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
This product features the same star ingredient—salicylic acid—to break up dead skin cells while reducing swelling and redness, but in a silky lotion that’s easy to spread all over your body.
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Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 6 Aug. 2024
There’s a salicylic acid serum, a niacinamide serum and a moisturizer, which range in price from $14 to $15.
—James Manso, WWD, 5 Aug. 2024
Its glycolic acid and salicylic acid derivatives are mild enough for sensitive skin but powerful enough to dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and balance out oil production.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 5 Aug. 2024
Then there are trace amounts of salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliant with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness, and succinic acid, an antimicrobial ingredient that reduces acne-causing bacteria.
—Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for salicylic acid 
Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 6 Aug. 2024
There’s a salicylic acid serum, a niacinamide serum and a moisturizer, which range in price from $14 to $15.
—James Manso, WWD, 5 Aug. 2024
Its glycolic acid and salicylic acid derivatives are mild enough for sensitive skin but powerful enough to dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and balance out oil production.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 5 Aug. 2024
Then there are trace amounts of salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliant with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness, and succinic acid, an antimicrobial ingredient that reduces acne-causing bacteria.
—Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for salicylic acid
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'salicylic acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Salicylic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salicylic%20acid. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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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