Salicylic Acid Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Latest News, Historical Prices, Market Insights & Supply Demand Analysis

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Asia

In the first half of 2025, salicylic acid prices in Asia showed slight upward movement. This was mostly due to increasing costs of feedstocks like phenol and benzene, which are essential in the production of salicylic acid. Phenol supply tightened because of disruptions in Europe, putting cost pressure on producers in Asia.

Although overall demand in the chemical sector remained soft, the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries in key markets like China and India maintained stable consumption levels. This steady demand helped support prices to some extent. However, oversupply issues and strong competition from lower-cost manufacturers in the region limited any major price hikes and kept profit margins under pressure.

Europe

In Europe, salicylic acid prices remained unstable during H1’25. The region faced multiple challenges, including volatile feedstock markets and rising operational costs linked to energy prices and carbon taxes. Limited availability of phenol due to plant shutdowns like the one announced by Ineos pushed up production costs.

Even though there were short periods of price increases early in the year, mainly driven by a rise in benzene prices, weak demand from sectors like construction and overall chemical market overcapacity prevented sustained growth. This imbalance between input costs and end-use demand led to inconsistent pricing and margin pressure for manufacturers.

North America

Salicylic acid prices in North America were more stable in comparison to other regions. Domestic production was able to meet the consistent demand from pharmaceutical manufacturers, helping balance the market.

Though uncertainty around tariffs on imported chemicals affected overall market sentiment, it didn’t result in significant price swings. Stable availability of key raw materials like chloroform and methanol also contributed to the price steadiness observed through the first half of the year.

About Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is known to be a monohydroxybenzoic acid. This colorless crystalline organic compound is a type of phenolic acid. It comprises of  benzoic acid with hydroxy group at the ortho position. It is extracted from the bark of white willow and wintergreen leaves. It works as an anti-infective and an antifungal agent and is widely used in organic synthesis of various compounds.

Salicylic Acid Product Detail

Chemical Formula

C7H6O3

CAS Number
69-72-7
Molecular Weight
138.122 g/mol
Industrial Uses

Pharmaceuticals and drugs, Intermediates, Adhesives and sealant chemicals, Food preservation, Antiseptics and antibacterial agents , Finishing agents, Paint and coating additives , Propellants and blowing agents, Solvents 

Synonyms

2-Carboxyphenol, 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

Supplier Database

Zhenjiang Gaopeng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Seqens SAS, Siddharth Carbochem Products Ltd., JM Loveridge Limited, Salicylates and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Henan Haofei Chemical Co.,Ltd.

Regional Coverage

Asia Pacific

China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand

Europe

Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece

North America

United States and Canada

Latin America

Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru

Africa

South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco

CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)

Supplier Database AvailabilityYes

Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer

Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery

Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.

Salicylic Acid Production Processes

  • Production of Salicylic Acid via Phenol and Sodium Hydroxide; and via Hydrolysis of Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

To produce Salicylic Acid from phenol and sodium hydroxide, sodium phenolate (the sodium salt of phenol) is prepared by reacting these two substances. Then, the obtained sodium phenolate is treated with carbon dioxide at high temperature and pressure, which is further acidified using sulphuric acid to produce Salicylic Acid as the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salicylic acid prices are shaped by regional supply and downstream demand. In China, improved supply and cautious downstream purchasing push prices lower. In India, consistent pharmaceutical and skincare demand lifts prices. In Germany, adequate supply tends to offset improving pharmaceutical and personal care demand, keeping prices stable. In North America, slightly tightening supply and steady downstream demand raise prices.

China and India dominate salicylic acid production and exports, while Europe and North America lead consumption and imports. China's export-driven softness, reflected in declining FOB prices, underscores its supplier role, while India's firmer CIF pricing signals strong demand. Among established producers, Zhenjiang Gaopeng Pharmaceutical and Henan Haofei Chemical represent Chinese capacity, Siddharth Carbochem Products and Salicylates and Chemicals represent Indian supply, and Seqens SAS and JM Loveridge Limited cover European markets. This concentration means supply security for European and North American buyers hinges on continued Chinese and Indian output.

Salicylic acid is sourced from white willow bark and wintergreen leaves. Industrially, it is produced via the phenol route: phenol reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form sodium phenolate, treated with carbon dioxide at high temperature and pressure to yield sodium salicylate; sulfuric acid then acidifies it to produce salicylic acid. Primary feedstocks are phenol and sodium hydroxide, with carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid as inputs. The product is a key precursor for aspirin, salicylate pharmaceuticals, topical keratolytic preparations, cosmetic exfoliants, and methyl salicylate for fragrances and flavors.

Pharmaceuticals are the dominant demand driver for salicylic acid, as its anti-inflammatory properties make it essential in medications for acne, pain, fever and inflammation, with industry growth directly lifting procurement volumes and supporting firmer pricing. Cosmetics and personal care also contribute meaningfully, driven by its exfoliating and natural skincare benefits. Agrochemical demand provides additional support. Together, these sectors underpin stable-to-firming price levels across regions, with India and North America showing modest gains as downstream demand tightens supply.

Salicylic acid is covered by USP, EP, BP, JP and FCC monographs, which set identity and purity benchmarks for each grade. As an EU cosmetic active, it is regulated under Annex III of Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 at defined concentration limits. Cosmetic use typically runs 0.5-2% in facial cleansers, toners and serums, while topical pharmaceutical preparations may reach up to 40% in corn and callus removers. Pharmaceutical-grade material demands strict controls over residual solvents and particle size, which raises procurement cost but is essential for regulatory compliance and product safety.

Procurement Resource assesses salicylic acid price trends through a structured methodology combining primary engagement with producers, suppliers, and traders alongside secondary market data, feedstock cost monitoring, and trade-flow tracking. This delivers a transparent price assessment and outlook, enabling procurement managers to understand prevailing price levels, underlying cost drivers like phenol and sodium hydroxide costs, and downstream demand from pharmaceuticals, personal care, and flavour and fragrance applications to support informed sourcing decisions.

Our Price Analysis Methodology

About the Author

Prakhar Panchbhaiya profile photo

Prakhar Panchbhaiya

Assistant Manager: Business Insights and Content

Supporting procurement teams with category intelligence, market research, price trends, supply-demand analysis, and strategic sourcing insights across key industries.

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