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 showering right away isn't an option, try a cleansing wipe treated with salicylic acid to wipe the sweat off your skin gently. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025

Not anymore, thanks to this exfoliating salicylic acid cleanser for rough and bumpy skin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025

Unlike, say, salicylic acid, its primary function in skin doesn't involve exfoliation. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 Mar. 2025

How to treat dandruff First, Dr. Robinson recommends washing your hair with an over-the-counter shampoo formulated with salicylic acid to address the condition. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 6 Mar. 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