In the world of skincare, few ingredients are as universally recognized as salicylic acid. In fact, in the skincare category, salicylic acid is one of the most searched words online this year. Salicylic acid is found in everything from acne treatments to exfoliating cleansers, praised for its ability to unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and promote smoother skin. And while salicylic acid has certainly earned its place in mainstream skincare, we wanted to dig deeper to see if there are any concerns from a holistic perspective.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) originally derived from willow bark. It penetrates deep into the skin’s pores, dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells. In the skincare industry, salicylic acid is now almost entirely produced synthetically (source), resulting in a “chemically identical” form of the acid — which, of course, is not the same as willow bark from the living tree species.
Why People Use Salicylic Acid
Unclogs pores: By softening and loosening the keratin plugs that block follicles.
Reduces breakouts: Its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and swelling.
Exfoliates skin: Smooths rough patches and supports skin renewal.
Affordable and accessible: Found in many over-the-counter formulations.
What To Ask When Considering Natural Versus Synthetic
At what cost does an ingredient’s benefit come in regard to the skin’s long-term vitality?’
What is the risk of toxicity or adulteration if the ingredient is produced in an industrial setting?
What hidden substances are involved in synthesizing and manufacturing the ingredient that doesn't appear on the label — such as solvents, processing aids, substrates, agricultural inputs, heavy metals, or undisclosed fragrance components (including “proprietary blends” that may contain phthalates — chemicals originally developed for plastics but also used to help carry fragrance)?
How well does the body process the ingredient when it is no longer in its natural matrix or when it has been recreated in a lab as a synthetic analog?
The Holistic Perspective
While salicylic acid may deliver quick visual improvements, over time it can disrupt the skin’s microbiome and natural balance. Isolated compounds like this are designed to perform a single task—such as breaking down dead skin—but they often ignore the skin’s larger ecosystem. Whole-plant extracts, by contrast, contain a rich spectrum of nutrients, antioxidants, and co-factors that work together to calm inflammation, nourish the skin barrier, and support long-term resilience. Instead of forcing change, they encourage balance.
Here are some concerns we consider with salicylic acid:
Disruption of the skin barrier: Overuse can compromise the protective mantle of the skin, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, or rebound oiliness. (source)
Depletion of vitality: Skin may appear "clear," but not necessarily radiant. The living forces of the skin—its warmth, tone, and luster—may become dulled by aggressive treatments. (source)
Lack of wholeness: The isolated compound lacks the balancing forces present in whole-plant preparations, which contain a symphony of phytochemicals that work synergistically with the body. (source)
A Slower, Deeper Beauty
Skincare isn’t just about symptom management. It’s about cultivating wellness and beauty from the inside out. Instead of stripping or forcing, at Be Here Farm + Nature we aim to support the skin’s own renewal process — with help from timeless friends like oil, tallow, botanicals, earth, honey, beeswax, salt, and patience… the time required to treat yourself right.
Natural Alternatives to Salicylic Acid
Natural alternatives offer gentle exfoliation and soothing care without stripping or irritating the skin. Whole-food ingredients bring a range of beneficial compounds that support the skin’s natural barrier, calm inflammation, and help maintain healthy balance. At Be Here Farm + Nature, we create offerings designed to work with your skin’s own rhythms, promoting lasting health and resilience instead of quick, aggressive fixes.
For those seeking natural alternatives to salicylic acid, consider our gentle yet effective solutions:
Wet Mask - Superfood Honey Mask
Our superfood honey mask is one of the world’s gentlest and most effective exfoliants. The enzymes in raw honey — supported by powerful, time-honored botanicals infused in biodynamic olive oil — gently dissolve dead skin while offering antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant support.
Dry Mask - Superfood Clay Mask
A clarifying clay, mushroom, and botanical blend featuring freshwater pearl powder, wild pine pollen, and he shou wu. Dry Mask is deeply detoxifying, cleansing, and polishing. Just add water (or one of our Hydrating Essences) and blend to your desired consistency.
The Super Mask - Combining Wet + Dry
Fans already know: one part Dry Mask + one part Wet Mask = The Super Mask — the best of both worlds in one transformative treatment.
We invite you to explore these natural alternatives to salicylic acid — and let us know how they feel on your skin! Head to our shop now!