Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a topical keratolytic medication commonly used to treat various skin conditions including acne, warts, calluses, corns, and psoriasis. It works by softening and loosening the outer layer of skin (keratin), allowing dead skin cells to shed more easily and helping to unclog pores.
Topical keratolytic agent used to treat acne, warts, and rough skin by promoting exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D01AE12
- RxNorm
- 9525
- Generic
- Salicylic Acid
- Class
- atc-d01
- Brands
- Sebobalance, Noxzema Clean, St. Ives Blemish & Blackhead Control, AcneWorx, Psoriasin Wash, Fostex Bar, Clearskin Blemish, Pernox Scrub Cleanser, X-Seb T Pearl, Acneclir, Dermoneen, Everclean, Virasal, Mediplast, Clearskin Professional Daily Correcting
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 2.5
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 8
- Routes
- oral, topical, otic
- Forms
- cream, gel, lotion, ointment, shampoo, solution, soap, pads, plaster, liquid cleanser
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, Brazil
- Monitoring
- local skin irritation, signs of salicylate toxicity with extensive use
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesterminimize use
limit to small areas, avoid prolonged use, prefer lower concentrations
monitor for systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use close to delivery
monitor for bleeding risk and uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
avoid application to breast area, wash thoroughly before breastfeeding
monitor infant for signs of salicylate toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants toddlersavoid completely
do not use in children under 2 years of age
watch for signs of salicylate poisoning
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsuse lower strength
use only under medical supervision, avoid large surface area application
monitor for systemic absorption and signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyuse lower frequency
start with lower concentration, monitor for skin irritation
assess skin integrity and systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderatemonitor closely
use with caution, monitor renal function
check renal function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid or reduce significantly
avoid use or use only with extreme caution and monitoring
frequent monitoring of renal function and salicylate levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse lower dose
use with caution, may have impaired metabolism
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
avoid use due to impaired metabolism
monitor for signs of systemic toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification for topical acne treatment
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Regulatory status
FDA classification for consumer availability
Typical concentration range
Standard concentration in topical preparations
Treats acne, warts, calluses, corns, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other conditions involving excessive skin scaling or thickening. Commonly found in over-the-counter acne products and wart removal treatments.
As a keratolytic agent, salicylic acid softens keratin—the protein that forms the outer skin layer—allowing dead skin cells to shed. This helps unclog pores, reduce skin cell buildup, and smooth rough or scaly skin.
For topical use only; avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Not recommended for use on large body areas, moles, or broken skin. May cause skin irritation. Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney problems. Children under 2 years should not use salicylic acid products.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy