Salicylic Acid vs Glycolic Acid: Which Works Best for Body Acne?

Body acne is frustrating, especially when it shows up on your back, shoulders, chest, or butt. It often feels more stubborn than facial acne, and no matter how many scrubs or body washes you use, the bumps just don’t go away.

That’s where exfoliating acids like Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Glycolic Acid (AHA) step in. They’re powerful ingredients that clear clogged pores, smooth skin, and prevent new breakouts  but they actually work very differently.

In this guide, we’ll break down each one so you can pick the best solution for your specific type of body acne.

What Causes Body Acne?

Body acne behaves differently from facial acne because the pores on our body are larger and produce more oil, especially on the back and chest. Add sweat, friction, and bacteria, and you get the perfect environment for clogged pores and inflammation.

Major triggers include:

• Sweat + tight clothing (hello, gym acne!)
  

• Excess oil production
  

• Dead skin buildup
  

• Bacterial imbalance
  

• Hormones
  

• Improper cleansing after workouts
  

This is why regular exfoliation is key. It removes dead skin, keeps pores clear, and reduces the chance of new breakouts forming.

Meet the Acids: Salicylic vs. Glycolic

Both ingredients are chemical exfoliants but belong to different families:

Simply put:

• Salicylic acid targets inside the pores.

• Glycolic acid works mainly on the skin’s surface.

How Salicylic Acid Works for Body Acne

Salicylic acid is a powerful beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil, dead skin, and buildup ,making it one of the most effective solutions for active body breakouts. 

It not only unclogs pores but also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and reduce swelling. Because it helps regulate excess sebum, salicylic acid is perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, especially on the back and shoulders where oil glands are more active. 

A 2% concentration is considered ideal for body care, offering strong acne-fighting benefits without overwhelming the skin. If your breakouts are triggered by sweat, humid weather, or friction from tight clothing (like backpacks or sports bras), salicylic acid can help both treat and prevent future acne from forming, making it a go-to ingredient for gym lovers and anyone dealing with persistent body acne.

How Glycolic Acid Works for Body Acne

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane, known for having the smallest molecule size in its category. This allows it to absorb efficiently into the skin and accelerate cell turnover, making it a powerful resurfacing ingredient. 

It works primarily on the skin’s surface to smooth rough, bumpy texture, fade dark spots and acne marks, and boost overall radiance and evenness. Glycolic acid is especially helpful for concerns like dull skin, post-acne pigmentation, and persistent rough patches on areas such as the arms, legs, and buttocks. 

For body care, 5–10% is ideal for beginners, while 10–15% offers more intensive resurfacing for noticeable results. If your main struggle is the look and feel of your skin rather than active pimples, including Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin) or ingrown bumps. Glycolic acid is the exfoliant to count on for smoother, clearer, and more even-toned skin.

Which Is Better for Body Acne?

The best acid depends on your skin concern: