Abstract: Topical compositions and methods are disclosed for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair. The compositions comprise acetylsalicylic acid, propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The method involves the step of applying the composition to the beard areas of the face after shaving. The acetylsalicylic acid is dissolved in a solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The acetylsalicylic acid is present in the range of between about 5 percent by weight per unit volume of the solvent mixture up to saturation of the solvent mixture. The solvent mixture comprises propylene glycol in the range of about 5 to 15 percent by volume, glycerine in the range of about 1 to 10 percent by volume, and the balance of the volume made up with isopropyl alcohol alone or a solution comprising at least 50 percent by volume of isopropyl alcohol.