Salicylic Acid

Dosage form: cream
Drug classes:Topical acne agents, Topical keratolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 23, 2022.

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. For further information about unapproved drugs, click here.

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 6% Cream contains 6% Salicylic Acid USP incorporated into a specially formulated oil and water emulsion vehicle consisting of Ammonium Lactate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Methyl Paraben, Mineral Oil, PEG-100 , Phenoxy Ethanol, Polysorbate – 80, Propyp Paraben, Trolamine, Water

Salicylic Acid 6% Lotion contains 6% w/w Salicylic Acid USP incorporated into a specially formulated oil and water emulsion vehicle consisting of Ammonium lactate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Methyl Paraben, Mineral Oil, PEG-100, Phenoxy Ethanol, Polysorbate-80, Propyl Paraben, Trolamine , Water

DESCRIPTION

Salicylic Acid is the 2-hydroxy derivative of benzoic acid having the following structure:

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Salicylic Acid has been shown to produce desquamation of the horny layer of skin while not effecting qualitative or quantitative changes in the structure of the viable epidermis. The mechanism of action has been attributed to a dissolution of intercellular cement substance. In a study of the percutaneous absorption of Salicylic Acid in a 6% Salicylic Acid gel in four patients with extensive active psoriasis, Taylor and Halprin showed that the peak serum salicylate levels never exceeded 5 mg/100 ml even though more than 60% of the applied Salicylic Acid was absorbed. Systemic toxic reactions are usually associated with much higher serum levels (30 to 40 mg/100 ml). Peak serum levels occurred within five hours of the topical application under occlusion. The sites were occluded for 10 hours over the entire body surface below the neck. Since sal...