Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum
A body serum designed to target blemish-prone skin, smooth uneven texture, and improve the look of congestion on the body.
A useful body-acne option for people who want a dedicated treatment for rough texture and breakouts beyond the face.
People know The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution works on the face and want the same BHA approach for their body. The body serum format makes it practical for back, chest, and shoulder coverage without the mess of a liquid or the cost of buying multiple face-product bottles.
Post-shower on dry body skin, before body moisturizer. Morning use on exposed areas requires SPF. Evening application is often more practical for back and shoulder areas.
Anyone who deals with chest or back breakouts, rough upper-arm texture (keratosis pilaris), or post-gym congestion who wants a dedicated BHA treatment that isn't just decanting face serum onto their body.
If used without moisturizer. Salicylic acid is drying, especially over large areas. A good body lotion or oil after is not optional — it prevents the over-drying that causes more breakouts and irritation.
Reduce to 2x per week, apply a thicker body moisturizer immediately after, and skip any exfoliating body scrubs until skin settles. BHA over large areas can stress the skin faster than expected if overused.
- A rich body lotion or body oil immediately after — essential to prevent over-drying
- SPF on exposed chest and shoulder areas in the morning
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution on the face for a consistent BHA approach across the whole body
Best For
- Body acne
- Rough body texture
- Congestion on chest/back/shoulders
- Keratosis pilaris
- Smoother-looking skin
How to Use
Apply to clean, dry body skin after shower — focus on blemish-prone or rough areas (chest, back, shoulders, upper arms). Follow with moisturizer. Use SPF on exposed areas in the morning.
Key Ingredients
Exfoliates inside pores, dissolves the debris and sebum that cause congestion, reduces blackheads and whiteheads, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, fades hyperpigmentation, and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.
Draws moisture to the skin, helps maintain hydration, and reinforces the skin barrier.
Attracts and retains moisture, soothes irritated skin, supports barrier repair, and improves skin texture and softness.
Ingredients to Note
May be a concern for some skin types. Tap to learn more.
May be a concern for some skin types. Tap to learn more.
Full Ingredient List
About This Product
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum brings BHA exfoliation to the body in a lightweight, easily applied serum format. At 0.5% — lower than the face serum — it is formulated to account for the larger surface area and the generally more tolerant nature of body skin, while maintaining an effective concentration for addressing keratosis pilaris, chest and back blemishes, and rough patches on shoulders and upper arms. Salicylic acid penetrates the pore lining and dissolves excess sebum, making it specifically suited to blemish-related congestion rather than just surface exfoliation. The body serum format makes it practical for larger areas.