Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula C7H6O3. A colorless (or white), bitter-tasting solid, it is a precursor to and a metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). It is a plant hormone, and the name is from Latin salix for willow tree, from which it was initially identified and derived. It is used as an ingredient in dermatologic cosmetics (e.g. anti-acne products). Salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates.

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