Please Wait
Applying Filters...
Menu
$ API Ref.Price (USD/KG) : 4Xls
2D Structure
Also known as: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 69-72-7, O-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-carboxyphenol, O-carboxyphenol, Rutranex
Molecular Formula
C7H6O3
Molecular Weight
138.12  g/mol
InChI Key
YGSDEFSMJLZEOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
O414PZ4LPZ

A compound obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves. It has bacteriostatic, fungicidal, and keratolytic actions.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
2-hydroxybenzoic acid
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C7H6O3/c8-6-4-2-1-3-5(6)7(9)10/h1-4,8H,(H,9,10)
2.1.3 InChI Key
YGSDEFSMJLZEOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
C1=CC=C(C(=C1)C(=O)O)O
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
O414PZ4LPZ
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. 2 Hydroxybenzoic Acid

2. 2-hydroxybenzoic Acid

3. Acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic

4. Acid, O-hydroxybenzoic

5. Acid, Ortho-hydroxybenzoic

6. Acid, Salicylic

7. O Hydroxybenzoic Acid

8. O-hydroxybenzoic Acid

9. Ortho Hydroxybenzoic Acid

10. Ortho-hydroxybenzoic Acid

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 2-hydroxybenzoic Acid

2. 69-72-7

3. O-hydroxybenzoic Acid

4. 2-carboxyphenol

5. O-carboxyphenol

6. Rutranex

7. Salonil

8. Retarder W

9. Keralyt

10. Duoplant

11. Freezone

12. Saligel

13. Ionil

14. Psoriacid-s-stift

15. Stri-dex

16. Benzoic Acid, 2-hydroxy-

17. Salicylic Acid Soap

18. Salicylic Acid Collodion

19. Verrugon

20. Phenol-2-carboxylic Acid

21. 2-hydroxybenzenecarboxylic Acid

22. Acidum Salicylicum

23. Trans-ver-sal

24. Orthohydroxybenzoic Acid

25. Acido Salicilico

26. Ionil-plus

27. Salicylic Acid, Tech.

28. Kyselina Salicylova

29. Clear Away Wart Remover

30. Duofil Wart Remover

31. Domerine

32. Sebucare

33. Duofilm

34. Sebulex

35. Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers

36. Salicyclic Acid

37. Ionil Plus

38. Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers

39. Kyselina Salicylova [czech]

40. Dr. Scholl's Wart Remover Kit

41. Kyselina 2-hydroxybenzoova

42. Occlusal

43. Acido Salicilico [italian]

44. Advanced Pain Relief Corn Removers

45. Caswell No. 731

46. 2-hydroxy-benzoic Acid

47. Kyselina 2-hydroxybenzoova [czech]

48. Advanced Pain Relief Callus Removers

49. Salicylicum Acidum

50. Acido O-idrossibenzoico [italian]

51. Nsc 180

52. Salicylic Acid & Sulfur Soap

53. Ccris 6714

54. Hsdb 672

55. Ai3-02407

56. Mfcd00002439

57. Epa Pesticide Chemical Code 076602

58. Brn 0774890

59. Chebi:16914

60. Nsc-180

61. Chembl424

62. O414pz4lpz

63. Mls000069653

64. Nsc180

65. Fema No. 3985

66. K 537

67. Ata Fraction 10, Ammonium Salt

68. Ncgc00159447-05

69. Smr000059163

