Final answer:
Salicylic acid is the compound known for exfoliation, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, commonly used in skincare and acne treatment products. It helps shed dead skin cells and reduces inflammation and redness. Acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, is an ester of salicylic acid with similar properties used medicinally for pain and fever reduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acid that is known for exfoliation, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory benefits is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly used in skin care products due to its ability to exfoliate the skin. It helps in the shedding of dead skin cells from the top layer and decreases redness and swelling (inflammation). This decreases the number of pimples that form and speeds healing.
Salicylic acid has a strong presence in acne treatment products and can also be found in certain shampoos to treat dandruff. Its anti-microbial properties reduce the microbial load on the skin or tissue, and its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for soothing irritated skin.
Notably, acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, is an ester of salicylic acid widely used as a pain reliever and antipyretic (fever reducer).