Skip to content
Talk to us
Talk to us

Monitoring report · published · reflects the rules at that date

SCCS publishes Final Opinion on children’s exposure to Methyl Salicylate

Our monitoring reports record the changes to cosmetics rules in a given period, and we publish one each month. Each one is a dated publication: it reflects the rules on the date it was published and is not updated afterwards. For what applies today, read the latest briefings or ask us.

See what happens after launch

BACKGROUND

Methyl Salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8) is the ester of methyl alcohol and salicylic acid, used in cosmetics and personal care products as a denaturant, flavouring, oral care, perfuming and soothing agent.

Methyl Salicylate has been classified as toxic for reproduction (CMR substance, category 2) under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP), but it was not included in the Annexes to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.

WHAT’S NEW?

Following the preliminary opinion on May 16, 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer. Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion and scientific advice on children exposure on Methyl Salicylate.

In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the conclusions of SCCS/1633/21 and the aggregate exposure, the SCCS considers the use of Methyl Salicylate as safe in:

  • Toothpaste up to a maximum concentration of 2.52%.
  • Cosmetic products intended 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.
  • Cosmetic products intended for children of age 3-6 years in shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, body lotion, face cream, hand cream, lip products, and hair conditioner up to the allowed maximum concentrations indicated in the following table:

As no specific data were provided for children below 6 months, the SCCS has not considered this age category in this safety assessment.

References:

Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) – Scientific Advice – Children exposure on Methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate), SCCS/1654/23, Final Version.

Need to know what this means for a product you have on the market now?

Ask the team for this area

One question works best. Leave out confidential product details; we can take those up by email.

Our team replies to every question. The reply goes to the email you gave.

We use your email to answer this question and for nothing else. Privacy and cookies

Follow an area

One email when an area publishes, in the language you choose. Nothing else.

Talk to us

Tell us the product, the market and the date you are working to. If the date is not realistic, we will say so.

Talk about a product Request a proposal
Need a standing regulatory partner? See ongoing support →