Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Advanced Questions Need advice on dissolving Salicylic Acid

  • Need advice on dissolving Salicylic Acid

    Posted by h_w on November 25, 2020 at 4:39 am

    Hi, 
    I had an experiment using Salicylic Acid (SA). I tried to dissolve SA using different solvent but it doesnt seem to dissolve perfectly. 

    1. Water
    I heat the water up to 70C. The salicylic acid indeed dissolve but when it cools down, it crystallized again.

    2. Glycerin
    I add 4g Glycerin in 0.2g SA. After that i put it in the hot bath. It does dissolve but there are some paricals that’s still present. (I think it didnt dissolve completely ?)

    3. Alcohol 90%
    I add Alcohol into the SA. It seems to dissolve but afterwards, the SA started to stick on the side of beaker glass. So I dont think alcohol dissolve the SA.

    4. Mineral oil
    I add mineral oil into the SA. Put it in the hot bath. But it doesnt seems to dissolve. 

    So how to actually dissolve SA ? and if for example, I want to make lotion or perhaps acne spot cream, can a “partially” dissolved SA be used ? For example using the Glycerin SA mixture into the lotion ?  

    Thanks for the advice ! Very appreciated :) 

    Dennis replied 3 years, 3 months ago 4 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • ozgirl

    Member
    November 26, 2020 at 9:54 pm

    There are many posts about this topic on this forum. Just try using the search function.

  • jemolian

    Member
    November 27, 2020 at 12:28 am

    There are quite a few posts on solubility of SA already, so depending on your preference, the solvent varies. 

    Normally for a 1% SA cream, i use Betaine. For 2%, i use Octyldodecanol with Betaine. 

  • h_w

    Member
    December 2, 2020 at 4:45 am

    Should have checked it before hand. Thank you !! 😁 @ozgirl @jemolian

  • Dennis

    Member
    December 2, 2020 at 6:43 am

    Propylene glycol worked for me. I made a 5% solution dissolved in nothing but propylene glycol. 

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