Garden of Wisdom Skincare's Salicylic Acid Serum is an excellent choice for those looking to step away from Butylene and Propylene glycols in their skincare routine. This serum is alcohol-free and contains 2% salicylic acid, which helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and breakouts. Customers have reported that this serum is gentle on the skin and helps to reduce redness and inflammation. Additionally, this serum is formulated with Zemea™ Propanediol, the First Non-Petroleum-Based Glycol for Personal Care Formulations. 100% Corn derived, revolutionary in the skincare world, and luxurious with a non-sticky feel. The pH of this formula is 3.3
Beta Hydroxy Acids (salicylic acid) can penetrate the pore to help clear away dead skin cells within the pore. Beta Hydroxy Acids are less aggressive than alpha hydroxy acids, but we still advise caution.
Method of Application If you are new to acids, use every three days. In total, exfoliate no more than 3 to 4 times per week.
Use on clean skin (skin can be dampened with hydrosol, toner or fruit mists, or it can be dry). Apply a few drops with clean fingertips or a brush designed for acids, then wait 20 minutes before using any other products. The acid will self neutralize and then you can continue with your routine.
The exception to the 20 minute wait rule is if the acids are very uncomfortable. If so, rinse immediately and build up a tolerance to the acids over about a month's time, increasing the length of time every few days. Acids, however, are not meant to be comfortable as they are a remodeling tool.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Shipping Transit Note: Some customers have asked whether products can be affected by time in transit, especially during warmer months. Our products are formulated and preserved to remain stable during normal shipping times and should not spoil simply from being in transit.
That said, if you are concerned about heat exposure, you are welcome to add an ice pack to your order for extra peace of mind. Click here to add an ice pack.
My skin is both reactive and acne-prone. Stuff like Stridex pads are too drying, and I reacted to something in the gentler CosRx blackhead power liquid. So it's nice to have a simple product with a short ingredients list! If my skin has decided to play nice with it by the time I finish the sample, I will buy a full size.
Hi Beans
We’re so glad this has been a comfortable fit for your skin so far. We know how challenging it can be to find something that works well for both reactive and acne-prone skin without causing dryness or irritation.
Simple, gentle formulations are something we care deeply about, so it means a lot to hear that your skin is responding well.
We hope it continues to treat you kindly, and we’d love to be part of your routine if you decide to move to a full size.
Markey
M
Meredith B.
Wonderful, gentle serum for acne
I absolutely love GoW's Salicylic Acid 2% (Alcohol Free) serum. On my skin, it prevents/reduces acne in the gentlest way possible - it's calming, moisturizing, and reduces redness, all while keeping my pores clearer.
Meredith ☺️
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot to us.
We’re especially grateful you noticed how gentle this serum feels. Creating formulas that support clearer-looking skin without unnecessary irritation has always mattered deeply to us, and it’s comforting to hear that your skin experienced that balance.
Thank you for trusting us with your skin and for choosing to spend your hard-earned money with
Garden of Wisdom. We don’t take that lightly, ever.
Warmly,
Markey
Garden of Wisdom
J
Jessica Mann
Fantastic serum
Where would I be without this serum? It keeps me clear and doesn’t cause any irritation to my eczema-prone skin. This is a must-have.
Jessica
Thank you for your positive feedback!
PS- your lead in line is fantastic We absolutely love to hear that the Salicylic Acid 2% Serum has been a game-changer for your skin. We always strive to provide effective and gentle products for our customers, and we're glad to know it has helped with your eczema.
Thank you for making us a must-have in your skincare routine!
Your GoW Team
T
Tera Buerkle
My favorite Salicylic Acid product
I have been using this for years. It's my current favorite. It's gentle and use it on my face and body. It is sticky after immediate application but this seems to decrease with absorption after an hour. I have found other Salicylic Acid products to be sticky too.
Tera,
Thank you for your continued trust in our Salicylic Acid 2% (Alcohol-Free) Serum over the years. We're delighted to hear it's your favorite and that its gentle formulation suits both your face and body. Regarding the stickiness you've noticed post-application, this is a common characteristic among salicylic acid products. To mitigate this, applying a moisturizer after the serum can help reduce the tacky feeling.
We appreciate your feedback and are here to support your skincare journey.
L
Lauren Becker
good, simple stuff
I’ve ordered this many times because I wanted something that has as few ingredients as possible. Tried another few-ingredients product recently that’s available in stores becuse it’d be more convenient for me to pick up & BAM! Bad reaction. Reordered this & went back to using it once the reaction cleared up.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We are happy to hear that our Salicylic Acid 2% Serum has been a reliable and simple option for you. We understand the importance of minimal ingredients and we're glad it has worked well for you. We're sorry to hear about your reaction to the other product you mentioned, and we're glad our serum was able to help clear it up. Thank you for your continued support!
This is delightful. I think it was on sale or I got a.sample to try and loved it. One thing to note: it smells lovely but does not smell like mango. I misunderstood that the first time I ised it. It light, rich, absorbs easily, and leaves no weird texture afterwards. A very lovely experience.
🌼🌼🌼 Thank you for your lovely review! We're glad you enjoyed the cream and its texture. We'll keep in mind your note about the scent. Hope you continue to love it!
The Mango you are referencing is the Mango Butter as we don't use fragranced oils in our products. We can add some scents just contact us privately as we have essential oils and blends that you may enjoy.
Thank you, again,
Your GoW Team ᵗʰᵃᶰᵏᵧₒᵤ! ✌︎㋡
Just coming to the page to repurchase. This product is great for my sensitive skin--keeps it clear without burning.
Hi there! We're so glad to hear that LactiSen Gel 2% works well for your sensitive skin.
Thanks for your continued trust in Garden of Wisdom Skincare and our Team! 😊
Love the scent and makes skin soft and smooth when used with amla oil on face.
Hi Maria ᵗʰᵃᶰᵏᵧₒᵤ! ✌︎㋡
We're happy to hear you love the scent and how it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Your GoW Team 😊
Love this new formula with the frankincense so much that I had to get the larger size! I've been using hyaluronic acid plus squalane oil as a moisturizer because I couldn't find a moisturizer that didn't irritate my face or make it drier. I like that this balm has a few simple amazing ingredients with no added fragrance or preservatives. It doesn't irritate my skin or flare up my rosacea. This is the only moisturizer that has actually provided hydration for my skin. I use a small dab at night so the product lasts for many months and leaves my skin with a healthy glow.
Hi Teresa, your review truly makes us smile. I always read reviews out loud and I know the staff here is very proud of their work. Knowing this facial balm works so well for your skin is awesome to hear! Thank you for sharing your experience and for being a loyal customer.
Wishing you continued glowing skin!
Your GoW Team ˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🪷⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖ ִֶָ
This is delightful. I think it was on sale or I got a.sample to try and loved it. One thing to note: it smells lovely but does not smell like mango. I misunderstood that the first time I ised it. It light, rich, absorbs easily, and leaves no weird texture afterwards. A very lovely experience.
Flirty Mango Body Cream
Anonymous
Just coming to the page to repurchase
Just coming to the page to repurchase. This product is great for my sensitive skin--keeps it clear without burning.
LactiSen Gel 2%
Cynthia Wells
I love this product
I love this product.Leaves your skin clean and it doesn’t feel stripped.
Skin Friendly Cucumber Cleanser
Mar
Love the scent and makes skin soft and smooth
Love the scent and makes skin soft and smooth when used with amla oil on face.
Hyssop Blossom Hydrosol
Ladylailey
My face loves this facial balm !!
Love this new formula with the frankincense so much that I had to get the larger size! I've been using hyaluronic acid plus squalane oil as a moisturizer because I couldn't find a moisturizer that didn't irritate my face or make it drier. I like that this balm has a few simple amazing ingredients with no added fragrance or preservatives. It doesn't irritate my skin or flare up my rosacea. This is the only moisturizer that has actually provided hydration for my skin. I use a small dab at night so the product lasts for many months and leaves my skin with a healthy glow.
This is still my favourite cleanser after many many bottles! It never fails. So gentle it Doesn’t leave my skin dry yet still is cleansing and refreshing - my go to!
Soothing Cleansing Gel 100% Soap Free
Anonymous
Awesome
I really love this product, I am 44 and it has helped the area around my eyes and around my mouth. My skin appears firmer. Only problem is it is always sold out when I go to order more!
Neurophroline® Skin Stress Serum
Anonymous
Honestly so impressed with this gel
Honestly so impressed with this gel. Very hydrating and non irritating for sensitive skin.
Encapsulated Glacier Water Hydrating Gel
Christine Rabena
A product that really works!
In my 70yrs still having breakouts, trying EVERYTHING!!! Prescription and over the counter. This is the 1st product I’ve ever used, that really works!! Will definitely reorder and recommend!
Thanakha Blemish Clearing Tonic
Sarah Dawson
Such a lovely oil!
Such a lovely oil!
It glides on so smoothly, feels like a substantial oil without leaving me greasy, and I love that it has a mild color so I can put it on directly. I live in the Southwest so it’s so fun to use the oil from a plant that I see around me all the time! Thank you Garden of Wisdom for being the oasis in the desert and delivering such wonderful products!
Prickly Pear Seed Oil - The Secret to Timeless Radiance