Salicylic acid SDS/MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

3.1 Substances
Product name: Salicylic acid
CAS Number: 69-72-7
PubChem CID: 338
Molecular formula: C7H6O3
Molecular weight: 138.12 g/mol
IUPAC name: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid

3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).

4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye contact: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Refer immediately for medical attention.

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
See Section 11 (Toxicological Information).

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically. Contact a poison control center or physician for severe exposure.

5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable: None known.

5.2 Specific hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water or foam may cause frothing.
Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (USCG, 1999)
Use water spray, carbon dioxide, powder. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
WATER, FOAM, CARBON DIOXIDE, DRY CHEM
Water or foam may case frothing ... to liquids having flash points above 212 °F (100 °C) ... It does not indicate that water or fire fighting foam should not be used. The frothing may be violent and could endanger any fire fighters located too close to the burning liquid, particularly when solid streams of water are directed onto the hot, burning liquid. On the other hand, a carefully applied water spray has frequently been used to achieve extinguishment by deliberately causing frothing only on the surface of the liquid; the foaming action blankets the surface of the liquid and extinguishes the fire by excluding oxygen. This tactic is expecially successful with high viscosity liquids.

5.3 Advice for firefighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Fight fire from upwind. Cool containers with water spray until fire is extinguished.
Flash point: 315 °F (157 °C) (closed cup)

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
Avoid breathing dust/vapor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep people away from and upwind of spill.

6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Contain spill with inert absorbent material.

6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, protective clothing, protective gloves and safety goggles. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
Salicyclic acid is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.

7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
Salicylic acid should be stored in well-closed containers. Salicylic acid collodion should be stored in tight containers at 15-30 °C. Because the collodion is flammable, it should not be stored near heat or an open flame. Salicylic acid plaster should be stored in well-closed containers, preferably at 15-30 °C. The Trans-Ver-Sal plaster should be stored at a temperature less than 37.8 °C.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
Salicylic acid should be stored in well-closed containers. Salicylic acid collodion should be stored in tight containers at 15-30 °C. Because the collodion is flammable, it should not be stored near heat or an open flame. Salicylic acid plaster should be stored in well-closed containers, preferably at 15-30 °C. The Trans-Ver-Sal plaster should be stored at a temperature less than 37.8 °C.
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
[Note: Specific storage temperature not available in public databases. Refer to supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact storage conditions.]

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: Salicylic acid is an odorless white to light tan solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999)
b) Odor: SYNTHETIC ACID IS ODORLESS
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: pH of saturated solution: 2.4
e) Melting point/freezing point: 315 °F (USCG, 1999)
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: 211 °C at 20 torr
g) Flash point: 315 °F (157 °C) (closed cup)
h) Evaporation rate: No data available
i) Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
k) Vapor pressure: 0.000082 [mmHg]
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: 1.44 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
n) Water solubility: Solubility (weight percent): carbon tetrachloride 0.262 (25 °C); benzene 0.775 (25 °C); propanol 27.36 (21 °C); absolute ethanol 34.87 (21 °C); acetone 396 (23 °C)
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): 2.3
p) Auto-ignition temperature: 1004 °F (540 °C)
q) Decomposition temperature: No data available
r) Viscosity: No data available
s) Explosive properties: No data available
t) Oxidizing properties: No data available

9.2 Other information
Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA): 57.5 Ų
Complexity: 133

11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No acute toxicity data available.
Skin corrosion/irritation:
Causes skin irritation (H315).
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
Causes serious eye damage (H318).
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317).
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
No data available.
Reproductive toxicity:
Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (H361).
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
H370, H372
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.

