Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide: The Best Duo for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin

Oily, blemish-prone skin is not one problem. It is two problems running in a loop. Excess sebum accumulates inside the pore. Dead skin cells build up around it. That combination creates congestion - blackheads, whiteheads, active blemishes. You address the blemishes. The pore fills back up. The cycle restarts. If you have been managing this pattern for years and feel like you are always one step behind your own skin, that is precisely why.

Most single-ingredient routines fall short here. Not because the ingredient does not work, but because it is only solving part of the problem. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is oil-soluble. It dissolves into sebum and exfoliates from inside the pore - clearing the congestion that is already there. Niacinamide, the active form of vitamin B3, works upstream at the sebaceous gland level, reducing how much oil the skin produces in the first place. Different mechanisms. Different targets. Shared outcome: clearer, more balanced, more manageable skin.

This blog covers everything you need to know about using these two ingredients together. Not sure if you have oily skin? Find out your skin type here. If you already know oily and blemish-prone skin is your concern, then keep reading - because we are going to walk through how each ingredient works at a biological level, why the clinical evidence supports their combination, exactly how to layer them correctly, and a complete AM and PM routine built around two core products: the Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£12) and the 10% Niacinamide Serum (£10).

No fluff. No overclaiming. Just the science, the routine, and the proof.

Salicylic Acid for Blemish-Prone Skin - The Science Behind the BHA

The reason salicylic acid is so consistently recommended for oily and blemish-prone skin is not trend or marketing. It comes down to a single, decisive chemical property: salicylic acid is oil-soluble. That distinction changes everything about how it functions compared to other exfoliating acids - and understanding it helps explain why it works where others fall short.

Most exfoliating acids are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) - glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid. These are water-soluble, which means they work on the surface of the skin. They are excellent for smoothing texture, addressing dullness, and improving the appearance of dry or ageing skin. But for oily and blemish-prone skin, the problem is not primarily at the surface. The problem is inside the pore. That is where salicylic acid goes.

As a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), salicylic acid dissolves into sebum and travels directly into the follicle. Once inside, it works through three distinct mechanisms. First, it acts as a keratolytic agent - breaking the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and encouraging their natural shedding. When those bonds stay intact, dead cells accumulate and mix with sebum to form blockages. Salicylic acid disrupts that process at the source. Second, it acts as a comedolytic agent - meaning it actively dissolves the sebum-and-dead-cell plugs that form blackheads and whiteheads. Comedones are not just surface-level imperfections; they are structural blockages within the pore itself. Salicylic acid targets and breaks them down. If you want to go deeper on this specific mechanism, read our dedicated guide: Salicylic Acid for Blackheads.Third, salicylic acid has genuine anti-inflammatory properties. It is derived from salicin, which shares a chemical relationship with salicylate compounds. This gives it a calming effect on the redness and swelling that accompanies active blemishes - not just clearing them, but reducing the inflammation that makes them visible and uncomfortable.

Beyond these three mechanisms, salicylic acid also provides mild antibacterial activity. By dissolving the sebum-rich, oxygen-poor environment inside the pore, it disrupts the exact conditions that blemish-causing bacteria rely on to thrive. This is not a replacement for targeted antibacterial treatments, but it adds a meaningful layer of protection as part of a broader blemish-management routine.

Wondering how salicylic acid compares to glycolic acid? Read Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: Which Is Right for Your Skin? - it covers the key differences in plain English so you can make the right choice for your skin.

The Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£12) delivers salicylic acid at a 2% concentration - clinically active and proven effective while remaining well-tolerated for daily use. The formulation also includes a zinc compound for additional oil control, and 0.5% allantoin, which soothes the skin during exfoliation and prevents the tight, stripped sensation some people associate with BHA use. The evidence backs this up: in an independent 4-week trial with 66 participants, 90% agreed their skin looked visibly clearer after just 3 days, 93% agreed their skin instantly looked less oily, and 92% agreed their skin did not feel tight or stripped. That last figure matters. Effective exfoliation should not come at the cost of comfort.

