Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Urea (5%–10%)
How to Layer These Actives in Your Routine
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Apply first to clean, dry skin. Operates at pH 3–4.
Allows cutaneous acid mantle to equilibrate before the next step.
Urea (5%–10%)
Layer over the initial active. Operates at pH 5.5–6.8.
Biochemical Mechanism & Pharmacology
Urea (5%–10%) provides vital physiological lipids and humectants that reinforce the stratum corneum lipid matrix, preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and buffering against irritation from Salicylic Acid (BHA) without attenuating its therapeutic cellular benefits.
Apply the lower viscosity product first, or buffer by applying Urea (5%–10%) prior to Salicylic Acid (BHA) for sensitive skin (the sandwich method).
Recommended 7-Day Routine Blueprint
| Morning (AM) Routine | Evening (Night A) | Evening (Night B) |
|---|---|---|
✓Gentle Cleanser ✓Urea (5%–10%) ✓Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ | •Salicylic Acid (BHA) •Urea (5%–10%) •Barrier Seal | •Salicylic Acid (BHA) •Urea (5%–10%) •Barrier Seal |
Obstetric & Pregnancy Safety Summary
View Full Pregnancy Directory →Salicylic Acid (BHA) is classified as CAUTION LOW DOSE during pregnancy, while Urea (5%–10%) is classified as PERMITTED under clinical guidelines. Always cross-reference with your physician if expecting.