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Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid

phenolic phytohormone

Salicylic Acid

Other Name(s):

Hydroxybenzoic Acid; Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA); CAS# 69-72-7

Salicylic Acid occurs naturally in the bark of the willow tree (Salix alba). However, most Salicylic Acid is made synthetically under strict laboratory conditions.

Is Salicylic Acid Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Salicylic Acid is a naturally occurring substance with a wide range of useful benefits. It can be synthesised using natural ingredients, safely and without producing toxic pollutants. We only list Salicylic Acid variants which are made without petrochemicals.

Benefits: Why is Salicylic Acid Used?

Fights Acne

Salicylic Acid minimises pimples, blemishes and acne.

Clears Pores

Salicylic Acid clears clogged pores and helps prevent the formation of new blemishes.

Controls Sebum

Salicylic Acid controls skin oiliness by reducing sebum production.

Exfoliating

Salicylic Acid effectively reduces redness and soothes inflamed, irritated skin by gently exfoliating.

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic Acid is found in many body products indicated for soothing irritated scalps, or inflamed, acne-prone skin. It’s used in blemish control face washes, anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners, soothing face masks, moisturisers and much more.

Production: How is Salicylic Acid Made?

Most commercially available Salicylic Acid is made using a chemical process called the Kolbe-Schmitt method. This process starts by combining phenol (a petroleum derivative) and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) to make sodium phenoxide. This product is then reacted with carbon dioxide to produce sodium salicylate. The sodium ion is removed in an acidic solution and the product is Salicylic Acid. Alternatively, methyl salicylate - naturally occurring in Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens - can be converted into Salicylic Acid without the use of petrochemical derivatives.

Interesting Fact: Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is approved for topically-applied medicines by the USFDA at concentrations not exceeding 12%.

Salicylic Acid is approved in the EU for leave-on cosmetics at concentrations not exceeding 2.5%.

Notice: The information provided here is not intended as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.