Background

Salicylic Acid (CAS No. 69-72-7, EC No. 200-712-3) with the chemical name ‘benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy’ is included in the European database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients (CosIng) with the reported functions of “anti-seborrheic”, “hair conditioning”, “keratolytic”, “fragrance”, “preservative” and “skin conditioning”. Salicylic Acid has been subject to safety evaluations in 2002 and 2018 by the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-food products intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) and Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), respectively.

Salicylic Acid is currently regulated under Annex III (entry 98) and Annex V (entry 3), with specific maximum concentrations and conditions of use. Salicylic Acid was listed in Group B of substances used in cosmetics with potential endocrine effects, as part of the initiative to assess their safety in cosmetics.

What´s new?

On 25 June and 27 October 2021, the SCCS adopted its final opinions on homosalate and methyl salicylate, respectively. In these opinions, the SCCS raised concerns over the potential overexposure of consumers to Salicylic Acid from various salicylates used in cosmetic products. 

Following these SCCS opinions, some EU countries expressed their concerns over possible overexposure to Salicylic Acid and a potential risk to human health. The Commission intends to request the SCCS to perform a safety assessment, specifically on the aggregate exposure to Salicylic Acid from salicylic esters used in cosmetic products.

In order to prepare a mandate for the SCCS, interested parties are invited to submit any relevant information in order to proceed with assessing the aggregate exposure to Salicylic Acid from the salicylic esters used in cosmetic products.

Period of consultation: From 1 July 2024 to 1 July 2025.

References

European Commission – Call for data on ingredients used in cosmetic products