70. Mediplast Pads

71. Akurza Lotion

72. Hydrisalic Gel

73. Akurza Cream

74. Salex Lotion

75. Salex Cream

76. Dsstox_cid_6368

77. Duoplant Gel

78. Dhs Sal Shampoo

79. Dsstox_rid_78106

80. P&s Shampoo

81. Dsstox_gsid_26368

82. Salicylic Acid [usan:jan]

83. Acido O-idrossibenzoico

84. Durasal

85. Cas-69-72-7

86. Propa Ph Peel-off Acne Mask

87. Nsc629474

88. Phenol Derivative, 7

89. Salicylic Acid (tn)

90. Benzoic Acid, 2-hydroxy-, Ion(1-)

91. Einecs 200-712-3

92. Unii-o414pz4lpz

93. Salicylic Acid [usp:jan]

94. Azurechelin

95. Salicylic Acid (6ci,8ci)

96. Salicylic-acid

97. Anti-blemish

98. Salicylic Acid Rs

99. Hydroxy-benzoic Acid

100. Ortho-salicylic Acid

101. Cmc_13852

102. Fostex (salt/mix)

103. Pernox (salt/mix)

104. Duofilm Wart Remover

105. Phenol-2-carboxylate

106. Duofilm (salt/mix)

107. Salicylic Acid,(s)

108. Sebulex (salt/mix)

109. 2-hydroxobenzoic Acid

110. Domerine (salt/mix)

111. Sebucare (salt/mix)

112. 2-hydroxybenzoate, I

113. Natural Salicylic Acid

114. O-hydroxy Benzoic Acid

115. Salicylic Acid Reagent

116. 2-hydroxy Benzoic Acid

117. Spectrum_000948

118. Opera_id_582

119. Salicylic Acid Acs Grade

120. Wln: Qvr Bq

121. Benzoic Acid, O-hydroxy-

122. Bazuka Extra Strength Gel

123. 2-hydroxybenzenecarboxylate

124. Bmse000252

125. C6h4(oh)cooh

126. Epitope Id:124929

127. Retarder Sax (salt/mix)

128. Upcmld-dp126

129. Ec 200-712-3

130. Salicylicacidinclusioncomplex

131. Schembl1967

132. Salicylic Acid [mi]

133. Oprea1_040343

134. Kbioss_001428

135. Salicylic Acid [jan]

136. Salicylic Acid [usp]

137. Bidd:er0602

138. Divk1c_000301

139. Salicylic Acid (jp17/usp)

140. Salicylic Acid [hsdb]

141. Salicylic Acid [inci]

142. Salicylic Acid [vandf]

143. 2-hydroxybenzoic Acid, Natural

144. Fema3985

145. Gtpl4306

146. Sgcut00012

147. Zinc1554

148. Salicylic Acid [mart.]

149. Salicylic Acid Inclusion Complex

150. Salicylic Acid, >=99%, Fg

151. Salicylic Acid, Lr, >=99%

152. Component Of Tinver (salt/mix)

153. Dtxsid7026368

154. Salicylic Acid [usp-rs]

155. Salicylic Acid [who-dd]

156. Salicylic Acid [who-ip]

157. Upcmld-dp126:001

158. Bdbm26193

159. Component Of Keralyt (salt/mix)

160. Kbio1_000301

161. Kbio2_001428

162. Kbio2_003996

163. Kbio2_006564

164. Alpha/beta Hydroxy Acids (glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid)

165. E9a559be-383b-4f83-bc02-3031d03d558a

166. Salicylicum Acidum [hpus]

167. Ninds_000301

168. Hms2233a10

169. Hms3373m19

170. Hms3885b08

171. Kuc106694n

172. Salicylic Acid, P.a., 99.0%

173. Benzoic Acid, 2-hydroxy- (9ci)

174. Bcp09067

175. Hy-b0167

176. Salicylic Acid [green Book]

177. To_000004

178. Lamivudine Impurity, Salicylic Acid-

179. Tox21_113453

180. Tox21_201471

181. Tox21_303109

182. S4539

183. Salicylic Acid [ep Impurity]

184. Stk258681

185. 2-hydroxybenzoic Acid [fhfi]

186. Salicylic Acid [ep Monograph]

187. Akos000118979

188. Salicylic Acid [usp Monograph]

189. Salicylic Acid, Bioxtra, >=99.0%

190. Ccg-212792

191. Db00936

192. Pb48023

193. Idi1_000301

194. Smp2_000145

195. Ncgc00159447-01

196. Ncgc00159447-02

197. Ncgc00159447-04

198. Ncgc00159447-06

199. Ncgc00257065-01

200. Ncgc00259022-01

201. Acidum Salicylicum [who-ip Latin]

202. Bp-12826

203. Ksc-11-207-4

204. Lamivudine Related Compound Salicylic Acid

205. Salicylic Acid & Sulfur Soap (salt/mix)

206. Salicylic Acid, Acs Reagent, >=99.0%

207. Salicylic Acid, Plant Cell Culture Tested

208. Salicylic Acid, Reagentplus(r), >=99%

209. Ts-03583

210. Salicylic Acid 1.0 Mg/ml In Acetonitrile

211. Salicylic Acid 100 Microg/ml In Methanol

212. Sbi-0051510.p003

213. Lamivudine Impurity C [ep Impurity]

214. Mesalazine Impurity H [ep Impurity]

215. Ft-0645123

216. Ft-0674502

217. Ft-0674503

218. H0206

219. H1342

220. Salicylic Acid, Tested According To Ph.eur.

221. Salicylic Acid 100 Microg/ml In Acetonitrile

222. Salicylic Acid, Saj First Grade, >=99.0%

223. Sulfasalazine Impurity H [ep Impurity]

224. C00805

225. D00097

226. D70842

227. Salicylic Acid, Vetec(tm) Reagent Grade, 98%

228. Ab00489876_15

229. Benzoic Acid,2-hydroxy Salicylic Acid

230. Salicylic Acid, Puriss. P.a., >=99.0% (t)

231. Q193572

232. Component Of Solarcaine First Aid Spray (salt/mix)

233. J-509667

234. Acetylsalicylic Acid Impurity C [ep Impurity]

235. Component Of Fostex Medicated Bar And Cream (salt/mix)

236. F2191-0216

237. Salicylic Acid, Certified Reference Material, Tracecert(r)

238. Salicylic Acid, British Pharmacopoeia (bp) Reference Standard

239. Salicylic Acid, European Pharmacopoeia (ep) Reference Standard

240. Salicylic Acid, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

241. Salicylic Acid, 1.0 Mg/ml In Acetonitrile, Ampule Of 1 Ml, Certified Reference Material

242. Salicylic Acid, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

243. 8052-31-1

244. Salicylic Acid, Meets Analytical Specification Of Ph. Eur., Bp, Usp, 99.5-100.5% (calc. To The Dried Substance)

2.4 Create Date
2004-09-16
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 138.12 g/mol
Molecular Formula C7H6O3
XLogP32.3
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count2
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count3
Rotatable Bond Count1
Exact Mass138.031694049 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass138.031694049 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area57.5 Ų
Heavy Atom Count10
Formal Charge0
Complexity133
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Therapeutic Uses

Anti-Infective Agents; Antifungal Agents; Keratolytic Agents

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings online file (MeSH, 1999)


Cosmetic ingredient functions of Salicylic Acid and its salts. Ingredient: Salicylic Acid; Function: Antiacne agent, Antidanduff agent, Corn/callus/wart remover, Denaturant, Hair-conditioning agent, and Skin-conditioning agent (miscellaneous). /From table/

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MET-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate; p.9, (2003)


Salicylic acid has been present in OTC topical acne preparations (at concentrations of 2% to 5%), external analgesics and skin protectants used for poison ivy, oak and sumac, and topical antifungal drug products.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MET-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate; p.9, (2003)


MEDICATION (VET): Seborrhea is a skin disease in dogs that is characterized by a defect in keratinization or cornification. Clinically, it results in increased scale formation, occasionally excessive greasiness of the skin and hair coat, and often secondary inflammation and infection. ... Dogs with moderate to marked scaling and mild oiliness should be bathed with shampoos that contain sulfur and salicylic acid. Both agents are keratolytic, keratoplastic, antibacterial, and antipruritic.

Kahn, C.M. (Ed.); The Merck Veterinary Manual 9th ed. Merck & Co. Whitehouse Station, NJ. 2005, p. 799


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for SALICYLIC ACID (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.2 Drug Warning

Salicylic acid is not used systemically because of its severe irritating effect on GI mucosa and other tissues; therefore, better tolerated chemical derivatives have been prepared for systemic use.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 3545


Necrosis of normal skin has been associated with overuse of the drug. At high concentrations (e.g., 20%), salicylic acid has a caustic effect.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 3545


Prolonged use over large areas, especially in young children and those patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, could result in salicylism. Limit the area to be treated and be aware of signs of salicylate toxicity (e.g., nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of hearing, tinnitus, lethargy, hyperpnea, diarrhea, psychic disturbances).

Novak, K.M. (ed.). Drug Facts and Comparisons 59th Edition 2005. Wolters Kluwer Health. St. Louis, Missouri 2005., p. 2579


Contraindications: Sensitivity to salicylic acid; prolonged use, especially in infants, diabetics, and patients with impaired circulation; use on moles, birthmarks or warts with hair growing from them, genital or racial warts or warts on mucous membranes, irritated skin or any area that is infected or reddened.

