SCCS - Scientific Advice on children exposure on Methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate)

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has released its conclusions regarding the safety of Methyl Salicylate in cosmetic products for children. The SCCS/1633/21 Opinion states that Methyl Salicylate is safe for children under 6 years of age when used up to the maximum concentration of 2.52% in toothpaste.

Following this assessment, the SCCS was prompted to evaluate the safety of Methyl Salicylate for children aged 0-3 and 3-6 in other cosmetic products, except toothpaste. For children aged 0.5-3 years, the SCCS considers Methyl Salicylate safe 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. Toothpaste remains safe at a maximum concentration of 2.52%.

Similarly, for children aged 3-6 years, Methyl Salicylate is considered safe in the same cosmetic products, as long as they adhere to the allowed maximum concentrations specified in Table 1. Toothpaste, once again, is deemed safe at a maximum concentration of 2.52% according to SCCS/1633/21.

It's important to note that the SCCS has not assessed the safety of Methyl Salicylate for children below 6 months due to the absence of specific data provided by the applicant.

This conclusion provides valuable guidance for both consumers and the cosmetic industry to ensure the safe use of Methyl Salicylate in products designed for children across various age groups.