Sa
Salicin
SalicinExfoliant
Plant-derived precursor to salicylic acid. Found in willow bark; partial conversion to salicylic acid on the skin.
What it does
Salicin is the active glycoside in willow bark that the body partially converts to salicylic acid. As a topical ingredient it's a milder, slower exfoliant than salicylic acid itself. The conversion rate isn't 1:1 — claims that 'natural salicin works just like salicylic acid' overstate the chemistry. Useful as a gentle option for users who find direct salicylic acid too irritating.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusOTC salicylic acid in the US is capped at 2% for acne and 3% for body/scalp uses under the FDA monograph. Higher concentrations (often used in-office for chemical peels or for keratosis pilaris/warts) are prescription or professional-only.FDA 2010 · 21 CFR Part 333 Subpart D ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Pairs worth knowing
Browse all 668 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.
This page is public so a shared ingredient card always has its sources behind it — and so you can check them without an account.
Want more like this?
Every evidence-based flag cites its source, Drop tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more. The app launches on iOS and Android in October 2026. Rate my routine works today at /rate — no sign-in.