SALI-SOLV SA
Pre-Solubilized Salicylic Acid
CAS 68140-01-2 / 69-72-7 · EC 268-771-8 / 200-712-3 · 36–44% Salicylic Acid USP · Water Soluble
SALI-SOLV SA is an organic beta hydroxy acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) prepared as a 40% concentrated, ready-to-use solution dissolved in Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine. Viscosity 5,000–10,000 cps. No crystallization. Cold processable. The same proven benefits as salicylic acid powder — but less irritating, easier to formulate, and with no dusting or dissolving problems.
A safer, more skin-friendly alternative to traditional salicylic acid powder — tolerated well even when used twice daily. Ideal for skin peels, anti-acne products, anti-dandruff formulations, and products for oily, acneic, and blemished skin.
Add to the water phase of formulas without heating, or at the end of the formulation process after the emulsion has formed and cooled to 40–45°C.
| Component | CAS | EC |
|---|---|---|
| Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine | 68140-01-2 | 268-771-8 |
| Salicylic Acid | 69-72-7 | 200-712-3 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Amber viscous liquid |
| Salicylic Acid assay | 36–44% USP grade |
| Solubility | Water soluble — dilutes clear, no precipitation |
| Crystallization | None — stable in formulation |
| Regulatory | FDA OTC approved · USP compliant · China IECIC 2015 · PCPC · IECSC |
| Patent | US 8,828,979 B2 |
| Compatible With |
|---|
| Most esters, waxes, and non-ionic emulsifiers |
| Glycols and PEGs |
| Surfactants |
| Most water-soluble ingredients that are not pH sensitive |
| Most thickening additives including natural and synthetic polymers |
| Application | Solution % | Active SA % |
|---|---|---|
| Peels and exfoliant products | 1.0–7.5% | 0.4–3% |
| Anti-acne products | Up to 5% | Up to 2% |
| Anti-dandruff products | Up to 7.5% | Up to 3% |
| Wart-removing products | Depends on vehicle | Up to 40% |
| General use range | 1.0–7.5% | 0.4–3% |
Active SA concentration = solution % × 0.40. Restrictions on SA levels vary by region, intended use, and application.
- Oil-in-water emulsions — after phases are combined and emulsion formed, cool to 40–45°C then slowly mix in with propeller agitation
- Gel formulations — after polymer dispersion at 75–85°C, add ingredients and neutralizer (KOH or NaOH), then add at 45°C and cool to 25°C
- Cold process — easily incorporated with no heat required
- Amber liquid — gel formulations will have a pale yellow tint
- No alcohols required to solubilize — safer and gentler than traditional SA forms
- Produces no crystallization or precipitation — stable in finished formulations
- Always measure pH after adding — salicylic acid can lower pH significantly. A pH below 3.5 should be avoided as skin irritation can occur.
- Avoid using alongside abrasive soaps or cleansers, alcohol-containing products, or other topical acne or peeling agents (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, tretinoin) — increased irritation and peeling may result.
- Avoid prolonged or excessive use on large areas of the body, or on broken or inflamed skin.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes.
- Use with caution in patients with chronic renal insufficiency, gastric ulcer, severe anemia, salicylate intolerance, or diabetes.
- Use with caution on extremities of patients with impaired peripheral circulation.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| FDA status | Salicylic acid is registered as an OTC drug with the FDA. Facilities selling products containing salicylic acid must be registered with the FDA and operate under cGMP guidelines. |
| HS Code | 2101110000 |
| Shipping classification | HazMat — ships via UPS Ground only within the contiguous US (excludes Alaska and Hawaii). Special packaging, labeling, and documentation required. Additional surcharges may apply on larger quantities. |
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
SALI-SOLV SA (INCI: Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine (and) Salicylic Acid · CAS 68140-01-2 / 69-72-7) is an organic beta hydroxy acid prepared as a 40% concentrated, ready-to-use solution. Viscosity 5,000–10,000 cps. No crystallization. Cold processable. Water soluble. Less irritating than salicylic acid powder with no dusting or dissolving problems. FDA OTC approved for acne and dandruff products. HazMat — ships UPS Ground only within the contiguous US.
- Peels and exfoliant products — 1.0–7.5% solution (= 0.4–3% active salicylic acid)
- Anti-acne products — up to 5% solution (= 2% active salicylic acid)
- Anti-dandruff products — up to 7.5% solution (= 3% active salicylic acid)
- Wart-removing products — up to 40% active salicylic acid depending on vehicle
- Water soluble · no alcohols · no crystallization · cold processable · preservative-free
- FDA OTC approved · USP compliant · HS Code 2101110000
- Always measure pH after adding — keep above 3.5 to avoid skin irritation
- HazMat — ships UPS Ground only within the contiguous US · surcharges may apply
| What is SALI-SOLV SA used for?A pre-solubilized Salicylic Acid used in OTC acne treatments, dandruff products, facial cleansers, exfoliating serums, and Keratosis Pilaris treatments. |
| What makes it different from traditional Salicylic Acid?Water soluble, no irritating alcohols needed, no crystallization or precipitation, and clinically shown to deliver better skin improvement with less dryness and erythema than traditional SA and glycolic acid. |
| Is it FDA approved?Yes — FDA approved for OTC acne and dandruff products. Meets USP Salicylic Acid gel monograph. Listed on PCPC, IECSC, and China IECIC 2015. |
| What percentage should be used?0.5–2% SA for acne and cleansers, 1–3% for dandruff, up to 5% for Keratosis Pilaris. Maximum 40% SA — regional restrictions apply. |
| How should it be incorporated?For emulsions, add at 40–45°C after emulsion formation. For gels, add at 45°C after neutralization. Cold processable — no heat required. Amber liquid will impart a pale yellow tint to clear gel formulations. |
Note: Add to emulsions at 40–45°C after emulsion formation, or to the water phase without heating. Add to gels at 45°C after neutralization with KOH or NaOH. Always measure pH after adding — keep above 3.5 to avoid skin irritation. Avoid combining with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, tretinoin, or alcohol-containing products. Use with caution in patients with renal insufficiency, gastric ulcer, severe anemia, salicylate intolerance, or diabetes. Avoid prolonged use on large areas of broken or inflamed skin. Salicylic acid is registered as an OTC drug with the FDA — facility registration and cGMP compliance required. Ships HazMat via UPS Ground only (contiguous US). HS Code: 2101110000.
