The uses of salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, what is it?

Salicylic acid is an ingredient belonging to the family of beta-hydroxy acids Where BHAs. It is also called 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. Originally, this compound is extracted from willow bark and certain fruits. However, to meet the needs of the cosmetics industry, salicylic acid is also chemically synthesized. Besides the universe of cosmetologythis ingredient is also present in the field medical to design pharmaceutical products like aspirin.

Salicylic acid has many properties that have earned it use in cosmetics and pharmacy. Indeed, it is appreciated for its keratolytic, exfoliating, antioxidant, astringent, regenerating, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The components it contains can act directly on the targeted area. They are also able to integrate a formula to improve its penetration or its preservation.

What benefits are associated with salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is an ingredient that has notable benefits for the skin. Specifically, it is perfect for treat oily, blemished and/or acne-prone skin. Unlike other acid families, salicylic acid is fat-soluble. Thus, it is soluble in fat and penetrates deep into the tissues that make up these types of skin. You should know that oily, acne-prone and blemished skin is the result of excessive sebum production in the sebaceous glands. Even if it is supposed to protect the skin against external aggressions, the sebum produced in large quantities ends up accumulating and clogging the pores. It may also be of poor quality and susceptible to oxidation.

To solve skin problems, salicylic acid, by its action sebum regulating, contributes to the regulation of sebum production. Its keratolytic properties eliminate dead cells piled up on the surface of the skin to promote cell renewal. Skin texture is refined thanks to the exfoliating properties of salicylic acid, which reduces blemishes. Furthermore, salicylic acid is renowned for its property comedolyticthat is to say, it is able to eliminate comedones, unclog pores and prevent the appearance of blackheads.

Salicylic acid also has a power antiseptic. It prevents the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and other harmful on the surface of the skin. This ingredient is also among those capable of stopping the development of bacteria responsible for acne pimples and inflammatory reactions in the skin. Anti-inflammatorysalicylic acid, classified among the non-irritating active ingredients, soothes sensitive skin or those prone to painful pimples.

Use of salicylic acid: in which cosmetic products can it be found?

Salicylic acid is commonly used to formulate skincare topical application. It may be present in products intended for the treatment of acne pimples, blackheads, pigment spots or comedones. This ingredient can also be included in treatments designed to homogenize skin texture, restore dilated pores and fight against skin aging.

Cosmetic brands often offer lotionsof the day and night creamsof the cleanersof the scrubs or some serums with salicylic acid. The latter also enters into the composition of hair care such as classic shampoos, dandruff shampoos or hair lotions.

Salicylic acid may be an ingredient in shampoos for oily hair. Thanks to its sebum-regulating property, it is also suitable for the formulation of makeup products, in particular those which are mattifying or intended to awaken the radiance of the complexion. Regarding its application, everything depends on the galenic form of the care in which it is integrated. For example, the salicylic acid serum is applied to clean, dry skin, before the usual cream.

However, even though it is a non-irritating ingredient, the use of salicylic acid in cosmetic facial products should not exceed a concentration of 2%. Its use is governed by the regulation (EC) n°1223/2009 on the regulation of cosmetic products in Europe.

You can find salicylic acid cosmetics on the SkinCeuticals pages. Other solutions dedicated to the treatment of skin problems of all kinds are also provided by this brand.

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