Novak, K.M. (ed.). Drug Facts and Comparisons 59th Edition 2005. Wolters Kluwer Health. St. Louis, Missouri 2005., p. 2579


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for SALICYLIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Indication

Key additive in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, callouses, corns, keratosis pilaris and warts.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Salicylic acid treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. This effect on skin cells also makes salicylic acid an active ingredient in several shampoos meant to treat dandruff. Use of straight salicylic solution may cause hyperpigmentation on unpretreated skin for those with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick phototypes IV, V, VI), as well as with the lack of use of a broad spectrum sunblock. Subsalicylate in combination with bismuth form the popular stomach relief aid known commonly as Pepto-Bismol. When combined the two key ingredients help control diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and even gas. It is also very mildly anti-biotic.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Keratolytic Agents

Agents that soften, separate, and cause desquamation of the cornified epithelium or horny layer of skin. They are used to expose mycelia of infecting fungi or to treat corns, warts, and certain other skin diseases. (See all compounds classified as Keratolytic Agents.)


Anti-Infective Agents

Substances that prevent infectious agents or organisms from spreading or kill infectious agents in order to prevent the spread of infection. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Infective Agents.)


Antifungal Agents

Substances that destroy fungi by suppressing their ability to grow or reproduce. They differ from FUNGICIDES, INDUSTRIAL because they defend against fungi present in human or animal tissues. (See all compounds classified as Antifungal Agents.)


5.3 ATC Code

D - Dermatologicals

D01 - Antifungals for dermatological use

D01A - Antifungals for topical use

D01AE - Other antifungals for topical use

D01AE12 - Salicylic acid


S - Sensory organs

S01 - Ophthalmologicals

S01B - Antiinflammatory agents

S01BC - Antiinflammatory agents, non-steroids

S01BC08 - Salicylic acid


5.4 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Route of Elimination

About 10% is excreted unchanged in the urine.


Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution is about 170 mL/kg of body weight.


A single-center, single-sequence, two-period crossover study was performed to compare the systemic exposure to salicylic acid following facial application of a 30% salicylic acid cosmetic skin peel formulation applied for 5 min and an oral dose of 650 mg aspirin in nine healthy male and female subjects. The mean (SD) maximum salicylic acid concentration (C(max)) was 0.81 (0.32) ug/mL and 56.4 (14.2) ug/mL. The AUC-based safety margin ratio was 50:1. A depot effect was observed during topical application of the skin peel solution as the absorption of salicylic acid continued beyond the 5-min application period. Plasma salicylic acid C(max) values were achieved from 1.4 to 3.5 hr after topical application and from 0.5 to 1.5 hr after oral aspirin. The plasma concentrations in the present study (30%; 5 min) were similar to that of a low concentration (2%) applied in a leave-on product to the same body surface area.

Fung W et al; J Pharm Sci 97 (3): 1325-1328 (2007)


The absorption of reagent-grade salicylic acid through abdominal guinea pig skin was examined. The abdominal area was shaved and a recirculation apparatus was applied to determine the rate of absorption. Salicylic acid, pH 3.0, had a constant rate of absorption (approximately 4%) at concentrations of 250, 400, and 1000 ug/mL. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 500 ug/mL was used to examine the absorption as a function of pH. The percent absorbed from 1 to 6 hours was 6.1, 3.3, 0.6, and 0 at pH 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and 0, 1.8, 8.0, and 15.5 at pH 7, 8, 9, and 10, respectively.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MET-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate; p.15, (2003)


Salicylic acid is rapidly absorbed from the intact skin, especially when applied in oily liniments or ointments, ... .

Hardman, J.G., L.E. Limbird, P.B., A.G. Gilman. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001., p. 700


The percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid through damaged guinea pig skin was studied using a recirculation apparatus. After the abdominal skin of male guinea pigs was clipped and the stratum corneum removed, a glass vessel was attached and used for continuous recirculation and the amount of salicylic acid, 500 ug/mL and pH 3.0, absorbed was calculated from the concentration remaining in the solution. Also, concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 ug/mL salicylic acid at pH 3.0 and 500 ug/ml at a pH of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 were used to determine the effect of concentration and pH, respectively, on absorption. The absorption rate of 500 ug/ml salicylic acid from the recirculating solution was 79.4% for damaged skin; the disappearance of salicylic acid from the solution was linear from the start of exposure. (This was 10 times the rate through intact skin; disappearance from intact skin was linear 1 hour after the start of exposure.) The rate of absorption from the recirculating solution was independent of concentration, but it did increase with an increasing fraction of un-ionized form. The amount of drug retained in damaged guinea pig skin after various exposure times was then determined. The animals were exposed to 500 ug/mL salicylic acid, pH 3.0, for 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 hours, and then killed. The test area was wiped and the skin isolated to the corium. A peak in the amount of salicylic acid reserved in the skin was observed after 0.5 to 1 hour. ... These results were attributed to an increase in percutaneous absorption and rapid decrease in concentration in the test solution due to removal of the stratum corneum and a rapid decrease in skin concentration because of the decrease of salicylic acid in the solution. Varying the concentration of salicylic acid from 250 to 1000 ug/mL resulted in similar patterns of retention. Varying the pH from 3 to 6, the peak of the amount reserved became lower and broader with a decreasing fraction of unionized salicylic acid, and the time required to reach a peak had a later trend.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MET-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate; p.15, (2003)


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for SALICYLIC ACID (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.5 Metabolism/Metabolites

Salicylic acid is extensively metabolized.


