Salicylic Acid
INCI: SALICYLIC ACID
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Salicylic Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =90 mg/kg/day | oral | rat | developmental | CIR |
| LOAEL | 75 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | =75 mg/kg/day | oral | rat | developmental | SCCS |
| NOAEL | =75 mg/kg/day | oral | rat | developmental | SCCS |
| NOAEL | 75 mg/kg bw/day | dermal | - | - | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 75 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | reproductive | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 75 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | reproductive | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 150 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | - | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 75 mg/kg bw/day | - | rat | reproductive | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 75 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | reproductive | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Safety Opinions
Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
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 wit
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 wit
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 wit
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 wit
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 wit
SCCS NOAEL Values
NOAEL/LOAEL values cited in official SCCS opinions for Salicylic Acid.
| NOAEL | LOAEL | Route | Species | Study | DA% (SCCS) | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 mg/kg/day | 165 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (Wistar) | Developmental toxicity (OECD 414 equivalent) (GD 8-14 (gestational days)) | 100 | SCCS/1646/22 (2023) |
| 75 mg/kg/day | 165 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (Wistar) | Developmental toxicity (OECD 414 equivalent) (GD 8-14 (gestational days)) | 100 | SCCS/1601/18 (2018) |
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Salicylic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: SCCS/1538/14, CIR
Expert Verdict
Salicylic acid is the definitive BHA for acne, congestion, and oily skin. Lipophilicity is a genuine differentiator from AHAs — no other common cosmetic acid penetrates sebaceous follicles as effectively. EU concentration limits by product type require careful label compliance. US OTC vs cosmetic drug boundary demands precise claim management. Eye and lip product use must not exceed 0.5%. Not for children under 3 years.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salicylic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Salicylic acid is the definitive BHA for acne, congestion, and oily skin. Lipophilicity is a genuine differentiator from AHAs — no other common cosmetic acid penetrates sebaceous follicles as effectively. EU concentration limits by product type require careful label compliance. US OTC vs cosmetic drug boundary demands precise claim management. Eye and lip product use must not exceed 0.5%. Not for children under 3 years. The EU classifies Salicylic Acid as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by sccs.
Is Salicylic Acid allowed in the EU?
Salicylic Acid EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 2.0% general cosmetics (non-leave-on); 3.0% rinse-off hair products; 0.5% body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, non-spray deodorant. Not for use in products for children under 3 years (except shampoo). Not for oral products or inhalation products. pH ≥3.5 required.. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Salicylic Acid do in cosmetics?
Salicylic Acid functions as: Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant, keratolytic, and anti-acne active. Oil-soluble unlike AHAs, enabling penetration into sebaceous follicles and dissolution of intercellular lipids — the gold standard for acne and comedonal exfoliation. Optimal pH 3.0–4.0 for professional peels (typically 20–30%). Also has anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties. At 0.5% functions as a cosmetic preservative.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 69-72-7.
What is the Margin of Safety for Salicylic Acid?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Salicylic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Salicylic Acid is =90 mg/kg/day based on a developmental study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: CIR.
Is Salicylic Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?
Salicylic Acid carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed Causes serious eye damage Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.
Compliance Tools
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