The present invention is directed to skin treatment formulations having salicylic acid and other secondary ingredients. The secondary ingredients may include: non-comedogenic essential oils and plant extracts and sebum reducing agents. Salicylic acid and the secondary ingredients are provided in amounts effective to provide a sufficiently aggressive skin treatment for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation, while maintaining levels of sebum on the exterior of the skin to form an operative water barrier on the skin and hair. Additionally, a method is provided that unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and controls levels of sebum on the exterior of the skin to maintain an operative water barrier on the skin and hair. The method may include, applying a sufficiently aggressive product comprising salicylic acid, non-comedogenic plant extracts and essential oils, and a sebum reducing agent to hair and its surrounding areas.