Salicylic acid (from the Latin word for the willow tree, Salix , from whose bark it can be obtained) is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with the formula C 6 H 4 (OH)COOH, where the OH group is adjacent to the carboxyl group . more

Salicylic acid (from the Latin word for the willow tree, Salix , from whose bark it can be obtained) is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with the formula C 6 H 4 (OH)COOH, where the OH group is adjacent to the carboxyl group . This colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone . It is derived from the metabolism of salicin . In addition to being a compound that is chemically similar to but not identical to the active component of aspirin ( acetylsalicylic acid ), it is probably best known for its use in anti-acne treatments. It is poorly soluble in water (0.2 g/100 ml H 2 O at 20°C). [ 1 ] less