salicylic acid

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, very slightly water-soluble powder, C 7 H 6 O 3 , prepared from salicin or phenol: used as a food preservative, in the manufacture of aspirin, and in medicine chiefly in the form of a salicylate as a remedy for rheumatic and gouty conditions.

---

salicylic acid British  

/ ˌsælɪˈsɪlɪk /

noun

1. a white crystalline slightly water-soluble substance with a sweet taste and bitter aftertaste, used in the manufacture of aspirin, dyes, and perfumes, and as a fungicide. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH)(COOH)

---

salicylic acid Scientific  

/ săl′ĭ-sĭl′ĭk /

1. A white, crystalline acid used to make aspirin, to treat certain skin conditions, and to preserve and flavor foods. Salicylic acid is benzoic acid with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the carboxyl group (COOH). Chemical formula: C ₇ H ₆ O ₃ .

---

Etymology

Origin of salicylic acid

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Materials that change phase to absorb heat, like wax or salicylic acid, usually from solid to liquid, then return to normal when the temperature is reduced.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

The BBC sent ingredients lists of two BHA 2% salicylic acid toners with similar packaging to Dr Bhate.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Insect bites did not stimulate salicylic acid production at all.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024

Products containing salicylic acid also help exfoliate the skin, which promotes turnover of dead skin cells and keeps pores from getting clogged.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2023

Because willow bark contains salicylic acid, a pain reliever.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan