Salicylic Acid is an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid chemically known as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is an established pharmaceutical and dermatological ingredient widely used for its keratolytic, exfoliating and desquamating properties. The compound has the molecular formula C₇H₆O₃, molecular weight 138.12 g/mol, and CAS Number 69-72-7.
Pharmaceutical-grade Salicylic Acid is commonly supplied as a white or almost white crystalline powder or as white/colorless acicular crystals. Pharmacopoeial specifications describe it as slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96%), and sparingly soluble in methylene chloride. Its pharmacopoeial melting-point range is 158–161°C.
Salicylic Acid is particularly important in topical pharmaceutical formulations. It is used as a keratolytic agent to assist in the removal of excessive keratin and is incorporated into formulations for conditions involving hyperkeratotic skin. FDA documentation also identifies Salicylic Acid as an active ingredient in topical OTC acne products, with permitted concentrations of 0.5–2% under the relevant acne monograph.
It is also used in preparations intended for the treatment or removal of warts, corns and calluses and in various dermatological formulations. FDA documentation lists salicylic acid among active ingredients associated with acne, wart-remover and corn/callus-remover products.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Salicylic Acid |
| CAS Number | 69-72-7 |
| Alternate Name | 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid |
| IUPAC Name | 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₆O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 138.12 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid |
| Pharmaceutical Role | Keratolytic / topical active ingredient |
| Appearance | White or almost white crystalline powder or white/colorless acicular crystals |
| Melting Point | 158–161°C |
| Storage | Protected from light |
Identity information is supported by PubChem, while appearance, melting point and pharmaceutical characteristics are consistent with pharmacopoeial information.
Salicylic Acid API is used in pharmaceutical and dermatological formulations including:
FDA records identify Salicylic Acid as an active ingredient in topical acne products and other dermatological drug categories.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |