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Salicylic Acid for Clearing Clogged Pores


Salicylic Acid for Clearing Clogged Pores - RF

If you’ve dealt with clogged pores, uneven texture, or breakouts, salicylic acid is a clinically tested solution that delivers visible results. Known as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), it works below the surface to dissolve buildup, exfoliate gently, and help prevent acne. Its efficacy lies in precision: dissolving oil and debris where blockages start, leaving skin balanced, clear, and smooth.

Discover dermatologist-designed solutions powered by salicylic acid, shop Rodan + Fields regimens for visibly clearer, smoother skin today.

How It Works, Scientifically Proven Efficacy

Derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to reach deep into the pores, where other exfoliants can’t. This targeted penetration removes trapped sebum and dead skin cells, reducing congestion and helping calm redness associated with breakouts.

What You’ll Notice

BenefitHow It Supports Skin Health
Deep pore purificationPenetrates and dissolves buildup for clearer-looking skin
Oil balanceHelps control excess shine without stripping skin
Smoother surfaceVisibly refines uneven texture
Reduced rednessSoothes and calms irritation caused by acne, 
Prevented breakoutsKeeps new blemishes from forming while treating existing ones

How to Use It Effectively

A dermatologist-developed regimen starts with gentle consistency, never aggression. Use salicylic acid once daily, then increase gradually as your skin adapts.

Step-by-step approach:

  1. Cleanser: Choose a mild salicylic acid cleanser. Massage for up to two minutes, then rinse.
  2. Toner or Serum: Apply post-cleansing for deeper formula penetration.
  3. Moisturizer: Follow with a lightweight hydrator to protect the skin barrier from moisture loss.
  4. SPF: Always apply sunscreen daily to defend against increased sensitivity.

Salicylic Acid in a Rodan + Fields Routine

UNBLEMISH 30-Day Regimen

Clear Skin, Smooth Confidence Break up with breakouts, and address wrinkles! Our powerful 4-step UNBLEMISH Regimen targets adult acne while visibly minimizing fine lines, pores, and uneven texture for clearer, smoother, younger-looking skin.

Recommended Usage: Twice daily, morning and evening.

DETAILS

What’s Included:

  • Unblemish Refining Acne Wash — 65 mL / 2.2 fl oz
  • Unblemish Clarifying Toner — 60 mL / 2 fl oz
  • Unblemish Dual Intensive Acne Treatment — 2 × 10 mL / 2 × 0.33 fl oz
  • Unblemish Invisible Matte Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 — 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz

What It Is: A dermatologist-inspired, gentle yet highly effective skincare system designed to fight both acne and the visible signs of aging. It clears existing blemishes, prevents future breakouts, and improves the look of pores, firmness, and tone.

Why You’ll Love It: This routine removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities while exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal a clearer, refined complexion. Plus, it hydrates and smooths the look of fine lines, perfect for adults managing both acne and aging skin concerns.

Item Number: UNRG30D

KEY CONCERNS

Adult Acne + Blemishes • Excess Oil • Uneven Tone + Texture • Clogged or Enlarged Pores • Blackheads

SUITABLE FOR

All skin types

KEY BENEFITS

  • Reduces and prevents breakouts
  • Removes excess oil + deep cleans pores
  • Exfoliates dead skin for smoother texture
  • Minimizes the look of fine lines + enlarged pores
  • Helps balance the skin’s barrier

POWERFUL INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid – Gently exfoliates + clears congested pores. Hyaluronic Acid – Deeply hydrates + visibly firms skin. 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide – Fights blemishes + prevents new breakouts. Ceramides – Support the skin barrier + lock in moisture.

RESULTS

Based on an 8-week clinical study*:

HOW TO USE

Use twice daily (AM + PM) — avoid the eye area.

Step 1: Cleanser – Unblemish Refining Acne Wash. Massage a dime-sized amount onto wet skin for 30–60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 2: Toner – Unblemish Clarifying Toner Swipe evenly over face using a cotton pad. Allow to dry before applying treatment.

Step 3: Treatment – Unblemish Dual Intensive Acne Treatment Dispense 1–2 pumps into hand and blend evenly over the face.

Step 4 (AM Only): Moisturizer + SPF – Unblemish Invisible Matte Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Apply a dime-sized amount to face and neck. Reapply every 2 hours when exposed to sunlight.

UNBLEMISH Regimen

Clear your skin and restore youthful smoothness with this powerful 4-step, 60-day skincare regimen designed to target both adult acne and visible signs of aging. This dual-action system helps prevent breakouts while minimizing the look of pores, refining texture, and reducing fine lines for a balanced, radiant-looking complexion.

Recommended Usage: Use twice daily, morning and evening.

DETAILS

What It Is:


A gentle yet effective daily skincare system that addresses two top skin concerns — acne and aging. It works to clear and prevent blemishes while improving uneven skin tone, restoring firmness, and refining overall texture.

Why You’ll Love It:

This multi-benefit regimen deeply cleanses to remove dirt, oil, and impurities while preventing new breakouts from forming. At the same time, it smooths fine lines, minimizes enlarged pores, and supports a firmer,healthier-looking complexion.

