Salicylic acid is an ingredient in some nonprescription acne treatments. When you apply it to your skin, it dries up whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. It also causes the top layer of your skin to peel.

Products that contain salicylic acid may cause tingling and a mild redness of the skin. Use them less often if you notice that your skin becomes very red or very dry.

You'll find salicylic acid in products such as Stridex pads, Oxy deep pore-cleaning pads, Clearstick, and Noxzema pads.