For those who want to take BHA further, the Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum (£10) is the leave-on upgrade. It uses the same 2% salicylic acid concentration, but the extended contact time allows for deeper pore clearance than a rinse-off cleanser alone. The BHA Serum is not a starting point - it is introduced after 2 to 4 weeks on the cleanser, once the skin has adjusted. This sequencing matters, and we cover it fully in the routine section below.

You can explore INKEY List’s full salicylic acid guide for a comprehensive deep-dive into the ingredient, or browse the Blemishes and Breakouts collection to see all relevant products in one place. And if you want to see what consistent salicylic acid use actually looks like over time, view the Salicylic Acid before and after results from real users.

Salicylic acid is the clearing agent. It addresses what is already inside the pore. But what stops the pore from simply filling back up once it has been cleared? That is where the second part of this combination comes in.

Niacinamide for Oily Skin - Regulating Oil at the Source

There is a fundamental difference between clearing a blocked pore and stopping it from blocking again. Salicylic acid does the first. Niacinamide does the second. Understanding that distinction is the key to understanding why these two ingredients, used together, achieve results that neither can match independently.

Niacinamide is the active form of vitamin B3, and it is one of the most thoroughly researched topical skincare ingredients available. Its safety profile is outstanding. It is non-exfoliating, non-irritating, and compatible with virtually every other ingredient and skin type. It is suitable for sensitive skin, pregnancy and breastfeeding safe, fragrance-free, and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin tones. In a skincare landscape full of active ingredients with long lists of caveats, niacinamide is notable for its near-universal suitability.

For oily and blemish-prone skin, niacinamide’s primary role is sebum regulation. Oiliness at the skin’s surface is not random - it is the result of overactive sebaceous glands. These are the small glands within the skin that produce sebum (the skin’s natural oil). For some skin types, these glands produce significantly more sebum than the skin can manage. The excess oil builds up inside the pore, mixes with dead skin cells, and creates exactly the conditions for congestion and blemishes. Salicylic acid clears the result of this process. Niacinamide addresses the process itself - working directly at the level of the sebaceous gland to reduce sebum excretion at the source.

At 10% concentration - as in INKEY’s 10% Niacinamide Serum (£10) - niacinamide delivers a measurably broader set of benefits beyond oil regulation alone. At this concentration, it visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores (which are directly related to excess sebum production and congestion), calms redness and swelling around active blemishes, and actively strengthens the skin barrier. A stronger skin barrier means the skin is better able to retain moisture, resist environmental stressors, and maintain balance - all of which contribute to less reactive, more resilient skin over time.

Niacinamide also plays a meaningful role in addressing what happens after a blemish clears. Post-blemish marks - the flat, darkened patches of discolouration left behind after a spot heals - are one of the most frustrating parts of blemish-prone skin. Niacinamide helps inhibit the transfer of pigment to the skin’s surface, which over time reduces the appearance of these marks. For a deeper understanding of why post-blemish marks form and how to treat them, read Salicylic Acid for Acne Scars: Does It Really Work? You can also read our guide to What is Hyperpigmentation? to understand how post-blemish marks fit into the broader picture of uneven skin tone.

The timeline for niacinamide is straightforward: oil control is typically noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use. More significant improvements - in blemish frequency, pore appearance, and the fading of post-blemish marks - are generally visible at 4 to 8 weeks of regular use. Patience matters here. Sebum regulation is a biological process, not an instant fix.

Critically, niacinamide does not exfoliate. It does not thin the skin. It does not create photosensitivity. It does not duplicate any part of what salicylic acid does. This non-overlap is not a coincidence of formulation - it is the reason the combination works so well. Two mechanisms, two distinct targets, zero redundancy.

Explore INKEY List’s niacinamide guide for a thorough breakdown of the ingredient and its broader applications, or browse the Excess Oil collection for all relevant products. For a more detailed look at how niacinamide helps blemish-prone skin specifically, read Does Niacinamide Help With Acne?

Each ingredient handles a different phase of the same problem. The next question is what happens when you combine them - and whether the clinical evidence supports what the biology predicts.

Why Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Work Better Together

Oily, blemish-prone skin presents two interconnected challenges, not one. The first is clearance - the pore has become blocked and that blockage needs to be dissolved and removed. The second is prevention - the sebaceous gland is overproducing oil, and without addressing that, the cleared pore will simply fill back up. Treating only clearance without prevention gives temporary results. Treating only prevention without clearance leaves existing congestion untouched. Neither approach alone constitutes a complete solution.

This is where the salicylic acid and niacinamide combination becomes something more than the sum of its parts. Salicylic acid handles clearance - dissolving inside the pore, breaking down dead skin cell bonds, and removing the plugs that cause blackheads and blemishes. Niacinamide handles prevention - regulating sebum production at the sebaceous gland, reducing the rate at which the cleared pore will be refilled. Together, they form a complete blemish management system that works across both phases of the cycle simultaneously.

The clinical evidence directly supports this pairing. A randomised controlled trial published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology evaluated the combination of salicylic acid with 10% niacinamide in people with blemish-prone skin. The results showed significant improvements with minimal adverse effects - meaning the combination was not only effective, but well-tolerated. This is meaningful because the concern with combining an exfoliating acid with any other active is always tolerability. This trial showed that the combination clears that bar comfortably.

A second study published via PubMed assessed a dermocosmetic formulation containing both salicylic acid and niacinamide. The findings went beyond active treatment - the formulation delivered meaningful improvement while being used, and significantly reduced relapse when used as a maintenance formula. That second finding is particularly important. It suggests that this combination does not just treat existing blemishes; it actively reduces the likelihood of them returning. Prevention embedded into the treatment phase.

Salicylic acid clears inside the pore. Niacinamide regulates the oil that fills it back up. Together, they are the definitive duo for oily and blemish-prone skin.

There is also a practical compatibility bonus worth noting. When introducing a leave-on BHA serum into a routine, some skin types experience mild sensitivity during the adjustment period - not damage, but a temporary heightened response as the skin adapts to exfoliation. Niacinamide’s barrier-strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties actively counteract this. The 10% Niacinamide Serum applied after the BHA Serum helps the skin feel calmer and more comfortable throughout the adjustment window - making the overall routine more sustainable from day one. INKEY’s salicylic acid guide identifies this pairing explicitly as the definitive duo for this skin type, and the clinical evidence reinforces exactly why.

The case for the combination is made. What comes next is the practical application - how to actually use these ingredients together in a way that is safe, effective, and easy to follow from day one.

How to Layer Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Correctly - Plus Your Complete AM and PM Routine

The Layering Logic - Order, Timing, and a Myth Worth Busting

The golden rule for layering salicylic acid and niacinamide is simple: apply salicylic acid first, niacinamide second. This applies whether salicylic acid is being used as a rinse-off cleanser or a leave-on serum.

When using the Salicylic Acid Cleanser as your BHA source, the layering question is almost moot - the salicylic acid is rinsed away before any other product is ever applied to the skin. There is no ongoing interaction to manage. The technique that matters here is timing: massage the cleanser into dry or damp skin for a full 60 seconds before rinsing. The exfoliation happens during that massage, not during the rinse. After cleansing and patting dry, apply the 10% Niacinamide Serum as the first leave-on step.

When using the Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum as a leave-on treatment, the sequence is: BHA Serum first, allow 1 to 2 minutes for absorption, then apply Niacinamide Serum. Sequential steps, not mixed application.

Now for the myth. You may have encountered the claim that niacinamide and acids should never be used together - the concern being that the combination produces niacin, a compound associated with flushing. This was a valid theoretical concern in older, higher-concentration formulations. In modern skincare at the concentrations used in products like these, it is not a clinically meaningful issue. Multiple dermatologists and independent researchers have addressed and largely dismissed this concern for contemporary skincare formulations. What matters is the sequential application described above - applying them in separate steps, not mixing them together in the palm of your hand. For more on when and how to get the most from niacinamide in your routine, read How and When to Use Niacinamide.

Frequency guidance:

• Salicylic Acid Cleanser: AM and PM, daily from day one.
• BHA Serum (leave-on): Start 2 to 3 nights per week. Build toward nightly use over 2 to 4 weeks as the skin adjusts.
• 10% Niacinamide Serum: AM and PM, daily. No gradual introduction required.

