Salicylic Acid
Pronunciation /sal-uh-SIL-ik AS-id/
What it is — A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) originally derived from willow bark.
What it does — Dissolves the gunk inside pores, exfoliates dead skin, calms inflammation.
What is it?
Salicylic acid
What does it do?
Salicylic Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
-
Anti-seborrheic
helps regulate excess sebum production on skin and scalp
-
Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
-
Hair conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair
-
Keratolytic
softens and dissolves the outermost layer of skin keratin, used in exfoliants and acne treatments
-
Preservative
prevents microbial growth in cosmetic products, extending shelf life and protecting users
-
Skin conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and condition of skin
Often found in
- acne treatments
- exfoliating toners
- cleansers
- spot treatments
Good to know
Oil-soluble, so it gets *into* pores — unlike water-soluble AHAs. 0.5–2% is the standard cosmetic range. Avoid combining with retinol on the same night when starting out.
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Salicylic Acid is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 98V). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Notes: /3
Frequently asked questions
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Salicylic acid
Is Salicylic Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Salicylic Acid is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Salicylic Acid do in cosmetic products?
Salicylic Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: anti-seborrheic, fragrance, hair conditioning, keratolytic, preservative, skin conditioning.
What is the CAS number of Salicylic Acid?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Salicylic Acid is 69-72-7.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 11/08/2020