Two medicines, side by side
Methyl salicylate vs salicylic acid
Methyl salicylate and salicylic acid are both labeled for pain.
Check it at the source: the methyl salicylate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 10, 2026); the salicylic acid FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 22, 2024).
Highlights of the methyl salicylate record
Methyl salicylate · label of July 10, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsUses for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains provides penetrating pain relief provides warming pain relief
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- Not in the survey
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the salicylic acid record
Salicylic acid · label of October 22, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationsFor the treatment of acne.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.102 per patch
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 1
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Methyl salicylate label of July 10, 2026, Salicylic acid label of October 22, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do methyl salicylate and salicylic acid differ on the record?
| Methyl salicylate | Salicylic acid | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Acne, Pain, Psoriasis |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | n/a |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | n/a | n/a |
| First generic approved | none | none |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | none listed | none listed |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | n/a | $0.102 per patch (Callus removers patch) |
| 12-month price change | n/a | +10% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 1 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 228 | 52,581 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to methyl salicylate
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions