What is the primary action of salicylic acid in acne-prone skin?

• A. Humectant
• B. Keratolytic exfoliant
• C. Sunscreen
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (B)

Salicylic acid works mainly as a keratolytic exfoliant. It is oil-loving, so it penetrates into clogged, oily follicles and helps loosen the intercellular “glue” that binds dead skin cells together. By promoting shedding inside the pore, it prevents and reduces comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and helps keep pores clearer. This pore-clearing action also lowers the amount of debris that can irritate surrounding tissue, which can lessen acne inflammation. It’s not a humectant, which would primarily attract moisture; nor is it a sunscreen. Vitamin C provides antioxidant and brightening effects, not the primary acne-targeted action of dissolving connected skin cells in the follicles.