What is the main ingredient in many acne-fighting products?

Salicylic acid is widely recognized as a principal ingredient in many acne-fighting products due to its unique properties that specifically target acne. It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to exfoliate the skin and dissolve the excess oil that can lead to acne formation. Salicylic acid helps to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts, making it particularly effective for those with oily and acne-prone skin types.

While glycolic acid and lactic acid are also forms of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can aid in skin exfoliation and overall skin texture improvement, they primarily work on the surface of the skin and do not penetrate as deeply as salicylic acid. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is primarily known for its hydrating properties rather than for targeting acne, as it focuses on retaining moisture in the skin rather than addressing breakouts directly. This unique action of salicylic acid makes it the go-to choice for formulating products intended to combat acne effectively.