EU scientific committee divulges safety limits of methyl salicylate for children’s care

27 Sep 2023 --- The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has published its final opinion on methyl salicylate use in children’s products under and over six years. They concluded the chemical is safe in toothpaste for children under six years of age when used up to the maximum concentration of 2.52%.

PubChem shares that methyl salicylate is used in cleaning products and household care, such as in air fresheners, candles with a fragrance, bathroom cleaners, surface cleaners, disinfectants and laundry. 

Further personal care applications
Methyl salicylate is also used as a UV absorber and stabilizer in sunscreens, a solvent in polishes and inks, an antiseptic in oral hygiene products and a dye carrier.

“The SCCS considers the use of methyl salicylate as safe in cosmetic products intended for children of six months to three 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,” states the SCCS. 

The committee did not consider the effects of methyl salicylate for children below six months as no specific data was provided.

Specific limits to products
Methyl salicylate up to 2.52% in toothpaste is safe for children under six years of age.For children over six years, methyl salicylate can be used up to the maximum concentrations outlined:

• 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) 0.06%.
• Face makeup (except lip products, eye makeup and makeup remover) 0.05%.
•  Eye makeup and makeup remover 0.002%
• Leave-on hair products (spray/aerosol) 0.009%
• Deodorant spray/aerosol 0.003%
• Body lotion spray/aerosol 0.04%
• Rinse-off skin products (except hand wash) and rinse-off hair products 0.06%
• Hand wash 0.6%
• Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances 0.6%
• Lip products 0.03%
• Toothpaste 2.52%
• Mouthwash intended for children aged six to ten years 0.1%
• Mouthwash intended for children above ten years of age and adults 0.6%
• Mouth spray 0.65%

In related developments, the European Commission restricted the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetics due to its potential to cause irritations and acute toxicity last October.

Edited by Venya Patel