Salicylic Acid – Cosmetic Uses in Exfoliating and Anti-Dandruff Care

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid, also known as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as wintergreen, willow bark, and sweet birch. It can also be manufactured synthetically.

It belongs to the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family and is widely used in cosmetic formulations because of its keratolytic and skin-conditioning properties.

Cosmetic Uses

Salicylic acid is primarily used as a skin exfoliant. Its keratolytic action helps loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, supporting smoother skin and helping to reduce the accumulation of material within pores.

It is commonly incorporated into:

• Facial exfoliating products
• Cleansers
• Products for blemish-prone skin
• Anti-dandruff shampoos
• Body-care products
• Foot-care products
• Depilatory formulations

It may be used alone or together with other exfoliating acids, depending on the formulation and intended application.

Anti-Dandruff Applications

Salicylic acid is also used in hair and scalp care, particularly in anti-dandruff formulations. Its keratolytic activity helps loosen and remove accumulated scales from the scalp.

Formulation and Safety Considerations

Salicylic acid has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and has therefore also been used as a preservative or preservative-supporting ingredient in some formulations.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that salicylic acid and its salts and esters are safe as used when formulations are designed to minimise skin irritation and avoid unnecessary increases in sun sensitivity. Where increased sun sensitivity may occur, appropriate sun-protection directions should be provided.

The concentration and intended use of salicylic acid are important when formulating cosmetic products, as higher or inappropriate exposure can increase the potential for irritation.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Salicylic Acid
CAS: 69-72-7
Functions: Antidandruff, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

Source: Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients (Dweck Books 4). Dweck Data. Kindle Edition.