Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) widely used in topical dermatological products for its keratolytic, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in treating acne, warts,...
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) widely used in topical dermatological products for its keratolytic, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in treating acne, warts, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and calluses/corns. While generally safe for topical use at recommended concentrations, potential side effects include skin irritation and, rarely, systemic toxicity with excessive use. It is typically produced synthetically through the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Topical applications vary depending on the concentration and product. Oral dosages are rarely used due to side effects.
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Salicylic acid is primarily synthesized industrially. One common method involves the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, where sodium phenoxide reacts with carbon dioxide at high pressure and temperature. The resulting sodium salicylate is then acidified to yield salicylic acid.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Acne treatment reduces or eliminates acne lesions by addressing underlying causes like excess sebum, bacterial infection, inflammation, and clogged follicles. Treatment options include topical applications, oral medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Pore refinement minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores by clearing debris and promoting cell turnover, resulting in smoother skin texture. Key ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid regulate sebum production and exfoliate the skin.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to improve skin texture, tone, and radiance. It also unclogs pores, prevents acne, and boosts collagen production.
Salicylic acid exfoliates pore linings to dislodge and remove blackheads and whiteheads. This process promotes clearer skin by reducing pore blockages and blemishes.
Salicylic acid breaks down wart tissue by dissolving keratin. This leads to gradual wart removal.
Salicylic acid alleviates symptoms of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis by exfoliating skin scales, reducing inflammation and itching.
Salicylic acid softens and dissolves the hardened skin of calluses and corns, facilitating easier removal and reducing discomfort. It promotes exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Possible Side Effects
Skin irritation involves symptoms like redness, itching, and rashes due to contact with irritants, allergens, or environmental factors. Severity varies based on the cause, individual sensitivity, and affected area; persistent cases may lead to secondary infections.
Allergic reactions are adverse immune responses to normally harmless substances, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include skin issues, swelling, breathing difficulties, and anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine injection.
Rare but serious systemic toxicity can occur from excessive topical salicylate use, leading to salicylate poisoning. Symptoms range from nausea and tinnitus to seizures and coma, with children and the elderly being more vulnerable.
Scientific Evidence
Williams HC, Dellavalle RP, Garner S. Acne vulgaris. Lancet. 2012 Jan 28;379(9813):361-72. | Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2016.
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