Ingredients · Exfoliating acids
Salicylic Acid살리실릭애씨드
살리실릭애씨드sal-li-sil-lik-ae-ssi-deu
On a Korean label: 살리실릭애씨드 = Salicylic Acid — BHA.
What it is
The best-known BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Korean rules limit how it can be used, which is why many Korean “BHA” products contain little of it.
On a Korean label
Written 살리실릭애씨드. Fronts of packs say BHA. Betaine salicylate is 베타인살리실레이트.
Korean rules
- Limit: As a preservative, up to 0.5% (as salicylic acid). Other uses — up to 2% in face and body cleansers (such as foam cleansers, body washes and soaps) and 3% in rinse-off hair products — are allowed only when it is the active ingredient of a functional cosmetic. It may not be used in products marketed for babies or children aged 13 and under (shampoo excepted). Its salts, such as betaine salicylate (베타인살리실레이트), fall under the same rule, counted as salicylic acid. (화장품 안전기준 등에 관한 규정)
- Label caution: Leave-on products with salicylic acid or its salts must warn: do not use on children aged 3 and under (화장품 사용할 때의 주의사항 및 알레르기 유발성분 표시에 관한 규정).
Questions
Why do Korean BHA toners have so little salicylic acid?
Korean safety rules cap salicylic acid at 0.5% as a preservative; higher levels are allowed only as the active of a functional cosmetic (face and body cleansers 2%, rinse-off hair products 3%).
What is 살리실릭애씨드?
Salicylic acid, a BHA.
Sources
- Korea Cosmetic Association — ingredient dictionary (대한화장품협회 성분사전)
- Regulation on Cosmetic Safety Standards (화장품 안전기준 등에 관한 규정), as listed in the KCIA dictionary
- Regulation on cautions for use and allergen labelling (화장품 사용할 때의 주의사항 및 알레르기 유발성분 표시에 관한 규정), as listed in the KCIA dictionary
Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change — the official texts above are the final word.