Overview
Both aspirin and Salicylic Acid are derivatives of the bark of the White willow tree and have a long tradition of being used as a healing balm. Salicylic Acid produces many of the same astringent and analgesic effects as aspirin, and therefore has recently become a leading ingredient in acne-treatment formulas. Since Salicylic Acid’s origin is much more natural than Benzoyl Peroxide, most medical professionals now prefer Salicylic Acid over other treatments.

Salicylic Acid has been found to be one of the most effective treatments for acne, since it clears clogging particles out of the pores and eliminates many of the blemishes caused by an acne infection. It also encourages the natural skin cell replacement process, whereby old and dead skin is removed to make way for fresh and young skin cells, which are fresh and devoid of acne. Most over-the-counter products with Salicylic Acid contains between 0.5% and 2.0% solution. Scientists have found that the best acne treatments contain Salicylic Acid at its maximum strength concentration of 2.0%, which will treat even the most stubborn forms of acne. 

Pros
- Treats acne and clears pores without drying or irritation

- Superior to other acne-treatments, including Benzoyl Peroxide

- At a strength of 2.0%, can treat even the most stubborn forms of acne

Cons
- Very few products contain Salicylic Acid at 2.0% concentration - most only use 0.5%

Summary
Since Salicylic Acid is far superior to other active ingredients for treating acne, including Benzoyl Peroxide, we strongly believe that every acne-treatment system should contain this ingredient at its maximum strength concentration at 2.0%. Unfortunately, only a few formulas use this concentration, so you may have to search for products on this site to find the right one. But once you do, the research team at ClearSkinReviews.com feels confident that Salicylic Acid will help clear acne and soothe even the most severe types of blemishes within just a few days.