Salicylic acid peels aren’t a new approach. People have used salicylic acid peels for more than 2,000 yearsTrusted Source in their skin treatments. The acid is naturally found in willow bark and wintergreen leaves, but skin care manufacturers can make it in the lab, too.
Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acid family of acids. Great for zapping oil on the skin, when used as a peel, this type of acid is good for those who have pimples and acne.