Uses of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid has a longstanding tradition as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. This white, crystalline solid is a derivative of the biosynthesis of the amino acid phenylalanine. Tampa ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s pure salicylic acid is a primary component of several cosmetic, personal care, and skin care products. As an acid, salicylic acid forms oxidation reactions. The cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries find salicylic acid ideal because of its antioxidant abilities.

Pain Relief 
Aspirin’s basic raw material is acetylsalicylic acid, which is derived from salicylic acid. Aspirin’s main features of being anti-inflammatory and relieving pain are due to salicylic acid.

Personal Care
Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many acne treatment medications. As a keratolytic (a product removing the skin’s outermost epidermal layer), salicylic acid peels away blemishes, acne, warts, calluses, and corns, leaving skin smoother and with fewer blemishes. It is also used topically to treat dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrhea. Because many skin conditions are due to microbial growth, salicylic acid deters bacterial and fungal growth. Meanwhile, salicylic acid’s low pH makes it an excellent utilizer in the perfume industry.

Food Preservation
The antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties of salicylic acid gives it a role in food preservation enabling a lengthier shelf life. 

Photosynthesis 
Many processes of organic synthesis use salicylic acid as a catalyst. This function causes it to be ideal for stimulating plant growth and development along with photosynthesis and transpiration. When utilized during organic dying processes, salicylic acid acts as a photosynthesizer. In azo dyes, the addition of salicylic acid creates a bold, red dye due to an electrochemical response.

Bell Chem is the Tampa ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including versatile salicylic acid. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message. To learn more about the chemicals we offer, read our blog.