Watch-out database → Detailed ingredient information:

Methyl salicylate

CAS Nr.

119-36-8

Restricted as per EC regulation 1223/2009?

Yes

Entries

III/324

Other observations

– CMR substance Toxic for Reproduction (Category 2)

– Weak skin sensitizer and eye irritant

Date of update Deadline Content of update Reference Source Obelis articles
14/09/2023 N/A After the publication of Omnibus V, the industry submitted additional data to support the use of Methyl salicylate in cosmetic products for children. Thus, the SCCS issued a scientific advice in which it concluded that it is safe in products for children of age 0.5-3 years when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.02% in shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, body lotion, face cream, hand cream, lip products and hair conditioner. Additionally, it is safe for children between 3-6 years in shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, body lotion, face cream, hand cream, lip products, hair conditioner according to certain set concentrations. For toothpaste, it is safe up to 2.52%. SCCS Scientific Advice - Children exposure on Methyl Salicylate SCCS
15/09/2022 N/A The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients when the concentration of the substance or substances exceeds: (a) 0,001 % in leave-on products (b) 0,01 % in rinse-off products Annex amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council as regards labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products EC Cosmetic labels: More allergens soon to be added
03/02/2022 17/12/2022 Methyl Salicylate has been added to Omnibus V. Added to Annex III to the EU Cosmetics Regulation and restricted as of December 17, 2022 as follow: (a) Up to 0.06% in leave-on skin products (except face makeup, spray/aerosol body lotion, spray/aerosol deodorant, and hydroalcoholic-based fragrances) and leave-on hair products (except spray/aerosol products); (b) Up to 0.05% in face makeup (except lip products, eye makeup, and makeup remover); (c) Up to 0.002% in eye makeup and makeup remover; (d) Up to 0.009% in leave-on hair products spray/aerosol; (e) Up to 0.003% in deodorant spray/aerosol; (f) Up to 0.4% in body lotion spray/aerosol; (g) Up to 0.06% in rinse-off skin products (except hand wash) and rinse-off hair products; (h) Up to 0.6% in hand wash, hydroalcoholic-based fragrances, and mouthwash intended for children above 10 years of age and adults; (i) Up to 0.03% in lip products; (j) Up to 2.52% in toothpaste; (k) Up to 0.1% in mouthwash intended for children aged 6-10 years; (l) Up to 0.65% in mouth spray. Furthermore, cosmetic products for children under six years cannot contain Methyl Salicylate; the only exception is toothpaste. Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1531 of 15 September 2022 EC Omnibus V draft notified to the WTO: upcoming restrictions
24-25/06/2021 N/A Methyl salicylate is expected to be classified as CMR substance Toxic for Reproduction of Category 2, thus in this opinion, the SCCS suggests the maximum safe concentration of Methyl salicylate to be used in several cosmetics products: (1) Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances: 0.600% (2) Rinse-off skin & hair products (except hand wash products): 0.060% (3) Hand wash products: 0.600% (4) Leave on skin & hair products (non aerosol): 0.060% (5) Face Make up products: 0.050% (6) Lipstick & lip balm: 0.030% (7) Eye make up products & Make up remover: 0.002% (8) Toothpaste: 2.520% (9) Mouthwash (except if used by children below 10): 0.600% (10) Mouth spray: 0.650% (11) Deo spray: 0.003% (12) Hair products (spray/aerosol): 0.009% (13) Body Lotion Spray: 0.040%. TBC The use of Methyl salicylate is expected to be restricted in the EU Cosmetics Regulation according to the above limits. SCCS Opinion 1633/21 SCCS SCCS meetings: Keep up with cosmetics news!