A note on purging: if you introduce the BHA Serum and notice an initial increase in blemishes during weeks 1 to 4, this is normal and temporary. Salicylic acid is surfacing existing sub-surface congestion faster than it would naturally appear. This is the ingredient doing its job, not a sign of a reaction. It is not a reason to stop. Always patch test any new product before full application.

Your Complete AM Routine for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin

1. Step 1 - Cleanse: Salicylic Acid Cleanser - £12 - massage onto damp skin for 60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Step 2 - Hydrate: Hyaluronic Acid Serum - £9 - apply to damp skin immediately after patting dry. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and holds it there without adding any oiliness. Learn more about how hyaluronic acid works to understand why this step matters even for oily skin.

3. Step 3 - Treat (optional for beginners): Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum - £10 - 1 to 2 drops, patted gently over the face. Introduce 2 to 3 mornings per week before building to daily use. Skip this step entirely for your first 2 to 4 weeks if you are new to BHA - the SA Cleanser alone is sufficient to start.

4. Step 4 - Regulate: 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10 - a pea-sized amount pressed evenly across the face and neck. Apply after the BHA Serum if that step is in your routine, or directly after the Hyaluronic Acid Serum if the BHA is not yet introduced.

5. Step 5 - Moisturise: Omega Water Cream - £11 - an oil-free, water-based moisturiser clinically proven to balance oil while deeply hydrating. It also contains 5% niacinamide within its own formulation, which compounds the oil-control benefit of the preceding serum step.

6. Step 6 - Protect: Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 - non-negotiable when any exfoliating active is in the routine. SPF is the single most important step for preventing post-blemish marks from darkening further. For a complete guide to SPF, read What is SPF? And for SPF advice tailored to oily and blemish-prone skin specifically, read Sunscreen for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin.

Your Complete PM Routine for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin

1. Step 1 - First Cleanse: Oat Cleansing Balm - £15 - massage onto completely dry skin. This first cleanse removes SPF, makeup, pollution, and surface impurities before the active cleanser is used. This is double cleansing - and it makes a significant difference to how effectively your BHA cleanser can work on already-clean skin. New to double cleansing? Read The Complete Guide to Double Cleansing.

2. Step 2 - Second Cleanse: Salicylic Acid Cleanser - £12 - 60-second massage on the now-clean skin. This is where the active BHA exfoliation happens without any barrier of SPF or makeup interfering.

3. Step 3 - Spot Treatment (as needed): Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches - £9 - apply directly onto any blemishes with a visible head, before applying any further products. These work best on bare skin with nothing underneath.

4. Step 4 - Treat: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum - £10 - 2 to 3 times per week to start. Build toward nightly use over 2 to 4 weeks as your skin adapts.

5. Step 5 - Regulate: 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10 - after the BHA Serum, or after cleansing if the BHA is not in the PM routine yet.

6. Step 6 - Moisturise: Omega Water Cream - £11 - even oily skin needs a moisturiser at night. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes in oily skin routines. Without moisture, the skin responds by producing more oil to compensate - which is precisely the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.

The Simplified Beginner Version - Start Here

If the full routine feels like too much to start with, begin here. This four-step approach is all you need for the first few weeks:

• AM and PM: Salicylic Acid Cleanser - £12
• AM and PM: 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10
• AM and PM: Omega Water Cream - £11
• AM only: SPF

This simplified version costs under £35 to build from scratch. The full AM and PM routine costs under £60 in total. If you want a broader introduction to building a skincare routine from scratch, read The Complete Skincare Guide. When you are ready to build out your routine, the Build Your Own Routine bundle builder lets you save up to 20%. Or if you are unsure where to start, the Skincare Quiz will give you a personalised product recommendation based on your specific skin concerns.

The routine is mapped. Now let us look at each product in detail - the formulations, the data, and exactly what each one contributes to the routine.

The INKEY List Products That Power This Routine

Every product recommendation in this blog is there for a reason. Here is the formulation detail and evidence behind each one.

