically backed, and can deliver real results. And right now, salicylic acid is the ingredient on everyone’s radar.
Salicylic Acid Is the Most Searched Skincare Ingredient of 2024
According to search data from Foundation, a digital marketing agency specializing in beauty, haircare, and skincare e-commerce, salicylic acid has emerged as the most searched skincare ingredient of 2024. Garnering a staggering 60,500 average monthly searches, it’s been featured in some of the year’s most popular products, cementing its place as a skincare must-have.
What's Salicylic Acid?
For those with oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is a game changer. Renowned for its powerful exfoliating properties, it works to target acne, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. The result? Brighter, smoother skin that looks and feels refreshed.
SHOP: Skincare Products with Salicylic Acid
Cerave SA Cleanser
The best thing about Salicylic Acid is that it's a chemical exfoliant. That means, no more relying on those harsh microbeads that can scratch and create micro-tears on your skin to unclog your pores. Salicylic acid breaks down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together offering a more gentle and non-irritating way to smoothen and brighten your skin, making cleansers such as the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Renewing SA Cleanser, P1570, CERAVE, Watsons
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
If you struggle with blackheads and pores, this Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula's Choice will help you get rid of those pesky excess oils and dead skin while simultaneously shrinking the size of your pores and smoothing out your skin.

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, P2300, PAULA'S CHOICE, paulaschoice.ph
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Aside from its 2% Salicylic Acid, this mask from The Ordinary also contains clay and charcoal that helps further draw out facial impurities that clog the pores, leaving your skin feeling cleansed and refreshed.

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, P1099, THE ORDINARY, lookatme.com.ph
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti Imperfections Moisturiser
A multitasking moisturizer that not only deeply hydrates the skin but also reduces blemishes? Yes please! This Effaclar Duo+M Anti Imperfections Moisturiser from La Roche Posay is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin types. Its lightweight, gel-cream texture absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving none of that sticky or oily residue.

Effaclar Duo+M Anti Imperfections Moisturiser, AUD 37.95 (approx. P1,452.83), LA ROCHE POSAY, laroche-posay.com.au
ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads Acne Treatment
These ZO Oil Control Pads make incorporating salicylic acid into your skincare routine a breeze. Simply take one of the pads after cleansing and gently rub them onto your face and neck. It even includes mandelic acid and glycolic acid, two alpha hydroxy acids that help increase hydration and increase firmness, while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

ZO Oil Control Pads Acne Treatment (60 pads), P5000, ZO SKIN HEALTH, Available at Belo
Coming in second to salicylic acid is retinol and its derivatives (such as tretinoin and retinoic acid). This multitasking hero ingredient addresses a range of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and pigmentation, earning an impressive 49,500 average monthly searches.
Here are the rest of the skincare ingredients dominating search trends:
Top 10 Most Searched Skincare Ingredients in Google
- Salicylic acid 60,500
- Retinol and Retinoids 49,500
- Hyaluronic Acid 49,500
- Niacinamide 40,500
- Vitamin C 40,500
- Glycolic Acid 40,500
- Peptides 18,100
- Ceramides 5,400
- Squalane 4,400
- Bakuchiol 4,400
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