Salicylate dosage

Salicylate (or salicylic acid and its derivatives) is a compound of natural or synthetic origin widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and food fields. It is naturally present in certain plants such as willow ( Salix alba ) or wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ), known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Salicylate analysis allows us to accurately determine its concentration in a wide variety of matrices: plant extracts, essential oils, creams, lotions, functional drinks or food supplements. At YesWeLab, this analysis is carried out by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) or spectrophotometry , depending on the nature of the product and the required sensitivity.

Salicylate: A Bioactive Compound with Multiple Uses

Salicylate belongs to the family of phenolic compounds, derived from salicylic acid. In the plant world, it is involved in defense against pathogens. In humans, it is recognized for its therapeutic and cosmetic effects, including:

• anti-inflammatory and analgesic action,
• reduction of skin irritations,
• regulation of sebum and cell renewal,
• keratolytic power (natural exfoliant),

• antioxidant protection against oxidative stress.

These properties make salicylate an ingredient of choice in skincare products, dermatological formulations, standardized plant extracts and food supplements for well-being.

Interest and objectives of salicylate dosage

Salicylate measurement is of major interest for quality control and regulatory compliance of products. It allows:

• check the actual salicylate content in plant extracts or finished products,
• ensure regulatory compliance of cosmetic formulations (use limits set by EC Regulation No. 1223/2009),
• standardize nutraceutical products containing willow, meadowsweet or wintergreen,
• ensure traceability and safety of use in topical or food products,
• study the stability of active compounds over time.

Typically analyzed matrices include:

• medicinal plant extracts,
• essential oils and oily macerates,
• creams, gels, solutions and lotions,
• food supplements or fortified drinks.

Analytical methods used

Two main approaches are implemented depending on the nature of the sample:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : the standard method for the separation and precise quantification of salicylic acid and its esters (methyl salicylate, sodium salicylate, etc.). This technique provides high reliability, even at low concentrations, with UV detection around 303 nm.
• UV-Visible spectrophotometry : rapid and economical method suitable for simple products or routine analyses, allowing the total concentration of salicylates to be estimated from their characteristic absorbance.

These methods can be complemented by related analyses such as the benzoic acid for natural preservatives, or the dosage of total polyphenols to assess the antioxidant richness of plant extracts.

Industrial applications

Salicylate dosage is used in different industrial contexts:

• Cosmetics : control of formulations containing salicylic acids, exfoliating gels, purifying lotions or hair care.
• Nutraceutical : standardization of natural extracts for anti-inflammatory or antioxidant purposes.
• Food industry : assessment of salicylate content in functional ingredients or flavored products.
• Animal health : control of veterinary formulations containing salicylate derivatives to relieve inflammation.

The analysis thus helps to guarantee consumer safety, validate functional claims and ensure regulatory compliance of products placed on the market.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of accredited partner laboratories (ISO 17025, COFRAC) specialized in chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses. The methods applied are validated, reproducible and adapted to each matrix, whether plant extracts, creams or finished products.

Each analysis report includes the measured concentration, the method used, the detection limit and a technical interpretation in relation to regulatory thresholds.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, formulators, and distributors with the quality control and compliance of their natural and nutraceutical products. Thanks to its digital platform, ordering, tracking, and receiving results are all done centrally and transparently.