Dr.Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad
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Key ingredients
Salicylic Acid 2% (BHA)
BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) at the maximum over-the-counter concentration of 2%. Oil-soluble, enabling it to penetrate through sebum into the pore lining where AHAs cannot reach — dissolving the keratin plug that causes blackheads and comedones, reducing excess sebum, and inhibiting the inflammatory pathway that leads to acne papules. Also has intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity, making it simultaneously exfoliating and soothing. The gold-standard active for congested, oily, and acne-prone skin.
Triple-Acid Exfoliant — BHA + PHA + AHA
Salicylic Acid (BHA) is joined by Lactobionic Acid (PHA — polyhydroxy acid) and Lactic Acid (AHA) for exfoliation across three acid classes. Lactobionic Acid — a PHA — is particularly gentle: its large molecular size limits deep penetration, reducing irritation while delivering humectancy, antioxidant protection, and surface brightening. Lactic Acid exfoliates the upper epidermal layers and boosts hydration via NMF stimulation. Together the three acids cover different penetration depths and mechanisms without the harshness of a single high-concentration acid.
Botanical Antibacterial Complex
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract provides tannin-based astringency that tightens pores, controls sebum secretion, and has demonstrated antibacterial activity against acne-causing C. acnes. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract adds broad-spectrum antimicrobial action with proven efficacy against acne bacteria. Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract delivers anti-inflammatory flavonoids to reduce redness and accelerate healing. Bisabolol (from chamomile) provides potent soothing and anti-irritant activity to offset the acid exfoliation.
Post-Acid Soothing & Hydration Layer
Biosaccharide Gum-1 (a prebiotic ferment-derived polysaccharide) provides immediate soothing, film-forming moisture retention, and microbiome support — uniquely suited for post-acid application where the barrier is temporarily disrupted. Triple HA (Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid) delivers layered hydration. Menthol and Menthoxypropanediol provide a cooling sensation that helps counteract the tingling of exfoliation and signals fresh pore clarity. Glycerin and Glycereth-26 complete the humectant base.
Product details
Full description
The Dr. Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad is a pre-soaked exfoliating toner pad delivering BHA at the maximum OTC concentration in a dual-textured pad format — one embossed side for gentle physical exfoliation and one smooth side for application and absorption. The formula addresses the full acne and congestion cycle: exfoliation of dead skin cells, deep pore cleansing, sebum regulation, antibacterial protection, and post-exfoliation soothing and hydration in a single step.
The exfoliant architecture is a triple-acid system. Salicylic Acid at 2% is the BHA core — oil-soluble and capable of penetrating the pore canal to dissolve the keratin plugs that cause blackheads and whiteheads, reducing sebum oxidation and inhibiting the NF-κB inflammatory pathway that converts comedones into inflammatory acne. Lactobionic Acid (PHA) adds a gentler exfoliation layer with antioxidant and humectant properties; its larger molecular size means it works more at the surface than deep within, reducing the cumulative irritation risk. Lactic Acid (AHA) exfoliates the stratum corneum, brightens pigmentation, and stimulates NMF (natural moisturising factor) production.
The antibacterial complex — Witch Hazel, Tea Tree, and Calendula — targets acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) through multiple pathways simultaneously. Bisabolol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, and the triple HA system provide immediate soothing and hydration repletion to counteract the barrier disruption caused by acid exfoliation, making the pad suitable for regular use without chronic dryness or sensitivity.
Contains Menthol and Menthoxypropanediol for a cooling sensation — those with menthol sensitivity should patch test first. Contains Parfum (fragrance). Alcohol-free. 65 pads per jar.
The exfoliant architecture is a triple-acid system. Salicylic Acid at 2% is the BHA core — oil-soluble and capable of penetrating the pore canal to dissolve the keratin plugs that cause blackheads and whiteheads, reducing sebum oxidation and inhibiting the NF-κB inflammatory pathway that converts comedones into inflammatory acne. Lactobionic Acid (PHA) adds a gentler exfoliation layer with antioxidant and humectant properties; its larger molecular size means it works more at the surface than deep within, reducing the cumulative irritation risk. Lactic Acid (AHA) exfoliates the stratum corneum, brightens pigmentation, and stimulates NMF (natural moisturising factor) production.
The antibacterial complex — Witch Hazel, Tea Tree, and Calendula — targets acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) through multiple pathways simultaneously. Bisabolol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, and the triple HA system provide immediate soothing and hydration repletion to counteract the barrier disruption caused by acid exfoliation, making the pad suitable for regular use without chronic dryness or sensitivity.
Contains Menthol and Menthoxypropanediol for a cooling sensation — those with menthol sensitivity should patch test first. Contains Parfum (fragrance). Alcohol-free. 65 pads per jar.
How to use
- 01After cleansing, swipe one pad across the face using the embossed side first for gentle physical exfoliation, then the smooth side for application and absorption.
- 02Focus on congested areas — nose, forehead, chin — and any acne-prone zones.
- 03Leave the essence to absorb without rinsing. Follow with toner and moisturiser.
- 04Use in PM routine. Avoid using with other exfoliating acids in the same step. Follow with SPF in the morning — BHA and AHA increase UV sensitivity.
SPF note
Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Lactobionic Acid all increase photosensitivity. Daily SPF is essential when using this product. Begin with every other day use and increase frequency as tolerated by the skin.
Suitable for
Formulated for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Can be used by sensitive skin with caution — start every other day. Best for:
- Blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged or enlarged pores
- Acne and breakout-prone skin
- Excess sebum and persistent shine
- Uneven texture and post-acne marks
Contains Parfum (fragrance) and Menthol — patch test recommended for fragrance-sensitive skin. Contains BHA, AHA, and PHA: always follow with SPF. Alcohol-free. 65 pads per jar.
Full ingredients list
Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycereth-26, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lactobionic Acid, Lactic Acid, Menthol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Menthoxypropanediol, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Two formula versions have been identified in the market. This list reflects the current 28-ingredient formulation (Incidecoder, January 2026). An earlier version includes Gluconolactone in place of Lactobionic Acid and omits Menthol/Menthoxypropanediol. Always verify against your physical product packaging.
