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

Case in point: Our favorite base makeup is formulated with skin-loving, acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory ingredients (like lactobacillus ferment), and beyond. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 7 Sep. 2024

This makes salicylic acid effective for targeting acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Aug. 2024

The stars of the show are exfoliating salicylic acid and anti-bacterial tea tree oil, along with anti-inflammatory witch hazel. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 6 Aug. 2024

This 3% salicylic acid concentration helps reduce dryness, itching, inflammation, and scalp buildup. —Daley Quinn, Verywell Health, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French salicylique, from salicyle, the group HOC₆H₄CO, from salicine salicin + -yle -yl

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

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