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
The combination of salicylic acid and glycolic acid help decongest pores without stripping your barrier.
—
Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Like retinol, side effects may include mild skin irritation, but this side effect should go away as the skin adjusts to salicylic acid.
—Laura Schober, Health, 2 June 2025
According to Savchuk, the Prodigy Peel is a superficial yet medical-grade peel that blends resorcinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid to target mild to moderate aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025
On the other hand, brightening alternatives like chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are great at sloughing off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for salicylic acid
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Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Like retinol, side effects may include mild skin irritation, but this side effect should go away as the skin adjusts to salicylic acid.
—Laura Schober, Health, 2 June 2025
According to Savchuk, the Prodigy Peel is a superficial yet medical-grade peel that blends resorcinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid to target mild to moderate aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025
On the other hand, brightening alternatives like chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are great at sloughing off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for salicylic acid
Cite this Entry
“Salicylic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salicylic%20acid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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