SCCS Issued Scientific Advice on Methyl Salicylate - Children’s Exposure

On 2 May, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific advice (SCCS/1675/25) on Methyl Salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8) which is the revision of the scientific advice issued on 22 September, 2023 (SCCS/1654/23) .

Scientific Advice on Methyl Salicylate - Children’s Exposure

1. Taking under consideration the conclusions of SCCS/1658/23 and the aggregate exposure, the SCCS is requested to re-assess the maximum concentration of Methyl Salicylate that is considered safe when used in products intended for children of age 0-3.

The SCCS is of the view that, to be considered safe, the concentration of Methyl Salicylate should not exceed 0.4% in toothpaste and 0.02% in other products when used in products intended for children of age 0-3 years.

2. The SCCS mandates do not address environmental aspects. Therefore, this assessment did not cover the safety of Methyl Salicylate for the environment.

Regulatory Requirements Interpretation of Methyl Salicylate

The Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database-Global CosIng, an upgraded version of China CosIng independently developed by CIRS Group indicates that Methyl Salicylate has been included in the following key lists globally.

In EU, Methyl Salicylate has been included in the List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down, detailed information about product type, body parts and maximum concentration in ready for use preparation can be found in the figure below.

In China, Methyl Salicylate has been included in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC), the maximum historical use level (%) in leave-on products is 15%.

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Further Information

https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c0d2bb4f-87c2-4fff-978d-1ed3af73de1a_en?filename=sccs_o_298.pdf