Product Overview
- Product Name: Salicylic acid
- Chemical Name: o-Hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid
- CAS Number: 69-72-7
- Molecular Formula: C7H6O3
- Molar Mass: 138.12 g/mol
- Molecular Structure: A benzene ring with a carboxyl group (-COOH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the ortho position
- Melting Point: 158–161°C
- Key Physicochemical Property: Lipophilicity
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid (CAS: 69-72-7) is an aromatic organic acid that appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder at room temperature. It is sparingly soluble in cold water but readily soluble in hot water and organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether. As the product is prone to oxidation and discoloration upon exposure to light, it must be stored away from light.
Originally discovered in willow bark, salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, commercial mass production does not rely on plant extraction; instead, it utilizes the Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis process, which ensures large-scale supply, controllable purity, and batch-to-batch consistency.

Why choose Highassay?
Highassay is a specialized supplier of salicylic acid raw materials based in China. We offer salicylic acid powder in four distinct grades—Industrial, Sublimated, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical—tailored for applications in industry, chemical intermediates, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Production Method: The salicylic acid is synthesized via the Kolbe-Schmitt process. Phenol undergoes a high-pressure reaction followed by acidification and crystallization to yield a crude product; this is then subjected to various purification processes to produce the four finished grades. Key advantages include high purity, cost-effectiveness, and consistent batch quality.
For detailed specifications, testing standards, and application details for each grade, please visit the corresponding sub-pages:
[Industrial-grade Salicylic Acid] | [Sublimed Salicylic Acid] | [Cosmetic-grade Salicylic Acid] | [Pharmaceutical-grade Salicylic Acid]
Sales information for Salicylic Acid
Packaging Specifications
- Standard bulk packaging: 25 kg/fiber drum with PE plastic inner liner.
- Sample specifications: 100 g – 1 kg small-batch packaging (aluminum foil bags); sample requests accepted.
- Custom packaging and palletizing available; labeling can be customized according to client requirements.
Available Documents
- COA, MSDS, and TDS (Technical Data Sheet); third-party test reports available upon request.
Samples & MOQ
- Sample testing supported; minimum order quantity (MOQ) negotiable.
Lead Time & Supply Capacity
- Standard stock items: Shipped within 3–7 business days; delivery times for made-to-order items confirmed separately.
- Bulk export supported, covering global markets; shipping via sea, air, or express courier can be arranged.
Storage
- Store in a sealed container within a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse; keep away from light, heat sources, oxidizing agents, and strong alkalis; avoid direct sunlight.
- Shelf life: 24 months (in original, unopened packaging).

Brief Overview of Salicylic Acid Grades
Note: Please refer to the corresponding sub-pages for detailed specifications; this page serves only to distinguish between grades and their applications.
- Industrial Grade Salicylic Acid: Serves as a fundamental raw material for downstream processing and the production of higher-grade salicylic acid.
- Sublimed Salicylic Acid: An intermediate for high-end chemical applications, primarily used for further processing into cosmetic-grade or pharmaceutical-grade salicylic acid.
- Cosmetic Grade Salicylic Acid: Suitable for personal care and skincare formulations; we also offer a cyclodextrin-encapsulated modified version.
- Pharmaceutical Grade Salicylic Acid: Suitable for the production of topical ointments, professional-grade chemical peels, and OTC active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Salicylic Acid Comparison Table
Comparison Item | Industrial Salicylic Acid | Sublimed Salicylic Acid | Cosmetic Grade Salicylic Acid | Pharmaceutical Grade Salicylic Acid |
| Purification Process | Synthesis, acidification crystallization, basic refining | Purified via sublimation of industrial salicylic acid | Secondary refining of sublimed material; optional cyclodextrin inclusion modification | Multiple recrystallization refining of sublimed material |
| Purity | Industrial grade | High-purity intermediate | High purity for cosmetic grade | Highest purity complying with pharmacopoeia |
| Compliance Standard | For industrial applications | Intermediate; no compliance endorsement for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals | Meets domestic and international specifications for cosmetic raw materials | Pharmacopoeia standard, GMP controlled |
| Typical Applications | Dyes, rubber additives, chemical industry, agricultural synthesis | High-end industry; upstream raw material for producing cosmetic/ pharmaceutical grade salicylic acid | Skincare and personal care cosmetic formulations | Topical ointments, OTC preparations, pharmaceutical synthesis |
| Limitations | Prohibited for cosmetics, human contact and pharmaceutical use | Cannot be directly used as finished raw material for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals | Not for pharmaceutical use; cyclodextrin-included variant for cosmetic use only | No cyclodextrin-included version; preparations for external use only, oral administration strictly forbidden |





