Explore the recorded roles of SALICYLIC ACID and what they can mean in a cosmetic formula.
Source-function explanation
The panels below interpret this ingredient’s recorded functions. They describe possible contributions, not proven clinical results. Any individually reviewed study is shown separately.
01 / COSMETIC CONTEXT
For skin
Anti-seborrheicA sebum-related cosmetic role is recorded. Acne treatment or a scalp-condition benefit requires separate evidence.
KeratolyticCan help loosen or remove material at the outer skin surface. Strength depends on concentration, pH and contact time.
Skin ConditioningA broad skin-conditioning role is recorded. A more specific benefit needs ingredient-level evidence.
02 / COSMETIC CONTEXT
For hair
Hair ConditioningHelps improve hair feel, appearance or manageability in a conditioning formula.
03 / FORMULATION ROLE
In cosmetics
Anti-seborrheicA source-recorded function related to the appearance of sebum-associated skin or scalp conditions. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation.
Hair ConditioningHelps improve the feel, appearance or manageability of hair. Results depend on the finished formula and hair condition.
KeratolyticHelps loosen material in the outermost skin layer. Product concentration, pH, exposure and intended use matter.
Explore 3 more roles
Skin ConditioningUsed to help keep skin in good condition. This broad function does not identify a specific clinical result.
PreservativeHelps limit microbial growth in a cosmetic formula. The finished preservative system needs to suit the product and its packaging.
FragranceContributes scent to a product. Fragrance character depends on the ingredient blend.
Possible formulation contexts
Examples associated with the recorded function classes; these are not verified product listings or instructions to apply the raw ingredient.
Sebum-management formulas
Hair-conditioning formulas
Exfoliating formulas
Skin-conditioning formulas
Microbial-control systems
Fragrance systems
Read the benefit with the formula.
Ingredient form, concentration, pH, delivery system and contact time can change the result. A skin finding does not establish a hair benefit; a conditioning or fibre result does not establish hair growth.
Salicylic Acid is the aromatic acid that conforms to the formula:
European Commission · source text, with formatting normalised · CC BY 4.0
Source ingredient name
SALICYLIC ACID
CAS identifier(s)
69-72-7
EC identifier(s)
200-712-3
Other source names / search aliases
salicylic acid; acidum salicylicum
CAS and EC identifiers are source references. A botanical extract, polymer or mixture may have more than one identifier; a name does not establish purity, supplier grade or sourcing.
Chemical names in the source
Salicylic acid
Matched chemical reference
PubChem compound ID
338
Molecular formula
C7H6O3
Molecular weight
138.12 g/mol
Systematic name
2-hydroxybenzoic acid
InChIKey
YGSDEFSMJLZEOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Matched through one source CAS and a confirmed ingredient name or source alias. These facts describe the matched PubChem record; they do not describe particle form, supplier grade or finished-product performance.
03 / INSIDE THE FORMULA
What does it do?
Anti-seborrheic
A source-recorded function related to the appearance of sebum-associated skin or scalp conditions. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation.
Hair Conditioning
Helps improve the feel, appearance or manageability of hair. Results depend on the finished formula and hair condition.
Keratolytic
Helps loosen material in the outermost skin layer. Product concentration, pH, exposure and intended use matter.
Fragrance
Contributes scent to a product. Fragrance character depends on the ingredient blend.
Preservative
Helps limit microbial growth in a cosmetic formula. The finished preservative system needs to suit the product and its packaging.
Skin Conditioning
Used to help keep skin in good condition. This broad function does not identify a specific clinical result.
Functions describe possible roles in a formulation. They do not establish the performance of every product containing this ingredient.
04 / READ THE LABEL
A little more understanding.
Salicylic acid and salicylate salts are different ingredient names; match the complete label entry.
Concentration, product type, pH and exposure matter. This name alone is not an acne-treatment recommendation.
05 / EVIDENCE & REGULATORY CONTEXT
Keep the context in view.
European Union source references
Conditions below are taken from the dated CosIng annex export. A reference can cover a group of substances and specific product types. Read all conditions together; this is not an assessment of an Indian product.
Annex III/98 · Restricted-substance list (EU source) Identity matched to source row
Chemical name / INN
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
Product Type, body parts
(a) Rinse-off hair products
(b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant
(c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation
(a) 3.0%
(b) 2.0%
(c) 0.5%
Other
(a) (b) (c)
Not to be used in preparations for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Not to be used in oral products. For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product.
These levels are inclusive of any use of salicylic acid.
Wording of conditions of use and warnings
(a) (b) (c)
Not to be used for children under 3 years of age*
* Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age.
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation
Salicylic acid: 0,5 % (acid)
Salicylic acid salts: 0,5 % (acid)
Other
Salicylic acid:
Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age.
Not to be used in oral products.
Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation.
Salicylic acid salts:
Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos.
Wording of conditions of use and warnings
Salicylic acid:
Not to be used for children under 3 years of age**
**Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age.
Salicylic acid salts:
Not to be used for children under 3 years of age***
***Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.
Scientific committee documents linked by the source
These documents form a reading list. A linked opinion may address a particular purity, exposure, concentration or product category. Historical links and current applicability require further review.
Applicable Cosmetics Rules and standards need to be checked for the ingredient, product type and use. Ingredient-specific restrictions have not yet been mapped here.
European Union
CosIng records do not authorise use. Check the current Cosmetics Regulation and annexes for restrictions and conditions.
United States
FDA guidance has a US scope. Product classification, colour additives and other ingredient conditions require separate checks.
Individual experience
No personalised suitability or allergy assessment is provided. A source function is separate from human efficacy and finished-product testing.
Independent clinical evidence synthesis
Not yet completed
Ingredient safety score
Not assigned
Concentration / exposure limits
Not inferred from the ingredient name
06 / FOLLOW THE REFERENCE
Sources & record history
About this image
2D structure · PubChem CID 338 · 2D structure depiction using the PubChem isomeric SMILES record. This does not show particle size, crystal form, supplier grade or raw-material appearance.
Structure rendered for Beaut.in from PubChem data.
Beaut.in explains ingredient information in original language. Source inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Source descriptions and annex-table fields are reproduced with credit to the European Union; formatting is normalised. The current record is a dated snapshot, not a live regulatory monitor. Reuse terms: European Commission · CC BY 4.0 ↗.
