To explore the value of salicylic acid combined with minocycline in the treatment of acne. Methods A total of 126 acne patients admitted to Shizhong Street Community Health Service Center of Chishui from July 2020 to July 2022 were selected and divided into observation group and control group by random number table method, with 63 patients in each group. The control group was treated with minocycline, and the observation group was treated with salicylic acid combined with minocycline. The clinical efficacy, skin-related indicators, GAGS score, quality of life and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was 96.83%, which was higher than 76.19% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The erythema index, CEA score and number of skin lesions in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). After 2,4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the GAGS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). After treatment, the scores of self-perception, social function and emotional function in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group (P >0.05). Conclusion Salicylic acid combined with minocycline is effective and safe in the treatment of acne, which can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and the quality of life.