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.

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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)

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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 .

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Etymology

Origin of salicylic acid

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Heat, light, and bacterial infection all provoked salicylic acid production within two hours of the stimulus, but at distinct time points.

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

The molasses-like material also contains salicylic acid, or aspirin, which can alleviate pain.

From National Geographic • Nov. 15, 2023

Because willow bark contains salicylic acid, a pain reliever.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan