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

Not much has changed over the past 30 years in beauty, with ingredients such as cortisone, salicylic acid, and coal tar still being used to treat common conditions such as eczema, acne, and dandruff. —Joshua Britton, Time, 2 Apr. 2025

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, chickpea flour Size: 1.69 oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum With Retinol and AHAs $30 Sephora Though packed with powerful exfoliators—glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid—to smooth and even skin tone, this body lotion is gentle enough for sensitive skin. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025

Address: Across London Book a face peel: The Dr Obagi Blue Radiance Peel uses salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to brighten and smooth the skin's texture. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

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