Methyl Salicylate Safety Reassessed for Children's Cosmetic Products

Dr Steven Brennan
Dr Steven Brennan
2 min readAI-drafted, expert reviewed
Children playing in the street

The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has re-evaluated the safety of methyl salicylate in cosmetic products intended for children aged 0-3 years. This reassessment, published on 17 January 2025, aims to ensure the safe use of this chemical, commonly found in fragrances and oral hygiene products, by setting new concentration limits.

Key Insights

Understanding Methyl Salicylate and Its Uses

Methyl salicylate, also known as methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, is widely used in fragrance mixtures and as a flavouring and soothing agent in oral hygiene products. It is also a denaturant in various cosmetic formulations. Despite its widespread use, concerns have been raised about its safety, particularly in products for young children.

Why the Reassessment Was Necessary

The reassessment was prompted by the need to address potential safety concerns due to the combined exposure of methyl salicylate from oral and non-oral products. Previous evaluations indicated that the Margin of Safety (MoS) was close to 100, which necessitated a review to ensure children's safety.

New Safety Limits and Recommendations

The SCCS has determined that the concentration of methyl salicylate should not exceed 0.45% in toothpaste and 0.02% in other cosmetic products for children aged 0-3 years. These limits are based on the aggregate exposure and aim to maintain a MoS above 100, ensuring the chemical's safe use in children's products.

Implications for Manufacturers and Consumers

Manufacturers of children's cosmetic products must adhere to these new concentration limits to comply with safety regulations. Consumers, particularly parents, should be aware of these changes and check product labels to ensure they are purchasing safe products for their children.

Access the original source

Foresight continuously tracks 1000s of sources and maps updates to your portfolio:

  • Get alerted when changes affect your products or operations
  • Access source documents with full citations
  • Collaborate with your team on alerts and decisions

Related Articles

Join 3,500+ professionals staying ahead

Subscribe to Foresight Weekly and get the latest insights on regulatory changes affecting chemical compliance.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Read by professionals at

Boeing
AstraZeneca
Siemens
PepsiCo
SpaceX