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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Formulated with charcoal powder, salicylic acid, kaolin clay, lavender and tea tree oils, this face mask is balanced to help skin detoxify, destress, and look smoother. 
Olivia O'bryon, Forbes, 10 July 2022 Cleansers When looking for facial cleansers for acne-prone skin, there are two breakout-fighting active ingredients to consider: salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA), and benzoyl peroxide, an anti-microbial agent that works to kill bacteria. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 28 June 2022 Active ingredients: Rice bran, salicylic acid, white tea, and licorice. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 22 June 2022 This step combines glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate and help even out the skin tone while treating and helping prevent future breakouts. Mariah Morrison, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Aug. 2022 Using natural extracts and salicylic acid, even the toughest pimples don't stand a chance. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 29 July 2022 Chemical exfoliators like glycolic or salicylic acid are very useful in treating ingrown hairs as well. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 16 July 2022 Among the most important is a hormone called salicylic acid (SA). Wired, 6 July 2022 One is the Acne and Oil Control Primer with 2% salicylic acid, and the other is the Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask, with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 27 July 2022 See More
Olivia O'bryon, Forbes, 10 July 2022 Cleansers When looking for facial cleansers for acne-prone skin, there are two breakout-fighting active ingredients to consider: salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA), and benzoyl peroxide, an anti-microbial agent that works to kill bacteria. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 28 June 2022 Active ingredients: Rice bran, salicylic acid, white tea, and licorice. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 22 June 2022 This step combines glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate and help even out the skin tone while treating and helping prevent future breakouts. Mariah Morrison, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Aug. 2022 Using natural extracts and salicylic acid, even the toughest pimples don't stand a chance. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 29 July 2022 Chemical exfoliators like glycolic or salicylic acid are very useful in treating ingrown hairs as well. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 16 July 2022 Among the most important is a hormone called salicylic acid (SA). Wired, 6 July 2022 One is the Acne and Oil Control Primer with 2% salicylic acid, and the other is the Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask, with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 27 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
French salicylique, from salicyle, the group HOC6H4CO, from salicine salicin + -yle -yl
First Known Use
1840, in the meaning defined above
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