Salicylic Acid
CAS 69-72-7 · C₇H₆O₃ · MW 138.12
The starting material for aspirin and a proven keratolytic active in dermatology. Chelora supplies pharmacopoeia-grade salicylic acid — IP, BP and USP — with certificate of analysis and complete documentation on every batch.
- IP / BP / USP grades
- Non-hazardous transport
- Samples to bulk
5
available grades
CAS number
69-72-7
Melting point
158 – 161 °C
Pharmacopoeia
IP · BP · USP
Transport
Non-DG
Product overview
From Kolbe synthesis to medicine cabinet
Salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) is a naturally occurring beta-hydroxy acid first isolated from willow bark. Today it is manufactured on an industrial scale via the Kolbe–Schmitt reaction — treatment of sodium phenoxide with carbon dioxide under pressure — and remains one of the most commercially significant pharmaceutical intermediates in the world.
Its primary pharmaceutical use is as the starting material for aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which is manufactured by acetylation with acetic anhydride. Aspirin is the world's most widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, prescribed for pain, fever, inflammation and cardiovascular prophylaxis.
In dermatology, salicylic acid acts directly as a keratolytic agent — loosening the bonds between corneocytes in the stratum corneum and promoting desquamation. This mechanism makes it effective against acne, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, warts and calluses, and it is also a popular ingredient in over-the-counter BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) skincare products marketed as exfoliants for oily and acne-prone skin.
Beyond pharma and cosmetics, salicylic acid enters dye chemistry, preservative systems, fragrances (as a precursor to methyl salicylate) and agrochemical intermediates — making it one of the most versatile aromatic acids in the chemical supply chain.
Technical specifications
Applications & end uses
Industries that depend on Salicylic Acid
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) synthesis
Salicylic acid is the essential starting material for aspirin — the most widely used NSAID globally. Acetylation with acetic anhydride yields acetylsalicylic acid, used in analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular prophylaxis formulations.
Dermatological formulations
As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is a first-line keratolytic agent in prescription and OTC skincare. It treats acne, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and corns by promoting dead cell shedding and pore clearance.
Cosmetic skincare (BHA peels & exfoliants)
Cosmetic formulators incorporate salicylic acid at 0.5 – 2 % in cleansers, toners, serums and masks as a chemical exfoliant. Its lipophilicity allows penetration into sebaceous follicles, making it especially effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Preservatives & antiseptics
Salicylic acid and its esters (salicylates) function as antimicrobial preservatives in pharmaceutical and food products, inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth in topical preparations, oral solutions and processed foods.
Agrochemical intermediates
Derivatives of salicylic acid serve as intermediates in herbicide and plant growth regulator synthesis, including salicylanilide-class antifungals used in crop protection programmes.
Dye and fragrance chemistry
Salicylic acid enters azo dye manufacture and serves as a precursor to methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), used in fragrance, flavouring and topical analgesic rubs.
Available grades
Pharmacopoeia and industrial grades
≥ 99.0 %
IP grade
Aspirin API synthesis, pharma formulation
≥ 99.0 %
BP / Ph. Eur. grade
Export pharma, dermatology
≥ 99.5 %
USP grade
US-market formulations, FDA compliance
≥ 98.0 %
Technical grade
Dyes, agrochemicals, industrial
≥ 99.0 %
Cosmetic grade
Skincare actives, peels, serums
Packaging options
Sealed and labelled to pharmacopoeia standard
25 kg — HDPE-lined fibre drum
Standard pharmaceutical unit
50 kg — HDPE-lined fibre drum
Bulk formulation supply
Sample — Sealed HDPE container
QC evaluation before commitment
Documentation supplied
Complete paperwork for QC and regulatory
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Batch-specific results for assay, melting point, chloride, sulphate, heavy metals, LOD and ROI.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
GHS-format, 16-section SDS covering handling, first aid, fire-fighting and disposal.
Specification sheet
Limit values for each test parameter aligned to IP, BP or USP monograph.
Pharmacopoeia compliance statement
Confirmation of monograph compliance where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Salicylic Acid
Which pharmacopoeia grades of Salicylic Acid does Chelora supply?+
Is Salicylic Acid classified as a hazardous material?+
What is the typical lead time for a bulk order?+
Can Salicylic Acid be used in cosmetic formulations?+
What is the difference between IP, BP and USP grades?+
Do you offer samples before bulk purchase?+
Related intermediates
Other pharmaceutical intermediates from Chelora
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