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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Original price: $12.99 This Billie AHA Deodorant in Tidal Rose scent uses a pH-adjusting multi-acid blend (including lactic, mandelic and salicylic acids) to fight odors.
—
Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Some also contain salicylic acid, which helps the product dry faster and absorb sweat better.2
For mild cases, regular-strength formulas may be enough.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 30 July 2025
One historical account suggests salicylic acid was isolated from queen-of-the-prairie’s flowers in the 1830s, perhaps revealing why the plant’s flowers were used in tea to reduce fever and alleviate pain.
—Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
The formula features salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and remove flakes, earning praise from dermatologists.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
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Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Some also contain salicylic acid, which helps the product dry faster and absorb sweat better.2
For mild cases, regular-strength formulas may be enough.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 30 July 2025
One historical account suggests salicylic acid was isolated from queen-of-the-prairie’s flowers in the 1830s, perhaps revealing why the plant’s flowers were used in tea to reduce fever and alleviate pain.
—Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
The formula features salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and remove flakes, earning praise from dermatologists.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 24 July 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 10 Aug. 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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