Salicylic acid: Friend or Foe?

 

Salicylic acid: Friend or Foe?

Salicylic acid (SA), sometimes known as ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid, is a more common ingredient in skincare products than you might think [1]. While some swear by it, the popular face wash ingredient salicylic acid has been known to cause severe chemical burns — and in some cases, death [2]—  in regular users.

Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant (skin peeling) to help loosen and remove blackheads and whiteheads — a.k.a. clogged pores — from the skin. Salicylic acid is lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can assist with lessening the redness of irritated breakouts [3]. Exfoliation and anti-inflammatory properties work together to promote skin healing, prevent scarring, and reduce the probability of recurring breakouts. Because of these redeeming qualities, SA is often used in topical ‘anti-acne’ marketed products, as well as is common in ‘exfoliating’ products [4;5].

SA is a natural chemical originally derived from plants [6]— but don’t let this fool you. Although it’s generally considered safe, high concentrations of salicylic acid can cause chemical burns [7]. Furthermore, if the chemical is consumed, they can cause dangerous intoxication. If you apply too much, you could acquire salicylic acid toxicity, sometimes known as salicylism [8].

While the long tong-term safety of salicylic acid in cosmetics is still being evaluated by government and health organizations [9], Health Canada [10] currently says the chemical can endanger your health when:

• applied to the skin in such products as:

• certain cosmetics, including moisturizers and massage oils

• certain natural health products and drugs, including sunscreens, acne cream, pain relief cream and after-shave

• swallowed in such products as:

• certain non-prescription drugs, including liquid antacids

They found that Salicylic acid in these products may cause:

• liver damage

• kidney damage

• effects on human development

Some advertisements assert SA can be used daily, but cautionary tales from those who have been burned — literally and figuratively — by the chemical would say otherwise. Perhaps this is an example of a new novelty product being used in excess because it has some beneficial qualities. One should ask themselves, at what point am I willing to put my health at risk in the name of clear skin? The answer will vary per user. Use is also incredibly dependent on skin type. If one notices any side effects through the use of SA, they should discontinue use of the product and consult a dermatologist if inflammation persists.

Strong products can result in strong burns; products and skincare ingredients can be dangerous, if used wrong or out of haste, one may pay serious consequences. 

Exam questions: 

What is the role that Salicylic acid plays in treating acne? 

What is one of the biggest cautions when using Salicylic acid? 

What are some examples of products (internal or external) that include Salicylic acid? 

References

[1] Mayo Clinic. (2023) Salicylic Acid (Topical Route). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/salicylic-acid-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20066030?p=1

[2]  Runde TJ, Nappe TM. (2022). Salicylates Toxicity. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499879/

[3] Smith, B. T., & Pacitti, D. F. (2020). Pharmacology for nurses (B. T. Smith, Ed.; Second edition.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

[4] American Chemical Society. (2015) Molecule of the Week Archive: Salicylic acid. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/s/salicylic-acid.html#:~:text=Salicylic%20acid%20

[5] Consumer product information database (2023). Salicylic Acid. Retrieved January 28, 2023 from https://www.whatsinproducts.com/chemicals/view/1/698/000069-72-7/Salicylic%20acid

[6] Runde TJ, Nappe TM. (2022). Salicylates Toxicity. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499879/

[7] Frothingham, Scott. (2022) Can Salicylic Acid Help Treat Acne? Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/salicylic-acid-for-acne#precautions

[8] S&P Global Commodity Insights. (2003) Salicylic Acid. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/ci/products/chemical-technology-pep-reviews-salicylic-acid-2003.html#:~:text=Salicylic%20acid%20is%20produced%20commercially,acidified%20to%20give%20salicylic%20acid.

[9]  Food and Drug Administration. (2022) Beta Hydroxy Acids. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/beta-hydroxy-acids#:~:text=Currently%2C%20the%20BHA%20most%20commonly,the%20cosmetic%20industry%20and%20FDA

[10] Government of Canada. (2023) Salicylic acid. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemicals-product-safety/salicylic-acid.html