What are the side effect of salicylic acid?

Dry irritated skin: Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter acne medication. It can cause excess dryness and some scaliness of the skin, but these side effects can be lessened with an oil-free moisturizer. It can also cause irritated skin, which improves if the salicylic acid is used less frequently. Salicylic acid is less irritating than benzoyl peroxide but is likely less effective than benzoyl peroxide against acne.

Skin reactions: When applied to the skin, the most common side effects are a burning sensation, redness, itchiness, or stinging. It’s possible but unlikely to experience more severe side effects, as the medication is 9-25% absorbed into the bloodstream. Those may include an allergic reaction at any dose or an overdose; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss or hearing, or diarrhea.