Salicylic Acid

The Basics On Salicylic Acid

What is Salicylic Acid?

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in the same class of drugs as aspirin, and addresses many of the systemic causes of acne.

What are other names for Salicylic Acid?

2-HYDROXY- BENZOIC ACID, 2-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, BENZOIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-, BENZOIC ACID, 2HYDROXY, O-CARBOXYPHENOL, O-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, PHENOL-2-CARBOXYLIC ACID, and SALICYLIC ACID

What is Salicylic Acid used for?

Salicylic acid is keratolytic. It belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin (salicylates). It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed the skin cells. Salicylic acid has been used to treat various skin disorders for more than 2,000 years. The ability of salicylic acid to exfoliate the stratum corneum makes it a good agent for peeling1. Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble agent, in contrast with the α-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid), and is therefore miscible with epidermal lipids and sebaceous gland lipids in skin and hair follicles. Salicylic acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) commonly used as an acid peel in cosmetics2.

How Salicylic Acid is classified

Skin-Soothing, Anti-Acne, Exfoliant

Recommendations for using Salicylic Acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy? Avoid, or use with caution in pregnancy; probably OK for lactation

Salicylic Acid During Pregnancy

What we know about using Salicylic Acid while pregnant or breastfeeding

Can you use salicylic acid while pregnant? Are there issues with using salicylic acid and breastfeeding? Generally recommended to be avoided due to its link to aspirin, but most studies suggest the risk of topical applications is low. If you use salicylic acid, use concentrations no stronger than 2 percent.No information is available on the clinical use of salicylic acid on the skin during breastfeeding. Because it is unlikely to be appreciably absorbed or appear in breastmilk, it is considered safe to use during breastfeeding.[1] Avoid application to areas of the body that might come in direct contact with the infant’s skin or where the drug might be ingested by the infant via licking.

A number of large studies have been published in which researchers examined the outcomes of women who had taken low-dose acetylsalicylic acid during pregnancy and there was no increase in the baseline risk of adverse events, such as major malformations, preterm birth, or low birth weight.26 No studies have been conducted in pregnancy on topical use; however, as such a relatively small proportion is absorbed through the skin, it is unlikely to pose any risk to a developing baby. The effect of Salicylic Acid on human spermatozoa was determined after incubation with 50, 100, or 200 mg/L salicylate for 2 to 48 h. 1 A dose response effect was observed, with significant inhibition of motility at all time points. Post-implantation day 11 rat embryos were cultured for 24 h with 10, 100, or 1000 Œºg/ml Salicylic Acid. 46 The growth and development of each embryo was evaluated and compared with control embryos for the presence of any malformations. Salicylic Acid decreased all growth and developmental parameters in a concentration-dependent manner, when compared with controls. However, exposure to Salicylic Acid at 10 Œºg/ml culture did not show any significant effect on embryonic growth and development. Parallel to this, flow cytometric analysis (cell cycle and annexin V binding) and DNA fragmentation assay were carried out followed via quantitation by 3 π-OH labeling of cultured rat embryos to evaluate the role of apoptosis in bringing about Salicylic Acid-induced teratogenesis. All results were found to be dose-dependent and an increase in apoptosis in embryonic tissues may be related to the increased risk of congenital malformations. The data suggested that apoptosis might be involved in mediating teratogenesis of Salicylic Acid in vitro.

General safety info about Salicylic Acid from CIR

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the safety of Salicylic Acid and 18 salicylates. Some of the reported functions in cosmetics for ingredients in this group are hair and skin conditioning agents, and, less frequently, preservatives and fragrance ingredients. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients as used in cosmetics, and concluded that Salicylic Acid and 18 salicylate ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating

Use this, not that!

Benzoyl peroxide

Products where you might find Salicylic Acid

Glossier Solution; Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy ;Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner; Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution; Farmacy HONEYMOON GLOW AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids; The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque; NEW Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne