News Details
EU’s SCCS publishes their opinion for Methyl Salicylate limits in cosmetic products for children
On 22 September 2023, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its opinion on the use of Methyl Salicylate in cosmetics for children. Methyl Salicylate, an ingredient used in fragrance mixtures and oral hygiene products, was classified as 'Toxic for Reproduction Category 2' by the European Commission, and its safety has been assessed by the SCCS. Regulation (EU) 2022/1531 restricted its use in cosmetic products, and it is listed in entry 324 of Annex III to the Cosmetic Regulation.
The committee found that Methyl Salicylate is safe for children aged 0-3 years when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.02% in all regulated cosmetic products, except toothpaste. The use of Methyl Salicylate is safe for children aged 0.5-3 years 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. However, the SCCS has not considered the age group of children under 6 months in this safety assessment.
The SCCS has deemed Methyl Salicylate safe for use in cosmetic products for children of age 3-6 years, including shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, body lotion, face cream, lip products, and hair conditioner, up to the allowed concentrations, and safe for toothpaste up to 2.52%.
Table: Currently allowed Concentration of Methyl Salicylate in various cosmetic products
|
Sr No. |
Product type, Body parts |
Maximum concentration in ready-for-use preparation |
Other |
|
1 |
Leave-on skin products (except face makeup, spray/aerosol body lotion, spray/aerosol deodorant, and hydroalcoholic-based fragrances) and leave-on hair products (except spray/aerosol products) |
0.06 % |
Not to be used in preparations for children under 6 years of age, with the exception of “Toothpaste” |
|
2 |
Face makeup (except lip products, eye makeup and makeup remover) |
0.05 % |
|
|
3 |
Eye makeup and makeup remover |
0.002 % |
|
|
4 |
Leave-on hair products (spray/aerosol) |
0.009 % |
|
|
5 |
Deodorant spray/aerosol |
0.003 % |
|
|
6 |
Body lotion spray/aerosol |
0.04 % |
|
|
7 |
Rinse off skin products (except hand wash) and rinse off hair products |
0.06 % |
|
|
8 |
Hand wash |
0.6 % |
|
|
9 |
Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances |
0.6 % |
|
|
10 |
Lip products |
0.03 % |
|
|
11 |
Toothpaste |
2.52 % |
|
|
12 |
Mouthwash intended for children aged 6–10 years |
0.1 % |
|
|
13 |
Mouthwash intended for children above 10 years of age and adults |
0.6 % |
|
|
14 |
Mouth spray |
0.65 % |
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from European Union (SCCS).
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