Last update Dec. 25, 2024

Salicylic Acid

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Salicylic acid is a compound obtained from white willow bark and wintergreen leaves, and also prepared synthetically. It has bacteriostatic, fungicidal and keratolytic actions. It is used topically to treat acne, psoriasis, corns and calluses, keratosis pilaris and warts. 

At the time of last update we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Systemic absorption depends on the concentration of the product used and the time used and can be as high as 10-25% of that applied to the skin (Madan 2014, Fung 2008). Although significant plasma levels are not expected (Butler 2014, Lee 2013), it is recommended not to use during breastfeeding on large areas of skin or for prolonged periods. 

Do not apply on the breast to avoid ingestion by the infant; if necessary, apply after a feeding and clean well with water before the next feeding. (Gottlieb 2019, Rademaker 2018)

Several medical societies and expert authors consider the use of this medication safe during breastfeeding. (Ly 2023, Gottlieb 2019, Murase 2015, Schaefer 2015, Butler 2014, Lee 2013, Kong 2013)


See below the information of this related product:

  • Acne (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Alternatives

  • Azelaic Acid (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Salicylic Acid in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Salicylic Acid in its composition:

  • Acnoxin™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Antiverrugas™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Artrilan™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Astriluge™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Butayonacol™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Callicida (Argentina)™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Callicida™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Callicida Cor Pik™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Callicida Kendu
  • Capasal™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Clabin™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Clearasil (Malaysia)
  • Dermacne™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Dermoscalp™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Duofilm
  • Ecnagel™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Hebrin™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Hyaluron™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Ionil Champu™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Ionil-T™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Lotio decapans™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Mobilisin Composto™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Movilat Plus™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Neutrogena T/Sal™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Oilalfo Compuesto™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Oilsor™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Psorin™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Pyralvex™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Quocin 120 mg/ 60 mg/ ml Colodión™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Sebcur-T™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Sebosoap™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Synthol™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Tarsum™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Trans-Ver-Sal
  • Transvercid
  • Ungüento Morry
  • Verrugard™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Verrupatch
  • Versiclear™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Viron Wart Lotion™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • Waruzol™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition
  • X-Seb T™. Contains other elements than Salicylic Acid in its composition

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 %
Molecular weight 138 daltons
Protein Binding 50 -80 %
VD 0.17 l/Kg
pKa 2.79 -
Tmax 1.4 - 3.5 (derm.) hours

References

  1. Ly S, Kamal K, Manjaly P, Barbieri JS, Mostaghimi A. Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Narrative Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 Jan;13(1):115-130. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Gottlieb AB, Ryan C, Murase JE. Clinical considerations for the management of psoriasis in women. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019 Apr 10;5(3):141-150. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Rademaker M, Agnew K, Andrews M, Armour K, Baker C, Foley P, Frew J, Gebauer K, Gupta M, Kennedy D, Marshman G, Sullivan J. Psoriasis in those planning a family, pregnant or breast-feeding. The Australasian Psoriasis Collaboration. Australas J Dermatol. 2018 May;59(2):86-100. Abstract
  4. Trivedi MK, Kroumpouzos G, Murase JE. A review of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Feb 27;3(1):6-10. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  5. Schaefer C, Peters P, Miller RK. Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation. Treatment options and risk assessment. Elsevier, Third Edition. 2015
  6. Murase J. Safe Skin Care During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Fact Sheet. For the media. American Academy of Dermatology. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  7. Madan RK, Levitt J. A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Abstract
  8. Butler DC, Heller MM, Murase JE. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part II. Lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Mar;70(3):417.e1-10; quiz 427. Abstract
  9. Lee KC, Korgavkar K, Dufresne RG Jr, Higgins HW 2nd. Safety of cosmetic dermatologic procedures during pregnancy. Dermatol Surg. 2013 Abstract
  10. Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs. 2013 Jun;73(8):779-87. Abstract
  11. Fung W, Orak D, Re TA, Haughey DB. Relative bioavailability of salicylic acid following dermal application of a 30% salicylic acid skin peel preparation. J Pharm Sci. 2008 Abstract

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