Item Number: HUNRJ001

KEY CONCERNS

Adult Acne + Blemishes • Excess Oil • Uneven Tone + Texture • Clogged or Enlarged Pores • Blackheads

SUITABLE FOR

All skin types

KEY BENEFITS

  • Reduces acne and prevents new breakouts
  • Removes dirt, oil, and dead skin for clearer pores
  • Smooths and refines uneven texture
  • Minimizes the look of fine lines and enlarged pores
  • Supports the skin barrier for long-lasting hydration

POWERFUL INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells and clears clogged pores.
Hyaluronic Acid: Provides deep hydration while visibly firming the skin.
2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide: Targets acne-causing bacteria to treat and prevent blemishes.
Ceramides: Supports the skin barrier and lock in essential moisture.

Discover Also:

SPOTLESS 30-Day Regimen

Knock Out Acne! Give acne the ultimate 1-2 punch with our powerful 2-step SPOTLESS Regimen, designed specifically for teens and young adults. This award-winning routine clears existing blemishes, prevents new breakouts, and keeps shine under control thanks to our breakthrough BPO₂ Technology.

DETAILS

What’s Included:

  • Spotless Daily Acne Wash — 65 mL / 2.2 fl oz
  • Spotless Acne Clearing Treatment — 2 × 10 mL / 2 × 0.33 fl oz

What It Is: A dermatologist-designed acne routine for teenage and young adult skin. This 2-step system works to eliminate blemishes, unclog pores, and control excess oil, leaving skin clearer, smoother, and more balanced.

Why You’ll Love It: Consistency is key, and this daily acne treatment delivers fast, visible results. It helps reduce redness and discomfort while restoring confidence with a cleaner, healthier-looking complexion.

KEY CONCERNS

Teen + Young Adult Acne • Blemishes • Breakouts

SUITABLE FOR

All skin types

KEY BENEFITS

  • Clears acne and prevents new breakouts
  • Deep cleans pores and removes impurities
  • Controls excess oil and reduces unwanted shine
  • Promotes a smoother, healthier-looking complexion

INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT

Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Delivers oxygen deep into pores to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce pimples from Day 1.

BOOST YOUR SAVINGS + RESULTS

SPOTLESS 60-Day Regimen Save 20% when you purchase the complete 60-day set instead of buying products individually.

HOW TO USE

Use once daily, avoiding the eye area. Gradually increase to twice daily (AM + PM) as tolerated. If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce to once daily or every other day.

Step 1: Cleanser – Spotless Daily Acne Wash Wet skin with lukewarm water. Apply a thin layer and gently massage for 90 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 2: Treatment – Spotless Acne Clearing Treatment Dispense 1–2 pumps into your palm. Apply evenly over the affected area — do not rinse.

New to SPOTLESS? [View the Ramp-Up + Usage Guide ]

⚠️ Warning: Wash hands after use to avoid bleaching fabrics. Apply sunscreen before sun exposure. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

SPOTLESS Regimen

Defeat Breakouts Fast!

Give acne the ultimate 1–2 punch with our SPOTLESS 2-Step Regimen, designed specifically for teens and young adults. This dermatologist-developed, 60-day supply helps clear existing blemishes, prevent new breakouts, and control oil + shine with our breakthrough BPO₂ 

Technology — for visibly clearer, more balanced skin every day.

Typical Use: Twice daily, morning and evening.

DETAILS

What It Is:

A simple yet powerful 2-step skincare system that deeply cleans pores, eliminates acne, and balances oil production. Ideal for young, breakout-prone skin, this routine keeps your complexion fresh, smooth, and shine-free.

Why You’ll Love It:

Consistent use helps reduce redness, shrink blemishes, and calm irritation — all while improving your overall skin clarity. Gain confidence and comfort with our award-winning acne treatment that delivers fast, visible results.

Item Number: UNRS001

KEY CONCERNS

Teen + Young Adult Acne • Blemishes • Breakouts

SKIN TYPE

Suitable for all skin types

KEY BENEFITS

  • Clears acne and prevents future breakouts
  • Deep cleans pores and removes impurities
  • Reduces excess oil + shine for a matte finish
  • Promotes a clearer, healthier-looking complexion

HERO INGREDIENT

Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%

A scientifically demonstrated acne fighter that delivers oxygen deep into pores to eliminate acne-causing bacteria starting on Day 1.

HOW TO USE

Use once daily, avoiding the eye area. Gradually increase to twice daily (AM + PM) as tolerated.

If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce to once a day or every other day.

Step 1: Cleanser – Spotless Daily Acne Wash

Wet skin with lukewarm water.
Apply a thin layer and massage for 90 seconds.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 2: Treatment – Spotless Acne Clearing Treatment

Dispense 1–2 pumps into your palm.
Apply evenly to the affected area — do not rinse.

New to SPOTLESS? [View the Ramp-Up + Usage Guide]

⚠️ Warning: Wash hands after application to avoid fabric bleaching.

If exposed to sunlight, apply sunscreen afterward.
If irritation or sensitivity occurs, stop use and consult a doctor.

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Shop All Skincare

How It Compares with Other Acids

Acid TypePrimary RoleSkin Focus
AHA (Glycolic, Lactic)Exfoliates surface cells for radianceDull, uneven skin tone
BHA (Salicylic)Clears pores below the surfaceOily or breakout-prone skin

Expert Guidance

  • Apply salicylic acid on clean, dry skin to enhance absorption.
  • Avoid layering with strong actives like retinol or benzoyl peroxide in the same routine.
  • Stay consistent for at least 3–6 weeks for visible improvement.
  • If dryness occurs, pair with a hydrating serum from the Rodan + Fields collection.

Ready to see consistent results? Explore clinically tested acne treatments from Rodan + Fields and start your journey to balanced, radiant skin.

Limited-Time Offer: Free full-size product with any $199+ order. Shop Now


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