Salicylic acid is a phenolic compound found naturally in the bark of white willow (Salix alba) and birch leaves. It contains an aromatic ring with a hydroxyl group and its functional derivatives.
It is a key ingredient in topical skin-care formulations for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and keratolytic disorders and is listed on the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory as a potential experimental teratogen.
CAS No.: 69-72-7
Synonyms: 2-Carboxyphenol, o-Carboxyphenol, Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy, Acidum salicylicum, 2-Hydroxybenzenecarboxylic acid, Orthohydroxybenzoic acid
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C₇H₆O₃ |
| IUPAC name | 2-hydroxybenzoic acid |
| Molecular weight | 138.12 g/mol |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water and in chloroform, tetrachloromethane, and methylene chloride Freely soluble in methanol, ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Flash point | 157 °C |
| Density | 1.443 g/cu cm at 20 °C/4 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White to off-white |
| State | Solid, needle-like crystals or powder form |
| Boiling point | 211 °C |
| Melting point | 158-161 °C |
| LogP | 2.26 |
| pKa | 2.98(at 25℃) |
Salicylic acid having a kerolytic, comedolytic, and bacteriostatic property, helps in unclogging pores and promoting desquamation. It helps to control excess oil, and improves overall skin texture. Salicylic acid lipophilic molecule penetrates the epidermis layer of the skin and gets dissolved in the fat and disrupts the intercellular cohesion of corneocytes by solubilizing intercellular lipids and weakening ionic and hydrogen bonds between keratin filaments.Â
It reduces the formation of non-inflammatory skin lesions and alleviates existing lesions, and lowers the sebum secretion by sebaceous glands, reducing dilated pores on the skin also helps in regulating epidermal exfoliation and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic acid is safe and widely used in cosmetic applications, but there may be a possibility of some side effects, including –Â
Serious side effects
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H302 Harmful if swallowed H318 Causes serious eye damage H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child |
| Precautionary statements : | P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection P301 + P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor if you feel unwell P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing P308 + P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention |
Salicylic acid is a phenolic compound found naturally in the bark of white willow (Salix alba) and birch leaves. It contains an aromatic ring with a hydroxyl group and its functional derivatives.
It is a key ingredient in topical skin-care formulations for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and keratolytic disorders and is listed on the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory as a potential experimental teratogen.
CAS No.: 69-72-7
Synonyms: 2-Carboxyphenol, o-Carboxyphenol, Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy, Acidum salicylicum, 2-Hydroxybenzenecarboxylic acid, Orthohydroxybenzoic acid
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C₇H₆O₃ |
| IUPAC name | 2-hydroxybenzoic acid |
| Molecular weight | 138.12 g/mol |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water and in chloroform, tetrachloromethane, and methylene chloride Freely soluble in methanol, ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Flash point | 157 °C |
| Density | 1.443 g/cu cm at 20 °C/4 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White to off-white |
| State | Solid, needle-like crystals or powder form |
| Boiling point | 211 °C |
| Melting point | 158-161 °C |
| LogP | 2.26 |
| pKa | 2.98(at 25℃) |
Salicylic acid having a kerolytic, comedolytic, and bacteriostatic property, helps in unclogging pores and promoting desquamation. It helps to control excess oil, and improves overall skin texture. Salicylic acid lipophilic molecule penetrates the epidermis layer of the skin and gets dissolved in the fat and disrupts the intercellular cohesion of corneocytes by solubilizing intercellular lipids and weakening ionic and hydrogen bonds between keratin filaments.Â
It reduces the formation of non-inflammatory skin lesions and alleviates existing lesions, and lowers the sebum secretion by sebaceous glands, reducing dilated pores on the skin also helps in regulating epidermal exfoliation and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic acid is safe and widely used in cosmetic applications, but there may be a possibility of some side effects, including –Â
Serious side effects
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H302 Harmful if swallowed H318 Causes serious eye damage H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child |
| Precautionary statements : | P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection P301 + P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor if you feel unwell P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing P308 + P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention |
Salicylic acid helps in reducing acne by exfoliating the skin, clearing clogged pores, reducing inflammation, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and improving skin tone.
Salicylic acid helps in psoriasis by reducing scaling and itching by softening and loosening thickened skin, making it easier to remove scales.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, topical use of salicylic acid in low concentrations is considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is always advisable to refer to the safety sheet before use.
Salicylic acid itself is not typically known to cause migraines when applied topically, but a person who is sensitive to salicylates may experience headaches,dizziness, ringing in the ear or migraines.
Salicylic acid is not a steroid; it is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) synthesized from natural wintergreen oil and willow bark, containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the beta carbon atom and a carboxyl group (-COOH).
Salicylic acid is good for the foot cracks, helps in shedding thickened skin, allowing moisturizers to work more effectively.
