salicylic acid

noun

sal·​i·​cyl·​ic acid ˌsa-lə-ˈsi-lik- 

: a crystalline phenolic acid C₇H₆O₃ that is used medicinally especially as a skin exfoliant and in the form of salts and other derivatives as an analgesic and antipyretic compare aspirin

Examples of salicylic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Psoriasis patients could expect their doctors to suggest products that contain salicylic acid and retinoids, which can help to reduce the symptom of skin thickening. —Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 27 Mar. 2024

Other key ingredients include bamboo extract, lavender, avocado oil, and rosemary to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin, while salicylic acid keeps oil and breakouts at bay. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2024

There are also plenty of acne products out there that don't contain benzoyl peroxide, such as those formulated with salicylic acid, sulfur, or a retinoid like adapalene. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Mar. 2024

Formulated with a blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and botanical extracts, this foot peel mask provides a deep and highly effective sloughing of dry skin. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024

It’s got 2 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores and bust through whiteheads and blackheads. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024

Other treatment products include those with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, anti-inflammatory ingredients like argan oil and chamomile and anti-aging ingredients such as retinoids and antioxidants. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

The two most common over-the-counter ingredients for spot treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024

The lab tested other kinds of acne products with different ingredients, mainly salicylic acid, and did not find elevated benzene levels in those. —Anna Edney, Fortune Well, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French salicylique, from salicyle, the group HOC₆H₄CO, from salicine salicin + -yle -yl

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

salicylic acid

noun

sal·​i·​cyl·​ic acid ˌsal-ə-ˌsil-ik- 

: a weak acid used especially in the form of salts to relieve pain and fever

Medical Definition

salicylic acid

noun

sal·​i·​cyl·​ic acid ˌsal-ə-ˌsil-ik- 

: a crystalline phenolic acid C₇H₆O₃ that is the ortho form of hydroxybenzoic acid and is used especially in making pharmaceuticals and dyes, as an antiseptic and disinfectant especially in treating skin diseases, as a keratolytic agent for skin exfoliation, and in the form of salts and other derivatives as an analgesic and antipyretic and in the treatment of rheumatism see aspirin