Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to gently clarify and refine the skin’s surface. It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping them lift away more easily, while also working within pores to remove buildup that can lead to rough texture or congestion.
In Soft Touch, salicylic acid plays a key role in supporting a smoother, more consistent skin feel. Used before showering, it helps clear away surface buildup and refine texture — leaving the skin fresh, balanced, and better prepared to absorb hydration.
How Salicylic Acid Works
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate through the skin’s natural oils to reach deeper layers of the surface. Once there, it helps to loosen and lift dead cells that may be trapped in pores or clinging to the outermost layer of the skin.
By promoting a gentle exfoliation process, salicylic acid helps refine roughness and reduce the feeling of congestion. The result is skin that feels smoother, clearer, and more even to the touch.
In Soft Touch, salicylic acid works alongside glycolic acid for a balanced, multi-level exfoliation — addressing both surface and deeper layers of buildup. This pre-shower application allows the active ingredients to do their work before being rinsed away, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed.
The Benefits:
✨ Refined Texture
Helps remove dead surface cells and buildup, improving the feel of the skin’s surface.
✨ Clarity and Balance
Works within pores to clear congestion, supporting a fresher, more balanced complexion.
✨ Smoother Skin
Encourages even exfoliation for a consistent, smooth finish without harsh scrubbing.
✨ Pre-Shower Preparation
In a rinse-off format, it provides effective exfoliation that leaves skin ready to absorb moisture.
✨ Supports Renewal
Promotes a regular cell turnover cycle, helping maintain skin that feels soft, fresh, and healthy.
The Science Behind Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark and belongs to the beta hydroxy acid family. Its oil-soluble structure allows it to penetrate through the lipid layer of the skin’s surface, targeting buildup both on and below the surface.
Once applied, it helps to dissolve the keratin plugs that can lead to rough texture and clogged pores. This action supports a smoother, more even skin surface and helps maintain clarity over time.
When paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and exfoliants like glycolic acid — as in Soft Touch — salicylic acid delivers an effective yet balanced exfoliation. The result is skin that feels smooth, refreshed, and comfortable after every use.
The Nerdy Stuff – Clinical Studies of Salicylic Acid
Kligman, D. (1996). The effectiveness of salicylic acid in exfoliation and surface renewal. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 5(2), 120–127.
This study showed that salicylic acid effectively promotes exfoliation within the skin’s outer layers and helps maintain a smooth, even surface without significant irritation.
Borelli, C., et al. (2015). Effects of salicylic acid-based exfoliants on skin texture and clarity. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(4), 345–352.
Participants using salicylic acid formulations experienced noticeable improvements in texture refinement and clarity, with enhanced comfort and reduced surface buildup over time.
The Verdict: A Clear Step Toward Smoother Skin
Salicylic acid is a trusted exfoliant for achieving smoother, more refined skin. In Soft Touch, it works as part of a balanced pre-shower formula to lift away buildup and support clarity — leaving the skin fresh, comfortable, and ready to soak in hydration.
She’s the steady refiner — quietly clearing the way for softer, balanced skin that feels clean and renewed after every rinse.
