As someone that loves anything beauty and skincare, I am always on the lookout for new stuff to try out not just for myself but also so that I can plug you to the good stuff! On my most recent skincare adventure, I started using a new set of products from Neutriherbs specifically for acne control with the star ingredient being Salicylic Acid (an active ingredient known for its effect on acne-prone skin).
The Science Behind Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark, and it boasts of some remarkable properties that are able to transform acne-prone and congested skin. At the heart of its effectiveness lies its lipophilic nature, meaning it’s oil-soluble. This unique feature enables it to penetrate deep into the pores, where it gets to do the following:
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid works its magic by loosening and breaking apart the bonds between skin cells, promoting gentle exfoliation. Unlike physical exfoliants, which can be abrasive, salicylic acid works from within, encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells. This process leaves your skin smoother and more radiant.
Unclogging Pores
For people with acne-prone or congested skin, clogged pores are often the root of the problem. Salicylic acid’s oil-soluble nature allows it to penetrate sebum-filled pores, effectively dissolving the gunk within. As it unclogs these pores, it reduces the formation of blackheads/whiteheads and also excess oil.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a common feature of acne, causing redness and swelling. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin by reducing redness and swelling. This makes it an excellent choice for managing the overall appearance of acne.
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Now that we know a bit more about the active ingredient, let’s dive straight into the details!
The Salicylic Acid Trio
Neutriherbs Salicylic Acid Purifying Gel Cleanser
Cleansing is the first step for every skincare routine and for me it is important that whatever cleanser I use does its job effectively without causing any irritation to my skin.
It had a lightly viscous consistency and I really liked the fact that only a little bit of the cleanser could go a long way.
Claims by the brand
This salicylic acid cleanser gently removes makeup and eliminates excess oil while lightly clearing dead skin cells and keeping skin smooth, soft, and shine-free. Ideal for oily/acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients
- 0.2% Salicylic Acid: Helps prevent clogged pores that can cause breakouts.
- Tea Tree: This essential helps alleviate acne-causing bacteria.
- Gentiana Scabra Root Extract: Has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces allergic reactions.
- Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract: Improving rough skin and reducing excess oil on the skin’s surface.
How to use
- Apply generously to fingertips and using circular movements, gently massage onto face and neck
- Rinse your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry
- Use day and night but you can reduce frequency if your skin isn’t tolerant
- Do not use together with other topical acne medications as dryness/irritation is more likely to occur
My experience
I used it once daily, and occasionally twice, both morning and night, without experiencing any stinging or unusual sensations on my skin. My skin did feel a bit dry after each use but it was nothing too dramatic. However, after a while, I had to stop using this cleanser because I noticed a change in my skin’s texture – it felt and looked a bit rougher.
Neutriherbs Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Clay Mask
Let me begin by saying that before this product, I had never tried a clay mask. It was my first time having something like this in my routine and I was very excited to try it out! 
It also came in a tube with a flip top cap and had a thick consistency like a sort of paste. It also had these tiny grey/brown particles in it which I am guessing is walnut powder, one of the key ingredients in this product.
Claims by brand
Our Salicylic Acid Clay Mask For Pore Purifying is enriched with biodegradable micro beads, Niacinamide and skin clearing Salicylic Acid can efficiently eliminate dead skin cells, impuritie and help tackle acne-prone skin. It gently yet thoroughly cleanses and exfoliates skin to reveal a clearer, more even-toned and textured complexion.
Key Ingredients
- 0.5% Salicylic Acid: visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and oily skin, Banish blackheads, blemishes and breakouts. Exfoliates dead skin cells while unclogging and clearing pores.
- Walnut Powder: small particles of walnut shell penetrate deep into pores, neutralizing and discharging pore impurities, leaving pores clear and soothed and skin hydrated and smooth.
- Hyaluronic Acid: natural moisture factor that replenishes water to your skin and repairs damaged skin.
- Tea Tree Oil: natural plant compounds, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects and help reduce acne-causing bacteria.
How to use
- Apply a generous, even layer to a well cleansed face and neck
- Leave on for 5 minutes to maximize the detoxifying benefits
- Rinse with warm water and gently pat skin dry
- Do not use together with other topical acne medications as dryness/irritation is more likely to occur
My experience
I used this product once in a week and I honestly didn’t have any expectations because I had no prior experience with using a clay mask. Shortly after applying it on my face, the product dried up and became powdery like chalk or something similar. After rinsing it off, my skin felt a bit dry but then again this product was made to reduce excessive oil (which I don’t have) so it made sense why. For people with oiler skin types, their experience will likely be different.
