SCCS Issued Final Opinion on the Safety of Methyl Salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate)

On September 22, 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) issued a final opinion on methyl salicylate to assess its safety and use in cosmetics.

In the SCCS/1633/21 Opinion, the Committee concluded that Methyl Salicylate (CAS No.119-36-8) in toothpaste is safe for children under six years of age when used up to the maximum concentration of 2.52%.

1. In light of the data provided and taking into consideration the conclusions of SCCS/1633/21 and the aggregate exposure, does the SCCS consider Methyl Salicylate safe for children of age 0-3, when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.02% in all of the currently regulated cosmetic products included in Table 1 (except toothpaste in which can be used up to 2.52%)?

In view of the conclusions of SCCS/1633/21 and the aggregate exposure, the SCCS considers the use of Methyl Salicylate as safe in cosmetic products intended for children aged 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. For toothpaste up to a maximum concentration of 2.52% methyl salicylate is considered safe.

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

2. In light of the data provided and taking into consideration the conclusions of SCCS/1633/21 and the aggregate exposure, does the SCCS consider Methyl Salicylate safe for children of age 3-6, when used up to the allowed maximum concentrations for each of the currently regulated cosmetic products included in Table 1 (except toothpaste in which up to 2.52% can be used)?

In view of the conclusions of SCCS/1633/21 and the aggregate exposure, the SCCS considers the use of Methyl Salicylate as safe in 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 Table 1. For toothpaste up to a maximum concentration of 2.52% methyl salicylate is considered safe.

Final opinion.

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