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
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Here, plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap help balance oil and prevent future congestion, while willow bark extract and salicylic acid clear out dead skin and visibly tighten pores.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
The latter is formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to help flatten and soothe blemishes fast.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Purple kaolin clay absorbs excess oil, while the combination of purple willow ferment and salicylic acid works together to refine pores, clear blackheads, and sweep away buildup.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Sep. 2025
Choose an exfoliant with BHA, such as salicylic acid, to help remove excess oil.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for salicylic acid
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Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
The latter is formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to help flatten and soothe blemishes fast.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Purple kaolin clay absorbs excess oil, while the combination of purple willow ferment and salicylic acid works together to refine pores, clear blackheads, and sweep away buildup.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Sep. 2025
Choose an exfoliant with BHA, such as salicylic acid, to help remove excess oil.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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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