Salicylic Acid (Cosmetic Grade)

Formulated for skin care, this Cosmetic Grade Salicylic Acid is a naturally-derived beta-hydroxy acid known to help exfoliate skin and keep pores clear. It can help reduce breakouts and improve skin texture without causing irritation. 

Use: Typical use level 0.5-3%. Typically, it is added to the water phase of formulas but it is only slightly soluble in water. If used at concentrations higher than 2%, octyldodecanol or propylene glycol should be used as solvent. Salicylic acid can be added also in powder form to a finished cream or lotion without dissolving it first in water or another solvent.

Applications: Peels and exfoliant products. Anti-acne products (max. 2%). Anti-dandruff products (max 3%). Wart-removing products (max. concentration depends on type of plaster vehicle used).

Raw material source: Sodium phenoxide and carbon dioxide.

Manufacture: Salicylic acid is prepared from dry sodium phenoxide in a stream of carbon dioxide. It is further purified by crystallizing the sodium salicylate from water at a temperature not exceeding 20 deg C.

Precautions: Make sure that you measure the pH value after adding salicylic acid as it can lower the pH significantly. A pH of lower than 3.5 should be avoided as skin irritations can occur. To avoid excess peeling/irritation of the skin be careful when using salicylic acid together with abrasive soaps or cleansers, alcohol-containing products, or other topical acne or peeling products (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, tretinoin), soaps or cosmetics that dry the skin. 

Warning: Salicylic acid should be used with caution in patients with chronic renal (kidney) insufficiency, gastric ulcer, severe anemia, patients intolerant to salicylate or diabetes. Avoid prolonged and excessive use on large area of body or on broken or inflamed skin. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or other mucous membrane. It should also be used with caution on extremities of patients with impaired peripheral circulation.

Documents: Certificate of Analysis (COA)