11.2 Additional information
Carcinogen classification:
Salicylic Acid (Photocarcinogenesis Study)
TR-524: Photocarcinogenesis Study of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid (CASRNs 79-14-1 and 69-72-7) in SKH-1 Mice (Simulated Solar Light and Topical Application Studies) (2007 )
09/27/05
Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex
Chemical Not Tested in Species/Sex
No Evidence
No Evidence
These experiments investigated the impact of topical application of a cosmetic formulation containing 4% or 10% glycolic acid (pH 3.5) or 2% or 4% salicylic acid (pH 4) on the
Exposure routes:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by ingestion and through the skin.
Signs and symptoms of exposure:
Cough. Sore throat.
Redness. Pain.
Nausea. Vomiting. Ringing in the ears. Symptoms may appear if large amounts are accidentally ingested. See Effects of short-term exposure
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.

12.1 Toxicity
EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, <24 hr neonate); Conditions: freshwater, static, 21 °C, pH 7.45; Concentration: 1060 mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: intoxication, immobilization /99.5% purity/
EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, <24 hr neonate); Conditions: freshwater, static, 21 °C, pH 7.45; Concentration: 870 mg/L for 48 hr; Effect: intoxication, immobilization /99.5% purity/
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Ten acidic and two neutral pharmaceuticals were detected in the effluents of eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) from across Atlantic Canada. ...Six compounds (caffeine, naproxen, salicylic acid, carbamazepine, metoprolol, and sotolol) were found to persist in a small stream for a distance of at least 17 km, suggesting that small stream exposure to pharmaceutically active residues may be relatively greater than that in large bodies of water. Bioassays assessing acute and chronic effects on four organisms were conducted on four high-use drugs: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and salicylic acid (metabolite of acetyl salicylic acid). Results indicated no negative effects except for the chronic algal (Selanastrum capricornutum) growth test on ibuprofen (no-observed-effect concentration, 10 ug/L; lowest-observed-effect concentration, 32 ug/L). Effects of these four compounds on invertebrates and plants in the receiving environments are unlikely based on the concentrations measured.
/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Metabolic products are often more toxic than their pharmacological parent comp

12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): 2.3
Low potential for bioaccumulation (Log P < 3).

12.4 Mobility in soil
No data available.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT/vPvB assessment not available.

12.6 Other adverse effects
This substance is classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment.

13.1 Waste treatment methods
Waste Treatment Methods: Waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national and local regulations. Leave chemicals in original containers and do not mix with other waste. Handle uncleaned containers in the same manner as the product itself.

14.1 UN number
Not regulated as dangerous goods (research quantities typically exempt).

14.2 UN proper shipping name
Not subject to transport regulations (small quantities for research use).

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Not classified as dangerous goods for transport (research quantities).

14.4 Packing group
Not applicable (not regulated as dangerous goods in typical research quantities).

14.5 Environmental hazards
Marine pollutant: No (not classified as environmentally hazardous per GHS).

14.6 Special precautions for user
Transport in original packaging. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
For bulk or commercial quantities, consult applicable transport regulations (DOT, IATA, IMDG).

14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
US EPA / TSCA: Subject to EPA TSCA regulations
EU ECHA / REACH: Registered (REACH Active)

SARA 302 Components:
No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 313 Components:
This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
SARA 311/312 Hazards:
Acute (short-term) health hazard
Chronic (long-term) health hazard
Environmental hazard

Massachusetts Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Massachusetts Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
Pennsylvania Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
New Jersey Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.

California Prop. 65 Components:
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.

Other regulatory listings:
- The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals: Chemical: Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
- EFSA Legal Basis: Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 (Repealed by Com. Implementing Reg. (EU) No 872/2012)
- Atmospheric Standards: This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to us
- FIFRA Requirements: Product registrations which once contained active ingredients incl salicyclic acid have previously been amended to remove the ingredient from the formula or have been cancelled for other reasons ... These ingredients will be removed from Reregistration List D effective 90 days after publication of t
- FDA Requirements: Salicyclic acid used as a preservative only is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various

15.2 Chemical safety assessment
A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out for this substance.
For research-use-only compounds, no CSA is required under REACH Annex I.

Revision Date: 2026/09/09
Further Information: The information provided is believed to be correct but is not exhaustive and should be used only as a guideline based on current knowledge. It does not represent a guarantee of the properties of the product. Selleck Chemicals Corporation and its Affiliates shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or contact with the product.