Salicylic Acid Sprays - Benefits, How to Use & Best Brands

So here’s the thing: I had no idea Salicylic Acid Sprays were a thing until I came across one from Paula’s Choice. Quite by accident, too!

Now, hear me out. This is genius! If you’re like me and you get acne in some hard-to-reach places (not all of us can be flexi-lexies), then this will be a game changer for you.

Take a look at what I found!

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What Is A Salicylic Acid Body Spray

A Salicylic Acid Body Spray is basically a salicylic-acid-based product for your skin that comes in an aerosol can that you can spray onto your skin.

Most of them will contain the same ingredients as regular salicylic acid serums and lotions, but because of their formula, a few of the ingredients might differ. It will be thinner (very liquid) so that it can spray out of the can as a mist.

Benefits Of Using Salicylic Acid Sprays

Easy to use

Less messy
You can get product onto hard-to-reach places
Applies in a thin layer

Dries quickly and is easily absorbed into the skin because of how thin the formula is
Great for use on skin or acne lesions that are tender (painful to rub lotions or serums over)

Can salicylic acid sprays help with bad odor?

Yes. Since the salicylic acid formula will still be effective against bacteria, which will help to lessen and prevent odor.

However, you cannot use salicylic acid sprays as deodorants. This will not be effective. It can help to control bacteria growth in sweaty places, but it will not prevent sweating. You will still need to shower and use antiperspirant.

I do not recommend using salicylic acid sprays on your underarm or skin every day unless you have an acne problem. While doing so might help with bacteria, it will also probably irritate your skin.

If you are using it to help with odor, I recommend using it 1-3 times a week and that you wash it off after a few minutes to avoid irritation. If your skin can tolerate it, however, you can leave it on. But make sure you moisturize well.

Click here to read all about Salicylic Acid For Dark Underarms & Odor: What to Know

How To Use Salicylic Acid Sprays

Different brands will come with their own instructions. But generally, here is how you use Salicylic Acid Sprays:

Cleanse your skin and make sure it is dry.

Shake the container well
Hold the container about 6-8 inches away from the skin and spray a thin layer onto the area
Allow the area to air dry for about 60 seconds before getting dressed or putting other products over it

Moisturize your skin well afterwards
Always apply sunscreen over the areas where you applied the spray (and everywhere in general!)

How often can you use salicylic acid sprays?

Salicylic Acid sprays can be used on troubled skin daily if necessary.

However, if you do not have acne-prone skin or if you have very sensitive skin, you should not use this every day. You may need to play around with the frequency until you achieve a routine that will not irritate your skin.

Where should you and should you not use Salicylic Acid Sprays?

You can use salicylic acid sprays on your back, underarms, tummy, legs, and even your buttcheeks.

You should not use these sprays around your groin or private areas. I also do not recommend using it on your face. This is because the mist is harder to control than a serum or lotion on your face and it can easily get into your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Best Salicylic Acid Sprays To Use

1- Paula’s Choice Acne Body Spray

The active ingredient in this Paula’s Choice spray is 2% salicylic acid. It also contains tons of other ingredients to help calm the skin and soothe redness.

But the bottle is also so easy to use, it can even be held upside down! So you can really reach all the places that you need to reach.

Paula Acne Spray is my favorite and for me, it worked really well to treat my acne. You can click here to view Paula’s Choice Acne Body Spray on Amazon.

2- Differin Acne-Clearing Body Spray

Differin Acne Body Spray has 2% salicylic acid which treats acne, and 3% glycolic acid with 2.5% witch hazel which exfoliates and reduces surface oil on the skin.

Now I found that Differin’s Spray does work well to treat acne but it can be a bit harsh on your skin. I suspect this is because it contains both glycolic acid and salicylic acid. So you need to ensure you moisturize well when using it.

What I like is that the bottle comes with a 360° continuous twist-lock spray that dispenses a super-fine mist and works from any angle.

You can Click here to see the Differin Acne-Clearing Body Spray on Amazon.

3- Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Spray

What I love about Naturium Body Spray is that not only does it contain salicylic acid but it also has niacinamide, vitamin C, and many other great ingredients that treat acne, brighten the skin, and soothe inflammation.

It can be used daily and comes with a spray 360 nozzle design that can be used at any angle.

You can Click here to view the Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Spray on Amazon.

Side Effects Of Using Salicylic Acid Sprays

Like other salicylic acid products, the possible side effects of using salicylic acid sprays include:

Irritation
Dryness
Skin Purging

If you experience irritation (itching, hives, inflamed bumps, redness, swelling) or dryness (dry, tight, itchy, flaky skin), then wash the product off your skin and seek medical attention right away.

However, skin purging is normal when using salicylic acid. It usually resolves in a few weeks and is part of the process of treatment with salicylic acid. Check out this article to learn all about Skin Purging from Salicylic Acid: How to Spot & Treat.

Make sure that you are also not allergic to any of the listed ingredients in the formula, including salicylic acid. If you are allergic to anything listed, you should not use the product.

Another way to avoid side effects is to make sure that you are using salicylic acid the right way. That is the right concentration, the right frequency, and the right formula for your skin. Your dermatologist will be the best person to help guide you with this. Click here to read about 7 Reasons Salicylic Acid Can Make Acne Worse & What to Do.

Finally, and as usual, I recommend patch-testing the product on a small area of skin before spraying it all over your body or on large areas of skin.