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

Virtue’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner both feature gentle, fragrance-free formulas that use salicylic acid and willow bark to dissolve buildup while keeping things calm and balanced. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026

Available in two formulations, original and gentle for skin sensitive to salicylic acid. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

The formula has a blend of lactic acid and salicylic acid to minimize large pores and help clear up acne. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026

Even our super intense actives like retinol, our vitamin C, our salicylic acid—which is an adult acne product—everything really has this lens of hydration first and then delivering the active second. —Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for salicylic acid

• antacid
• placid

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