Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil Review

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
✅ Soothing: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 1.6 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Silybum Marianum Seed Oil (est. ≈35.0%), Nigella Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%) and Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Punica Granatum Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%) and Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Nigella Sativa Seed Oil (est. ≈22.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
Rich in antioxidants, Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
22
11
6
4
3
2.1
2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Hexylresorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Amino Esters-1
Function:
Origin:
Amber Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pearl Powder
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.6
1.6
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
80.1
35.0
22.0
11.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
1.6
Occlusivity All occlusives 80.1 20
10.0
35.0
22.0
11.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.6
All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
All humectants
1.6
1.6
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
35
22
11
4
3
2
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 80.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
80.1
35.0
22.0
11.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
3
1.7
1.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 13.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
13.9
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
4
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
3
Hexylresorcinol
1.7
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
1.6
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
0.3
Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
22
1.6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 27.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
27.5
22
1.6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Est. %35
Function
Origin
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing pomegranate seed oil that is rich in a rare fatty acid called punicic acid, and that contains a high content of the antioxidant vitamin E.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed OilDerived from cranberry seeds, this rich-in-antioxidants oil contains a combination of emollient and occlusive moisturizing omega-3,-6, and -9 fatty acids.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %2.1
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Ethyl Linoleate
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linoleate
Hexylresorcinol
Est. %1.7
Function
Origin
HexylresorcinolA synthetic compound. It is an anti-pigment ingredient that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %1.6
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel OilA fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower OilAn essential oil obtained from chamomile flowers. The oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with a soothing scent and has a blue color due to its chamazulene content.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil

A fragrant essential neroli oil distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. It has a rich, orange-floral scent with fresh and spicy notes.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil

This oil is obtained from the peels of pink grapefruits. It contains fragrant limonene, which gives the oil a fresh and clean, citrusy scent.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Amino Esters-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amino Esters-1
Amber Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amber Extract
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit ExtractAn under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Flower ExtractAn extract obtained the flowers of Aloe vera – which are a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly apigenin). It also contains a bit of the emollient mucilage.
Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Extract
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Pearl Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pearl PowderA shimmering powder obtained from pearls. It contains many minerals and proteins and may be effective in skin regeneration.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Moringa Oleifera Seed OilAn oil obtained from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing bush native to Northern India and the sub-Himalayan regions. It contains mainly oleic acid, as well as many additional anti-inflammatory compounds and high levels of vitamin E.