noun

salicylic acid

sal-ih-SIL-ik ASS-id

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Salicylic acid (noun) means a beta hydroxy acid used in skincare and in medicines applied to the skin. It dissolves in oil, which allows it to work inside pores, and it loosens dead cells so they shed from the surface. It appears in cleansers, spot treatments, wart and verruca preparations and dandruff shampoos. Example: “The spot treatment contained two per cent salicylic acid.”

noun

A beta hydroxy acid used in skincare and in medicines applied to the skin. It dissolves in oil, which allows it to work inside pores, and it loosens dead cells so they shed from the surface. It appears in cleansers, spot treatments, wart and verruca preparations and dandruff shampoos.

"The spot treatment contained two per cent salicylic acid."

"The pharmacist pointed him to a salicylic acid preparation for the verruca."

How to use salicylic acid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn acid used on skin to clear away dead cells and unclog pores.

When to use it

Used in cosmetics labelling, pharmacy and dermatology alike; the abbreviation BHA is common in consumer skincare writing.

Memory tip

Keep the acids apart by what they dissolve in: salicylic in oil, glycolic and lactic in water, and hyaluronic in neither sense, since it is not an exfoliant at all.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

glycolic acid hyaluronic acid → acetylsalicylic acid lactic acid

Common pairings

2% salicylic acid salicylic acid cleanser salicylic acid peel salicylic acid shampoo

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “salicylic acid” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The spot treatment contained two per cent _____.

Etymology

From Latin salix, meaning willow, the tree from whose bark the related compound salicin was first obtained.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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BHA beta hydroxy acid 2-hydroxybenzoic acid

Rhymes for salicylic acid

acid placid antacid

See all rhymes for salicylic acid →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between salicylic acid and glycolic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and dissolves in oil, so it can act within pores. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid and dissolves in water, so it works mainly on the skin's surface. They belong to different chemical families despite both being called exfoliating acids.

Is salicylic acid related to aspirin?

They are chemically related. Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, a modified form of salicylic acid, and both trace back to compounds found in willow bark. They are not the same substance and are not used for the same purposes.

Why is salicylic acid in dandruff shampoo?

Because it loosens and helps lift flaking scale from the scalp, which is the same surface action it has on facial skin. Its inclusion reflects that shared mechanism.

What is the meaning of salicylic acid?

"salicylic acid" (noun) means a beta hydroxy acid used in skincare and in medicines applied to the skin. It dissolves in oil, which allows it to work inside pores, and it loosens dead cells so they shed from the surface. It appears in cleansers, spot treatments, wart and verruca preparations and dandruff shampoos.