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 industries. It occurs naturally in certain plants such as willow ( Salix alba ) and wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ), known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Salicylate analysis allows for the precise determination of its concentration in a wide variety of matrices: plant extracts, essential oils, creams, lotions, functional beverages, or dietary supplements. At YesWeLab, this analysis is performed 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 plays a role in defending against pathogens. In humans, it is recognized for its therapeutic and cosmetic effects, including:

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

• antioxidant protection against oxidative stress.

These properties make salicylate a choice ingredient in skincare products, dermatological formulations, standardized plant extracts and wellness supplements.

Interest and objectives of salicylate assay

Salicylate analysis is of major importance for quality control and regulatory compliance of products. It allows us to:

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

The matrices typically analyzed include:

• extracts of medicinal plants,
• essential oils and oil macerates,
• creams, gels, solutions and lotions,
• dietary 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 reference 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 : a fast and economical method suitable for simple products or routine analyses, allowing estimation of the total concentration of salicylates from their characteristic absorbance.

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

Industrial applications

Salicylate assay is used in various industrial contexts:

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

The analysis thus helps to guarantee consumer safety, to validate functional claims and to 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) specializing in chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses. The methods applied are validated, reproducible, and adapted to each matrix, whether it be 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 in the quality control and compliance of their natural and nutraceutical products. Thanks to its digital platform, ordering, tracking, and receiving results are done centrally and transparently.