A salicylic acid compound marketed as a gentler BHA. Chemically related, but with almost no published clinical testing of its own.
Betaine salicylate combines salicylic acid with betaine, a humectant from sugar beets. It is popular in Korean skincare, where it is often described as "4% betaine salicylate equals about 1% salicylic acid" — a comparison from ingredient suppliers, not from trials.
It probably exfoliates like a mild salicylic acid, but whether it performs like the approved acne ingredient hasn't been tested.
There are no well-designed published trials of betaine salicylate for acne or clogged pores. Its effects are inferred from salicylic acid chemistry.