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

If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture. —Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

The patch's backbone is made of hyaluronic acid—a gooey polymer that's a common skincare ingredient—mixed with either antibacterial agents (including salicylic acid and Cannabis sativa extract) or anti-inflammatory agents (including niacinamide and chamomile extract). —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

It is broken down into salicylic acid, which helps decrease pain and fever, and like aspirin may have side effects such as upset stomach and bleeding problems. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

It’s joined by fellow exfoliating AHAs citric and tartaric as well as BHA salicylic acid, plus skin hydrators and moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and fatty acids. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 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