Salicylic Acid: What It Is and Why It's Used

Origin

Salicylic acid is named after Salix, the genus of willow trees from which its precursor — salicin — was first extracted in the 1820s. The compound was later synthesised chemically, and its derivative acetylsalicylic acid became aspirin in 1897. Salicylic acid itself has been used in medicine as a topical keratolytic (a compound that softens and removes hardened skin) long before it entered cosmetic formulations.

Why It's Used

It is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate into pores rather than remaining on the skin's surface. At concentrations used in cosmetics (typically 0.5–2%), it exfoliates by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. At higher concentrations used in clinical settings, it has more pronounced keratolytic effects used to treat warts and psoriasis.

Elsewhere

Salicylic acid is used in the treatment of acne, warts, psoriasis, and dandruff at various concentrations. Its derivative aspirin remains one of the most widely used drugs globally. It also has applications in the production of dyes and as a food preservative.

What the Framework Sees

Question 1.

Get the full analysis in Volume One →