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

Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid Sulfate-Free: Yes Size: 4.5 fl. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024

Keep a lookout for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2024

Find it on Amazon A Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant That Treats Blackheads This liquid salicylic acid exfoliant gently exfoliates skin to remove blackheads and minimize pores. —Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024

The peel is a blend of high-strength actives including azelaic acid, salicylic acid, tranexamic acid, retinol, niacinamide and a brightening peptide. —Lollie King, refinery29.com, 19 Sep. 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