Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is an effective ingredient for treatment of acne-prone skin. It is a particularly effective ingredient that fights the causes of blemish-prone skin: blocked pores and bacterial growth. It is an antibacterial ingredient with an exfoliating and comedolytic effect: it  counteracts Cutibacterium acnes, a bacteria that can trigger acne outbreaks, it dissolves & removes dead skin and opens up clogged pores and softens the skin to even prevent blocked pores. This small lipophilic acid penetrates into pores for deep pore cleansing. Overall, it improves the appearance of the skin: it reduces blemishes and prevents them from re-appearing.