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

In those cases, Shah recommends adding an over-the-counter product with salicylic acid or a low percentage of benzoyl peroxide. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 9 June 2025

Its ingredients may include benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil.7 Wet your face with lukewarm water and gently apply the face wash in a circular motion using your fingertips. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025

Dry skin and sun damage are two common problems as men age, and this TSA-friendly bundle includes salicylic acid face wash for clean skin, face cream with SPF15, retinol cream for pre-sleep moisturizing and eye cream. —Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

The combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid help decongest pores without stripping your barrier. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 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