At low dosage, approximately 80% of salicylic acid is metabolized in the liver. Conjugation with glycine, forms salicyluric acid and when conjugated with glucuronic acid, acyl and phenolic glucuronide are formed. Small amounts of salicylic acid are also hydroxylated to gentisic acid. With large doses, the kinetics switch from first order to zero order.

IPCS; Poisons Information Monograph 642: Salicylic Acid (September 1998). Available from, as of February 13, 2008: https://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/pharm/pim642.htm#PartTitle:5.%20%20ROUTES%20OF%20ENTRY


Dogs were dosed intravenously with 1 g (14)C-salicylic acid (containing 10 uCi) in sodium bicarbonate solution. Urine was collected for 30 to 36 hours. Urinary metabolite recovery from one animal, which was representative of all the dosed animals, was 50% unchanged salicylic acid, 25% glucuronates, 10% salicyluric acid, and 4% to 5% gentisic acid. Total recovery was > 90% of the dose.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MET-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate; p.29, (2003)


The major urinary metabolites identified after topical administeration differ from those after oral salicylate adminisration; those derived from percutaneous absorption contain more salicylate glucuronides (42%) and less salicyluric (52%) and salicylic acid (6%).

Novak, K.M. (ed.). Drug Facts and Comparisons 59th Edition 2005. Wolters Kluwer Health. St. Louis, Missouri 2005., p. 2579


YIELDS O-CARBOXYPHENYL-B-D-GLUCURONIDE IN MAN; IN RABBIT; YIELDS O-CARBOXYPHENYL SULFATE IN RAT. /FROM TABLE/

Goodwin, B.L. Handbook of Intermediary Metabolism of Aromatic Compounds. New York: Wiley, 1976., p. S-3


For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for SALICYLIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


Salicylic acid has known human metabolites that include 5-hydroxylation.

S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560


5.6 Biological Half-Life

Groups of 3 and 25 month old male Fischer 344 rats were dosed iv with 5 or 50 mg/kg(14)C-salicylic acid ... . The half life value s in 3 month old animals were 4.08 and 30.1 hr with doses of 5 and 50 mg/kg, respectively; these values were 21.3 and 21.9 hr, respectively, in 25 month old animals.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hexyldodecyl Salicylate, Isocetyl Salicylate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Magnesium Salicylate, MET-Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Potassium Salicylate, Methyl Salicylate, Myristyl Salicylate, Sodium Salicylate, TEA-Salicylate, and Tridecyl Salicylate; p.29, (2003)


5.7 Mechanism of Action

Salicylic acid directly irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 to decrease conversion of arachidonic acid to precursors of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Salicylate's use in rheumatic diseases is due to it's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, and warts. Salicylic acid allows cells of the epidermis to more readily slough off. Because of its effect on skin cells, salicylic acid is used in several shampoos used to treat dandruff. Salicylic acid is also used as an active ingredient in gels which remove verrucas (plantar warts). Salicylic acid competitively inhibits oxidation of uridine-5-diphosphoglucose (UDPG) with nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD) and noncompetitively with UDPG. It also competitively inhibits the transferring of the glucuronyl group of uridine-5-phosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA) to a phenolic acceptor. Inhibition of mucopoly saccharide synthesis is likely responsible for the slowing of wound healing with salicylates.


Salicylic acid has a potent keratolytic action and a slight antiseptic action when applied topically to the skin. In low concentrations, the drug has keratoplastic activity (correction of abnormal keratinization) and in higher concentrations (i.e., 1% or higher, depending on the vehicle), the drug has keratolytic activity (causes peeling of skin). Salicylic acid softens and destroys the stratum corneum by increasing endogenous hydration (water concentration), probably because of decreased pH, which causes the cornified epithelium (horny layer) of the skin to swell, soften, and then desquamate.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 3545