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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La Roche-Posay’s toner, too, leads with salicylic acid—working alongside glycolic acid to unclog pores and smooth bumpy skin.
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
Instead, focus on a consistent skincare routine with salicylic acid to dissolve oil buildup and retinoids to speed up cell turnover.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025
Keeping our pores clear of any build-up starts with a BHA known as salicylic acid, according to Dr. Boakye.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
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
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
Instead, focus on a consistent skincare routine with salicylic acid to dissolve oil buildup and retinoids to speed up cell turnover.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025
Keeping our pores clear of any build-up starts with a BHA known as salicylic acid, according to Dr. Boakye.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for salicylic acid
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 12 Feb. 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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