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

Those dealing with dry, dull skin will want to seek out a sheet mask that floods the skin with moisture, while oily, acne-prone skin types will want to consider options with ingredients like salicylic acid. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024

Shout out to salicylic acid and diocic acid, which regulate sebum. —Sarah Han, Allure, 3 Oct. 2024

Medicated patches: Your healthcare provider can recommend medicated matches containing salicylic acid, such as over-the-counter (OTC) MediPlast and Clear Away, or salicylic acid gel or liquid formulations, like Compound W, for larger areas. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Instead, they’re supposed to penetrate the area just enough to deliver active ingredients (like salicylic acid and niacinamide) into your pimple. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 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