Not on its own. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works at the surface and inside pores to loosen dead skin and oil, which makes it useful for blackheads, whiteheads, and milder breakouts. Nodules sit much deeper and involve inflammation that surface ingredients can't reach. Dermatology sources position salicylic acid as a supporting ingredient in a broader routine for milder acne, not a standalone option for deep, painful lumps. If you're dealing with true nodules, see a board-certified dermatologist, since prescription options (oral retinoids, hormonal therapy, in-office cortisone injections) are typically what these spots respond to.