Salicylic Acid
Also known as: beta hydroxy acid, BHA (exfoliant), 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, willow bark extract (when standardized)
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties. Beneficial in targeted skincare, but problematic in lip products where it thins the already-delicate lip barrier.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Salicylic Acid.
Useful for targeted acne treatment on face; avoid on lips entirely.
Daily use on lips causes chronic barrier disruption and dryness.
Excessive exfoliation leads to raw, irritated lips. Not suitable for frequent lip product use.
Health Risks
Thins the lip barrier and causes dryness, peeling, and increased sensitivity when used in lip products.
Can cause chemical burns and irritation at higher concentrations, especially on sensitive facial skin.
Salicylate sensitivity can trigger reactions in aspirin-allergic individuals.
Contact Dermatitis, 2004 — salicylate cross-reactivity study
Global Regulatory Status
How salicylic acid is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Above 0.5-2% regulated as OTC acne drug by FDA.
Details
Max 0.5% as preservative (Annex V); up to 2-3% in other uses (Annex III); not for children under 3.
Details
Mirrors EU; max 0.5% as preservative.
Details
Limited in cosmetics; higher concentrations classified as drug.
Details
Permitted with limits; higher concentrations regulated as quasi-drug.
Details
Permitted as preservative and functional ingredient with limits.
Details
Higher concentrations scheduled as drug.
Details
Max 0.5% as preservative per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Max 0.5% as preservative per ANVISA.
Details
Higher concentrations treated as drug under rules.
Details
Max 0.5% as preservative; restricted for children under 3, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Salicylic Acid
Exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation. Commonly used in acne treatments and medicated lip products.
3
products in our database
1
brands use it
2
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose salicylic acid because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like willow bark extract (gentler, un-standardized), bakuchiol, niacinamide deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Salicylic Acid in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing salicylic acid in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Salicylic Acid
These popular products list salicylic acid in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing salicylic acid compares to Numbrrrz.
Carmex Cherry Lip Balm
Carmex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz lip products focus on hydration and barrier support, not exfoliation. Our organic oils and beeswax nourish the lip barrier rather than stripping it.
FAQ
Is salicylic acid good for lips?
Is salicylic acid the same as BHA?
Can salicylic acid cause chemical burns on lips?
Is salicylic acid safe if you're allergic to aspirin?
Why is salicylic acid in some lip balms?
Does Numbrrrz contain salicylic acid?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use salicylic acid in their products — see how they stack up.
