The reference-standard 2% salicylic acid exfoliant — formulated at the pH range where BHA actually works (3.2–4.0), with green tea for antioxidant support. Unclogs pores, softens blackheads and smooths texture. The reason so many other BHA products are compared to this one.
What this is good for
✓ Great forAcneRough TextureOiliness
⚠ Skip ifPregnancySensitive skinDamaged barrierVery dry skin
Ingredient stack
Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.
Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on.
position-estimated %★ brand-disclosed %1% regulatory line
What's actually doing the work
Salicylic Acid
BHA / Beta Hydroxy Acid
Acid
The only BHA widely used in skincare and the gold standard for acne and congested skin. Oil-soluble — penetrates sebum-filled pores to dissolve plugs and exfoliate pore walls. Dual surface + pore-level action uniquely effective for blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne. At 0.5–1% in cleansers it provides daily maintenance without irritation.
Green Tea Extract
EGCG / Epigallocatechin Gallate / Camellia Sinensis
Botanical
Rich in catechins, primarily EGCG — a potent free-radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and mild androgen receptor inhibitor relevant to sebum reduction. Topical EGCG reduces sebum, calms inflammatory acne, provides UV photoprotection, and inhibits MMP activity that degrades the dermal matrix.
Routine placement
Evening only
Similar on the shelf
Put this in context
Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.