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Neutriherbs Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Serum
The third and final salicylic acid product in this routine was the exfoliating serum. I hadn’t used an exfoliating serum since my ‘The Ordinary’ Mandelic acid serum!
It came in a transparent traditional serum bottle with a dropper for easy application. The serum itself was almost colourless and just a little bit thicker than water.
Claims by brand
With an enhanced formulation of 2% BHAs and Glycolic Acid, salicylic acid serum can stimulate cell renewal while fighting acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Camellia Japonica and tea tree extracts soothe and calm redness and irritated skin.
Key Ingredients
- 2% Salicylic Acid+Glycolic Acid: visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and oily skin, Banish blackheads, blemishes, and breakouts. Exfoliates dead skin cells while unclogging and clearing pores.
- Tea tree oil: natural plant compounds, has antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects and help reduce acne-causing bacteria.
- Camellia Japonica: have an anti-oxidative effect, removes oxygen-derived free radicals, and prevents acne and inflammation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: natural moisture factor that replenishes water to your skin and repairs damaged skin.
How to use
- Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product
- Apply a small dot directly on spots for visible improvement or apply a small amount over the face to maintain visible clarity with continued use. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes
- Use 1-3 times a week or as needed for acne control
- If bothersome dryness, irritation or peeling occurs, reduce usage to once a week
- Do not use together with other topical acne medications as dryness/irritation is more likely to occur
My experience
Serums typically contain higher concentrations of an active ingredient and this one wasn’t an exception. I used this serum not more than twice weekly and only at night. It didn’t sting and easily absorbed into my skin making it really easy to use.
Hydration and Balance
Even though the brand (Neutriherbs) tried to incorporate hydrating agents in some of these salicylic acid products, it still wasn’t enough for me. I decided that I needed a really good moisturizer to balance things out. For this reason, I added the Neutriherbs 4D Hyaluronic Acid Gel Moisturizer.
Neutriherbs 4D Hyaluronic Acid Gel Moisturizer
The first thing that caught my eye was the beautifully designed packaging, and then, of course, I was immediately drawn to the luxurious texture of the moisturizer itself. Plus, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid? Count me in!
It came in a green round travel-size container and the product itself had this light gel texture which I really liked.
Claims by brand
Neutriherbs 4D hyaluronic acid face cream contains four types of Hyaluronic Acid, each with different molecular weights. It actively targets the three layers of skin (the epidermis (top layer), dermis (the second layer), and the subcutaneous fat (bottom layer)), building up and forming a three-dimensional network and accurately targeting the different layers of the skin to replenish water from outside and hold water from the inside, to provide deep, long-lasting hydration and plumping. In this way, skin is moisturized and hydrated completely and improves in elasticity directly from within.
Key ingredients
- Ultra-High Molecular Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer): forms a protective dense film on the skin surface, reducing the water loss from inside the skin while also providing 24h moisturization and anti-pollution/anti-UV abilities.
- Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate): holds water on the skin’s surface, nourishing the corneum.
- Adsorptional Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate): firmly adheres to the stratum corneum, providing superb hydration and repairing the damaged corneum.
- Extremely Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid (Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate): rapidly penetrates into the epidermis and dermis, hydrating and restoring the skin from within.
- Panthenol: Binds to and holds water in the skin, moisturizing and leaving it soft, smooth, and supple.
How to use
- Apply appropriate amount and rub gently to the whole face and neck, until the gel moisturizer has been fully absorbed by the skin
- The cream should be used twice daily, in the morning and evening
My experience
Like I mentioned already, the major reason I got this moisturizer was for balance and to just avoid any form of drying on my skin. Did it get the job done? Absolutely. I also liked the fact that it did have a greasy or oily finish and it gets absorbed very easily into the skin.
Final Verdict
Since I don’t have severe acne, I can’t claim that my skin was transformed or anything like that. However, based on my experience with using salicylic acid in skincare, I’ve usually notice its effects during my monthly PMS. I usually have breakouts at that time of the month and good salicylic acid products usually take care of that for me.
As you can see, I did experience a minor breakout, primarily on my chin and near my forehead. However, considering this is not typical for me, it’s safe to say the product worked well overall.
N.B – Always wear sunscreen when using salicylic acid as it increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight
Cocoa Vanilla
thanks for reading Tracy!
yayy love this! thanks for reading Susan!