ICSC 0563 - SALICYLIC ACID (2024)

FAQs

What are the safety hazards associated with salicylic acid? ›

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and acid-base balance in the body. This may result in delirium and tremors.

For acne: Adults—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day. Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Salicylic acid is the chemical compound with the formula C₆H₄(OH)CO₂H, where the OH group is adjacent to the carboxyl group. It is also known as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.

You can find this active ingredient in topical acne spot treatments as well as cleansers, toners, and oil-free moisturizers. Over-the-counter salicylic acid medicine strengths vary and usually range from 0.5% to 2%, which is the max. Anything higher will require a prescription.

To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin (such as cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes.

Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation. Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.

The IUPAC name of salicylic acid is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. Salicylic acid has a hydroxyl group i.e., -OH group attached at the ortho position with respect to the carboxylic acid. This COOH group is present on the benzene ring. The molecular weight or molar mass of salicylic acid is 138.12 g/mol.

Salicylic acid topical is used to treat many skin disorders, such as acne, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis of the skin and scalp, calluses, corns, common warts, and plantar warts, depending on the dosage form and strength of the preparation. This medicine is available without a prescription.

Salicylic acid is safe to use to treat mild to moderate acne. Can be used alone or in combination with other acne treatments. Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it can cause skin irritation in the beginning. It can also remove too much oil, leading to dryness and irritation.

Most dermatologists recommend your cleanser's salicylic acid concentration should be between 0.5%-2% to avoid over-drying your skin. Also take note to avoid BHA cleansers with gritty scrubbing particles, as this extra exfoliation can irritate active breakouts causing more harm than good.

What does 100% salicylic acid do? ›

Salicylic Acid topical gel, cream, lotion, solution. Salicylic acid is a medicated topical gel, cream, lotion or solution. It treats and prevents acne along with other skin conditions, like warts, psoriasis, calluses and corns. Salicylic acid works by breaking down layers of thick skin.

Thirty-percent supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA), a modified salicylic acid preparation, is a safe and effective treatment for moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris (AV).

Nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and tinnitus are the earliest signs and symptoms of salicylate toxicity. Other early symptoms and signs are vertigo, hyperventilation, tachycardia, and hyperactivity. As toxicity progresses, agitation, delirium, hallucinations, convulsions, lethargy, and stupor may occur.

Hazards to Tissue

Strong acids and bases are so corrosive that even momentary exposure to the skin will produce severe damage. Weak acids and bases can also produce severe corrosion of the skin, but generally require higher concentrations or longer contact times.

There can always be too much of a good thing and salicylic acid is no different. The main negative side effect when overused is it can irritate and cause excess dryness. If you have sensitive skin, choose your formula carefully as some products contain denatured alcohol, which can be additionally drying.