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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
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
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Word History
Etymology
French salicylique, from salicyle, the group HOC6H4CO, from salicine salicin + -yle -yl
First Known Use
1840, in the meaning defined above
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-
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on salicylic acid
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about salicylic acid
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