SCCS Issued the Final Opinion on the Safety of Salicylic Acid

On June 9, 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion on salicylic acid (SCCS/1646/22). The preliminary opinion on the safety of salicylic acid in cosmetics was released on December 15, 2022.

The SCCS concludes the following:

1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Salicylic acid,

a) does the SCCS consider Salicylic acid safe when used as a preservative in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 0.5%?

Based on the safety assessment carried out in consideration of all available information, including the potential endocrine effects:

- the SCCS is of the opinion that salicylic acid (CAS 69-72-7) is safe when used as preservative at a concentration of 0.5 % in cosmetic products, considering its current restrictions in place. The provided information shows that salicylic acid is an eye irritant with the potential to cause serious damage to the eye.

- this Opinion is not applicable to any sprayable product (including mouth spray) that may lead to exposure of end-user’s lungs by inhalation.

b) does the SCCS consider Salicylic acid safe when used in cosmetic for purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms at a concentration up to:

i. 3.0% for the cosmetic rinse-off hair products,

ii. 2.0% for other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, non-spray deodorant, and

iii. 0.5% for body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, oral products and non-spray deodorant

The SCCS assessment has shown that:

The use of salicylic acid as a restricted ingredient for purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms is safe at a concentration:

- up to 3.0 % for the cosmetic rinse-off hair products,

- up to 2.0 % for other products, except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, non-spray deodorant, and

- up to 0.5% for body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, oral products and non-spray deodorant.

This Opinion is not applicable to any sprayable product (including mouth spray) that may lead to exposure of end-user’s lungs by inhalation.

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