Salicylic Acid

Koustrup, M. (Photographer). (2018) Facial cleanser containing salicylic acid. Drumheller, Canada. 

Attention to all that struggle with acne, dandruff, or even headaches!¹ A simple solution to help diminish these issues are through the use of salicylic acid¹. In most adolescent individuals acne is a common issue, ranging in different severities. The chemical works by triggering the dead cells of the epidermis skin layer to shed, preventing pore clogging and making room for new cells ². Due to this chemical quality it makes it great for individuals that struggle with acne or dandruff ².  

Salicylic acid is also known for its ability to relieve pain, fever, headaches, and inflammation through its high concentration in the widely known drug Aspirin³. A common misconception is that a crushed Aspirin tablet if mixed with water to form a paste acts as a spot treatment for acne⁷. Although Aspirin does contain salicylic acid the concentration of the chemical is very high and could potentially burn your skin⁷.

Naturally derived from plants such as wintergreen leaves and sweet birch bark³. Synthetically produced through the Kolbe-Schmitt Synthesis involving the initial reaction of phenol and sodium hydroxide producing sodium phenoxide⁵. The sodium phenoxide product is then put into contact with a stream of carbon dioxide, under pressure at around 150-160° C and forms sodium salicylate⁴. Sodium salicylate is then acidified to create the salicylic acid⁴.  The acid is non-corrosive and biodegradable but does pose a risk to the environment as the production involves the corrosive ingredient phenol⁵. Consumption of salicylic acid in an ecosystem causes slight bioaccumulation due to the rate of elimination being lower than the rate of reabsorption⁵.

Through the testing done on rats it has been determined that salicylic acid has a lethal dose of 892mg/kg taken orally⁶. Topically the chemical can be applied without causing adverse effects if following the recommended concentrations of 0.5 to 2 percent salicylic acid³.

One tip for using the chemical topically is to test the product initially in a low concentration to see if you react, then increase the concentration as you see fit. Ensuring that you do not exceed the recommended concentrations to limit the risk of a chemical burn.

References

¹ “Salicylic Acid.” Human Metabolome Database (HMDB). Retrieved from http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB0001895

² “Salicylic acid.” Drug Bank. Retrieved from http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00936

³ “SALICYLIC ACID.” HSDB. Retrieved from https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgibin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+@rel+69-72-7

⁴  Boullard, O., Leblanc, H., Besso, B. “Salicylic Acid.” Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/64c7/c0ed4e0add45ef31317be557932e3ebc4189.pdf

⁵ “Salicylic Acid.” IHS Market. December, 2003. Retrieved from https://ihsmarkit.com/products/chemical-technology-pep-reviews-salicylic-acid-2003.html

⁶ Salicylic Acid Safety Data Sheet. (2018). ThermoFisher Scientific. Retrieved from https://www.fishersci.com/shop/msdsproxy?productName=A275500

⁷  Sullivan, K. (2015, 05). Internet myths busted. Allure, 25, 50-n/a. Retrieved from http://libproxy.mtroyal.ca/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.libproxy.mtroyal.ca/docview/1688076799?accountid=1343