Salicylic Acid Cleanser - £12 / 150ml

The Salicylic Acid Cleanser is rated 4.6 stars across 1,344 reviews, and it is the foundation of this routine for a reason. The formulation contains 2% salicylic acid at an active BHA concentration, a zinc compound that provides additional oil control beyond the BHA itself, and 0.5% allantoin - a soothing ingredient that actively counteracts any potential tightness or irritation during exfoliation. The allantoin is not a filler. It is why 92% of participants in an independent 4-week trial (66 people) agreed their skin did not feel tight or stripped. In that same trial, 90% agreed skin looked visibly clearer after just 3 days, and 93% agreed skin instantly looked less oily.

It is fragrance-free, pregnancy and breastfeeding safe, and Vegan Society certified. It can also be used on blemish-prone areas on the back and chest, not just the face - a detail that matters for anyone dealing with body blemishes as well. View the Salicylic Acid Cleanser before and after results to see real-world outcomes over time.

10% Niacinamide Serum - £10 / 30ml

The 10% Niacinamide Serum is rated 4.5 stars across 739 reviews and has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Stylist, and Glamour. At 10% concentration, niacinamide is clinically active for sebum regulation, pore refinement, blemish reduction, redness control, and post-blemish mark fading. The serum also contains hyaluronic acid, which provides lightweight hydration without contributing to oiliness - an important inclusion in a formula targeting oily skin.

It is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, pregnancy and breastfeeding safe, and fragrance-free. One important note on certifications: the 10% Niacinamide Serum contains one egg-derived ingredient and is therefore not certified vegan. If a fully vegan formula is required, the 20% Niacinamide Solution is the appropriate alternative.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum - £10 / 30ml

The Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum is the leave-on upgrade for those who have established the SA Cleanser in their routine and are ready for deeper pore clearance. Like the cleanser, it delivers 2% salicylic acid - but the extended contact time means the BHA has significantly longer to work within the pore. It also includes 1% low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and prevent any dryness associated with exfoliation. Dermatologically tested, pregnancy and breastfeeding safe, fragrance-free. Introduce this product 2 to 4 weeks after starting the SA Cleanser, beginning with 2 to 3 nights per week and building toward nightly use.

Omega Water Cream - £11 / 50ml

The Omega Water Cream is rated 4.4 stars across 1,817 reviews. It is oil-free and water-based - designed specifically for skin types that need serious hydration without any heaviness or added oiliness. Its key ingredients are a 0.2% ceramide complex (Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that directly support the skin barrier), 5% niacinamide (which means the moisturiser step itself contributes to oil regulation and blemish management, compounding the effect of the preceding serum), and 3% betaine for balance and comfort. Clinically proven to balance oil while deeply hydrating, this is the moisturiser step that makes the rest of the routine more effective - not an optional add-on.

Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches - £9 / Pack of 22

The Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches are clinically proven to visibly reduce breakouts in 4 hours (clinical study of 20 people). The formulation is built around 99% hydrocolloid, an absorbent material that creates a sealed environment over the blemish and draws out fluid, reducing the blemish faster than the skin would clear it naturally. Added to the base hydrocolloid are 0.4% salicylic acid and 0.4% succinic acid for active blemish-targeting within the patch, and 0.2% ectoin to calm the surrounding skin. They are ultra-thin and virtually invisible under makeup - which matters for daytime use. Apply them at the PM Step 3 position in the routine described above, directly on blemishes with a visible head, on bare skin before other products.

For a targeted all-in-one addition that addresses blemishes from multiple angles, the 360 Skin Clearing Serum (£16) is worth considering as a complementary step once the core routine is established.

The products are proven, the routine is mapped, and the formulations are clear. What remains are the questions that come up most often - answered directly.

Common Questions About Using Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Can you use salicylic acid and niacinamide together?

Yes. These two ingredients are complementary, not conflicting. They work on different parts of the skin’s blemish cycle and do not interfere with each other’s efficacy. The correct approach is to apply salicylic acid first - whether as a rinse-off cleanser or leave-on serum - and follow with niacinamide. This is not a combination to be cautious about. It is the combination specifically recommended for oily and blemish-prone skin.

Does niacinamide actually help with blemishes?

Yes - via three distinct routes. First, it regulates excess sebum production at the sebaceous gland, reducing the oil that causes pore congestion in the first place. Second, it calms inflammation and redness around active blemishes, making them less visible and more comfortable while they heal. Third, it helps fade the post-blemish marks left behind after a spot clears by inhibiting pigment transfer to the skin’s surface. For a detailed breakdown of the clinical evidence, read Does Niacinamide Help With Acne?

