Salicylanilide (CAS: 87-17-2) is an organic compound belonging to the anilide family, with the molecular formula C13H11NO2. Its structure consists of a salicylic acid moiety (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) amide-bonded to an aniline ring. This unique configuration combines the phenolic hydroxyl and the amide group, conferring broad-spectrum antifungal, antibacterial, and mild anti-inflammatory properties. As a versatile fine chemical, salicylanilide has been used historically as an antifungal agent in topical pharmaceutical preparations (e.g., for dermatophytosis, tinea, and candidiasis), as a preservative in cosmetic and personal care products, and as an intermediate in the synthesis of more complex bioactive molecules (e.g., salicylanilide esters and related anilides). Its production typically involves the reaction of salicylic acid or its derivatives with aniline in the presence of coupling agents or via thermal amidation. Market demand is closely linked to the pharmaceutical industry’s need for antifungal actives, the cosmetic industry’s shift toward mild preservatives, and industrial applications in coatings and textiles. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of salicylanilide, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regulatory trends, regional differences, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for salicylanilide is highly concentrated in three major areas: pharmaceutical antifungal preparations (≈50% of global consumption), cosmetic and personal care preservatives (≈30%), and industrial antimicrobial additives (≈20%). Its broad activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and Gram‑positive bacteria drives its utility.
In the pharmaceutical sector, salicylanilide is used in topical creams, ointments, powders, and medicated soaps for treating fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and cutaneous candidiasis. It is often formulated in combination with other antifungal agents (e.g., zinc undecylenate, chloroxylenol) to enhance efficacy. The global antifungal topical market, driven by rising incidence of superficial fungal infections due to lifestyle factors (humidity, occlusive footwear, immunosuppression), grows at 3‑5% annually. Generic and over‑the‑counter (OTC) antifungal products in developing countries maintain steady demand for salicylanilide as a cost‑effective active ingredient.
In cosmetics and personal care, salicylanilide is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in soaps, shampoos, body washes, lotions, and wet wipes. Its activity against Gram‑positive bacteria and fungi helps prevent product spoilage and extends shelf life. However, due to safety concerns (see regulatory section), its use has declined in favor of alternative preservatives in some regions. Nevertheless, in industrial and veterinary products, it remains relevant.
In industrial applications, salicylanilide is added to water‑based paints, adhesives, metalworking fluids, and textile finishes as a preservative and antifungal agent. It protects against mold, mildew, and bacterial degradation in humid environments. The industrial preservative market, driven by manufacturing in Asia‑Pacific, sustains moderate demand.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for salicylanilide (CAS: 87-17-2) features a pattern of “specialized fine chemical manufacturers, primarily in China and India, dominating volume production, with European and Japanese companies focusing on high‑purity and pharmaceutical‑grade material.” Production involves amide bond formation, requiring control of residual aniline and salicylic acid.
In the pharmaceutical‑grade segment, Sigma‑Aldrich (Merck KGaA) and Thermo Fisher Scientific supply high‑purity salicylanilide (≥98%) for research and reference standards. Several Indian manufacturers, including Chemex Chemicals and Aarti Industries, produce salicylanilide for domestic and export pharmaceutical markets, often as an intermediate for other anilide drugs. In Japan, Tokyo Chemical Industry (TCI) offers salicylanilide with purity ≥98% for research.
In the specialty segment, some European custom synthesis houses offer salicylanilide derivatives (e.g., chlorinated salicylanilides such as niclosamide, which is an antihelmintic drug) for niche applications, but plain salicylanilide itself is largely a commodity intermediate.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for salicylanilide shows regional differentiation: “Asia‑Pacific dominates production and consumption (over 60%), North America and Europe focus on specialty and pharmaceutical grades, and Latin America & Africa follow as growth markets for topical antifungals.”
Asia‑Pacific, led by China and India, is the largest producer and consumer. China produces salicylanilide primarily as a chemical intermediate and preservative raw material, with significant export volumes to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. India consumes salicylanilide in topical antifungal preparations (OTC creams and powders) for its large population and tropical climate that fosters fungal infections. The region sees 4‑6% annual growth in demand for antifungal actives.
North America and Europe account for approximately 25% of global demand, but with stricter regulatory oversight (see below). In these regions, salicylanilide is mostly used in pharmaceutical preparations (often in combination products), veterinary formulations, and as a research chemical. Cosmetic use has declined due to safety restrictions. The US and European pharmaceutical companies import high‑purity salicylanilide or produce it in‑house for specific formulations.
Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East are growing markets for topical antifungals, driven by humid climates, limited access to newer prescription drugs, and a strong OTC market. These regions import industrial‑grade and pharmaceutical‑grade salicylanilide primarily from China and India, with price sensitivity being a key factor.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Salicylanilide (CAS: 87-17-2) is subject to significant regulatory restrictions, particularly in cosmetics and personal care, due to historical safety concerns.
In the EU, salicylanilide is not permitted as a preservative in cosmetic products under the Cosmetic Regulation (EC 1223/2009) because it is listed as a substance that may cause contact allergy and is not included in Annex V (list of allowed preservatives). However, it may still be used in pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. It is registered under REACH as a chemical substance, with obligations for manufacturers and importers. Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, category 4, H302), skin irritation (H315), eye irritation (H319), and specific target organ toxicity (single exposure, H335).
In the US, the FDA regulates salicylanilide when used in over‑the‑counter (OTC) antifungal drug products. It is generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for certain topical antifungal indications under the Tentative Final Monograph for antifungal drug products (21 CFR Part 333). However, it is not allowed as a preservative in cosmetics by the FDA’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) due to lack of safety data for that use. The EPA regulates it under TSCA for industrial uses.
In China, salicylanilide is listed in the “Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances” and is allowed as a raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical use. For cosmetic use, it is not included in the “Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics” (2015 Edition) as a permitted preservative, effectively restricting its use. Manufacturers must comply with GB/T product standards and safety production licensing.
In Japan, salicylanilide is regulated under CSCL and may be used in quasi‑drugs (topical antifungals) under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMD Act). Cosmetic use is restricted.
Environmentally, salicylanilide has moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms. Its production involves aniline, which requires careful waste management. Green chemistry efforts focus on reducing residual aniline and salicylic acid in the final product, as well as developing catalytic amidation processes with higher atom economy.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for salicylanilide is tied to three drivers: the sustained demand for cost‑effective topical antifungal agents in developing countries, the growth of industrial preservatives in emerging manufacturing hubs, and the potential for repurposing salicylanilide derivatives in new pharmaceutical applications (e.g., antimicrobial coatings). The global market is expected to grow at a modest CAGR of 2‑4% over the next five years, with regional variation.
On the demand side, first, the high prevalence of dermatophyte infections in tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) will continue to drive OTC antifungal sales. Second, the industrial preservative market for water‑based products (paints, adhesives, textiles) in Asia‑Pacific will support volume demand. Third, research into salicylanilide analogs as potential antibacterial agents against drug‑resistant strains may open new opportunities.
Challenges include: regulatory restrictions on cosmetic and preservative uses in developed markets, competition from newer antifungal agents (azoles, allylamines) with better safety profiles, and environmental pressure on aniline‑based chemistry. Enterprises should focus on pharmaceutical‑grade purity, develop downstream formulations (e.g., combination antifungal powders), and explore industrial preservative applications in regions with less stringent cosmetic regulations.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world‑leading supplier of organic chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial preservation industries. Relying on core technological advantages in amide synthesis and purification, we provide high‑purity Salicylanilide (CAS: 87-17-2) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality control, with low residual aniline and salicylic acid, consistent batch‑to‑batch performance, and compliance with pharmaceutical intermediate standards. It is an ideal antifungal agent and chemical building block for topical formulations and industrial applications.
1. Technical Advantages
- High Purity: Our salicylanilide achieves purity ≥98% (HPLC) for pharmaceutical grade, and ≥95% for industrial grade, with residual aniline <50 ppm and salicylic acid <0.5%.
- Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of heavy metals (≤20 ppm), loss on drying (<0.5%), and melting point consistency (135‑138°C).
- Batch Consistency: Batch‑to‑batch variation controlled within 0.3% for key indices.
2. Product Advantages
- Broad Antimicrobial Spectrum: Effective against dermatophytes, Candida, and Gram‑positive bacteria.
- Flexible Packaging: 25KG fiber drums (industrial), 5KG/1KG aluminum foil bags (pharmaceutical R&D), custom packaging upon request.
- Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity 50‑100 tons, with dedicated cool, dry storage (ambient temperature, avoid moisture).
3. Application Fields
- Pharmaceuticals: Topical antifungal creams, ointments, medicated powders, combination antifungal products.
- Cosmetic Preservatives: Soaps, shampoos, wet wipes (note: restricted in some regions; check local regulations).
- Industrial Preservation: Water‑based paints, adhesives, metalworking fluids, textile finishes.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides impurity profiling, formulation advice for topical antifungal preparations, and regulatory support (COA, residual solvent analysis, DMF support for pharmaceutical use). We offer custom particle size and packaging options.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in chemical and pharmaceutical intermediates.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity and packaging requirements.
- Cost‑effectiveness: High quality at competitive prices.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Apr-15-2026