On 2 May 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on children’s exposure assessment for salicylic acid. For more information about the mandate for this review, please see this news item.
The SCCS concluded that:
- Salicylic acid is not safe when used as a preservative at 0.5% in in cosmetic products (listed in section b of the conclusion), considering its current restrictions in place. With the exception of body lotion, it is safe in single dermal and oral product categories, when used only in the respective product category. The opinion is not applicable to any sprayable product (including mouth spray) that may lead to exposure of end-user’s lungs by inhalation. The provided information shows that Salicylic Acid is an eye irritant with the potential to cause serious damage to the eye.
- When used for uses other than preservative, salicylic acid is not safe at the following concentrations when aggregate exposure is considered
- up to 3.0% for the cosmetic rinse-off hair products used by children (shampoo, conditioner),
- up to 2.0% for selected other dermally applied products used by children (face moisturiser, hand cream, liquid soap, shower gel),
- up to 0.5% for body lotion.
- With the exception of body lotion, it is safe in single dermal and oral product categories, when used only in the respective product category.
- The concentrations have therefore been re-calculated to 0.5% in rinse-off products, 0.15% in leave-on products, 0.1% in oral care products. Applying these concentrations Salicylic Acid is safe for children 3-10 years old.
- Since the Cosmetic Regulation does not allow the use of Salicylic Acid in products for children under 3 years of age, this age category has not been considered in this Opinion.
- The conclusions of this Opinion refer only to Salicylic Acid as a cosmetic ingredient and not to other salicylates or salicylic acid salts.