Can I use the Salicylic Acid Cleanser every day?

Yes. The Salicylic Acid Cleanser is formulated for daily AM and PM use. The rinse-off format provides controlled BHA exposure - active enough to deliver results, time-limited enough to be safe for daily use on most skin types. Sixty seconds of massage is the active exfoliation window. The rinse removes the product and ends that contact, making this a fundamentally different level of BHA exposure compared to a leave-on serum.

Will this combination dry out my skin?

No - not when the routine is followed as recommended. The SA Cleanser contains 0.5% allantoin specifically to prevent tightness. The Niacinamide Serum contains hyaluronic acid. Adding the Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£9) as a dedicated hydration step and finishing with the Omega Water Cream provides complete barrier support. The key message here: oily skin still needs hydration. Oil and moisture are not the same thing, and skipping moisturiser to “control” oiliness will make the skin’s oil production worse, not better.

Can salicylic acid cause purging?

Purging - an initial increase in blemishes during weeks 1 to 4 of introducing a leave-on BHA - is a recognised and normal response. Salicylic acid accelerates the rate at which sub-surface congestion reaches the surface and becomes visible. This means blemishes that were already forming beneath the skin appear faster than they otherwise would have. This is not an allergic reaction. It is not a sign the ingredient is wrong for your skin. It is temporary and resolves as the backlog of congestion clears. It is not a reason to stop.

How long before results are visible?

Results depend on the product and what you are measuring. For the Salicylic Acid Cleanser, 90% of trial participants agreed skin looks visibly clearer after just 3 days. For the Niacinamide Serum, oil control is typically noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks. Significant improvements in blemish frequency, pore appearance, and the fading of post-blemish marks are generally visible at 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use. Consistency is the variable that matters most.

Is this routine suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, with a gradual introduction. For sensitive skin, start with the SA Cleanser once per day in the PM only for the first 2 weeks, paired with niacinamide in the AM. Once the skin has adjusted and shows no signs of sensitivity, introduce the SA Cleanser in the AM and begin the gradual BHA Serum introduction as described above. Both the cleanser and the serum are fragrance-free and dermatologically tested. Always patch test any new product before applying to the full face. For a more personalised assessment of your blemish concerns, the Breakout Analyser Pro offers AI-powered analysis backed by dermatologists.

Can I use the BHA Serum and Niacinamide Serum in the same routine?

Yes. Apply the BHA Serum first. Allow 1 to 2 minutes for it to absorb. Then apply the Niacinamide Serum. The key principle is sequential application, not mixed application. These are two separate steps in the same routine, not two products to be combined in the hand and applied together. For broader routine-building guidance, read How to Build Your Skincare Routine and The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid.

The Case for This Duo - Clear, Simple, Evidence-Backed

Salicylic acid clears the inside of the pore. Niacinamide regulates the oil that fills it back up. That single distinction - one ingredient targeting the existing problem, the other managing the conditions that create it - is what makes this combination a complete blemish management system rather than a partial fix.

Neither ingredient is complicated. Neither requires a large budget. Both are exceptionally well-tolerated across a wide range of skin types, including sensitive skin, and both have a substantial body of clinical evidence behind them. They do not overlap, compete, or cancel each other out. They operate at different levels of the same biological process - which is precisely why using both produces results that using either alone cannot replicate.

Whether you begin with the simplified version - Salicylic Acid Cleanser and 10% Niacinamide Serum morning and evening, for under £35 - or build toward the full AM and PM routine over time, the approach is consistent. Ingredient-led skincare that works with the skin’s biology, not against it. The goal is not a complicated routine. The goal is a routine that works.

No complicated steps. No overcrowded ingredient lists. No BS. Just better skin.

Start Here - Shop the Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Duo

• The essentials: Salicylic Acid Cleanser - £12 and 10% Niacinamide Serum - £10
• Build and save: Build Your Own Routine - save up to 20%
• Not sure where to start? Take the Skincare Quiz for a personalised recommendation
• More complex concerns? Try the Breakout Analyser Pro - AI-powered and backed by dermatologists