Also known as: Salicyclic acid (SA) (Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-), BRN 0774890, Caswell No. 731, EINECS 200-712-3, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 076602 (+15 more)
INCI: SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant, keratolytic, and anti-acne active. NOAEL 75 mg/kg bw/day (PDF-verified against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 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.; GHS signal word DANGER. Industrial safety data is also a
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Salicylic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H312, H318, H319) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 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..
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.
EU Max Conc.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.
US US Statuspermitted
US NotesFDA OTC Monograph M006: 0.5–2.0% GRASE for topical acne drug products. Classified as an OTC drug (not cosmetic) when acne disease claims are made — requires drug labelling, GMP, NDC number. When marketed for exfoliation only without acne claims, may remain cosmetic. FDA scrutinises intended use classification carefully.
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Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Salicylic Acid.
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
=75 mg/kg
oral
rat
dermal absorption
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=75 mg/kg
oral
rat
dermal absorption
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=75 mg/kg
oral
rat
dermal absorption
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=75 mg/kg
oral
rat
dermal absorption
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=80 mg/kg/day
oral
rat
developmental toxicity
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=80 mg/kg/day
oral
rat
developmental toxicity
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=80 mg/kg/day
oral
rat
developmental toxicity
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=80 mg/kg/day
oral
rat
developmental toxicity
SCCNFP_vision_codex
NOAEL
=75 mg/kg/day
oral
rat
reproductive toxicity
SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL
=75 mg/kg bw/day
-
mouse
reproductive toxicity
SCCS_vision_codex
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
CorrExcl markWarnCancerHealth haz
Hazard Statements
Harmful if swallowed Causes serious eye damage Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, acid-base balance in the body and gastrointestinal tract when ingested in large amounts. This may result in delirium, tremors and coma.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by ingestion and through the skin.
Safety Opinions
Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
sccsSCCS/1646/227 June 2023
Verdict: safe
NOAEL: 75 mg/kg bw/d (dermal)
Max Concentration: 0.5% in general
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
sccsSCCS/1646/227 June 2023
Verdict: safe
NOAEL: 75 mg/kg bw/d (dermal)
Max Concentration: 0.5% in oral care
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
sccsSCCS/1646/227 June 2023
Verdict: safe
NOAEL: 75 mg/kg bw/d (dermal)
Max Concentration: 0.5% in eye area
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
sccsSCCS/1646/227 June 2023
Verdict: safe
NOAEL: 75 mg/kg/day (oral)
Max Concentration: 0.5% in general
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
sccsSCCS/1646/227 June 2023
Verdict: safe
NOAEL: 75 mg/kg/day (oral)
Max Concentration: 0.5% in oral care
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
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Salicylic Acid across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
SCCS NOAEL Values
NOAEL/LOAEL values cited in official SCCS opinions for Salicylic Acid.
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Salicylic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
18-30%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
138.1 Da
Log P
2.26
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
12-25%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: SCCS/1538/14, CIR
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
Endpoint
Value
Species
Route
Duration
Source
LD50
>2000 mg/kg
Rat
dermal
acute
ECHA IUCLID
LD50
>10000 mg/kg
Rabbit
dermal
-
ECHA IUCLID
LD50
=891 mg/kg
Rat
oral
-
ECHA IUCLID
LD50
=575 mg/kg
Mouse
injection
-
ECHA IUCLID
LD50
=620 mg/kg
Mouse
injection
-
ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL
=100 mg/kg-day
Mouse
oral
-
ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL
=100 mg/kg-day
Mouse
oral
-
ECHA IUCLID
LC50
>0.225 mg/L
Rat
inhalation
-
ChemIDplus
LD50
=480 mg/kg
Mouse
oral
-
ChemIDplus
LD50
=1300 mg/kg
Rabbit
oral
-
ChemIDplus
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
Health HazardHarmful / IrritantCorrosive
Hazard Class and Category
Repr. 2; Acute Tox. 4; Eye Dam. 1
Hazard Statements
H361d
H302Harmful if swallowed
H318Causes serious eye damage
Inserted via ATP: ATP13
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
5.2%
DPRA Lys %
1%
KeratinoSens IC50
2000 µM
hCLAT CV75
1000 µg/mL
LLNA EC3
18.6%
NESIL
12414 µg/cm²
LLNA: Weak (1B)GHS: 1BHuman: positive
Source: LLNA: Gerberick et al. (1992) | Gerberick et al. (2005); DPRA: Bauch et al. 2011 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2011.05.030] | Jaworska 2011 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2869]; KS: Natsch et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2868] | Bauch et al. 2011 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2011.05.030]; hCLAT: Bauch et al. 2012 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.05.013] | Ashikaga et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1177/026119291003800403]; HPPT: [27] Kligman AM (1966): https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.1966.160
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
1 human repeat insult patch test aggregated from dermatological literature.
Test Type
N
Sensitized
Dose µg/cm²
NESIL µg/cm²
Potency
HMT
-
0
12413.79
-
-
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
SuspectedEvidence: Moderate(2019)
Health effects:Yes
Affected pathways:Estrogenic, Thyroid
Regulatory framework:Cosmetics
Source list: III
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category:other
Receptor targets:TR, ERα (weak)
LOEC:50 µM
EU status:restricted (max 2% rinse-off; 0.5% leave-on); ED concern noted by SCCS
modulator
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10,000 - 100,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification:Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
PreservativeDeodorizerSoftener and conditionerPharmaceuticalAnti-dandruffFragrance
Regulatory Lists
IFRA TransparencyEurope; Personal care; restrictedpharmaceuticalactive_ingredient; Pesticidesinert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticidesactive_ingredient; Europe; Pesticidesactive_ingredient; Pesticidesactive_ingredient; Pesticidesactive_ingredient; animal_products; Europe; pharmaceutical; residueEurope; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruffdetected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellnessdetected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellnessEurope; pharmaceuticalEuropefood_additive; Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) (2/2019)Canada; pharmaceuticalCanada; pharmaceuticalPersonal care - body hygiene; Personal care - general moisturizing; Personal care - hair styling and care
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCEChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERSDB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Salicylic Acid has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 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 NOAEL for Salicylic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Salicylic Acid is =75 mg/kg based on a dermal absorption study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: SCCNFP_vision_codex.
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.
Is Salicylic Acid used outside cosmetics?
Salicylic Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Salicylic Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Salicylic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H312, H318, H319) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 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..
Compliance Tools
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