salicylic acid

noun

sal·​i·​cyl·​ic acid ˌsa-lə-ˈsi-lik- How to pronounce salicylic acid (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To clear up acne, use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, which can help unclog pores.3 Some people find salicylic acid too drying or irritating. Laura Schober, Health, 23 Jan. 2025 Look for products that contain salicylic acid, which breaks through excess sebum. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025 This exfoliating scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to help give my scalp a bit of a detox, and reduce excess oil and sebum. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2025 Powered by 2% salicylic acid and 4% niacinamide, this creates an invisible barrier over your zits to shrink them and reduce redness. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for salicylic acid 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of salicylic acid was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near salicylic acid

Cite this Entry

“Salicylic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salicylic%20acid. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

salicylic acid

noun
sal·​i·​cyl·​ic acid ˌsal-ə-ˌsil-ik- How to pronounce salicylic acid (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce salicylic acid (audio)
: 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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