Methyl Salicylate
Salicylate is the general term for chemicals that have salicylic acid as their base. Many foods contain salicylic acid in various forms. It’s usually present in foods at very low levels and is therefore generally considered safe unless the person has a salicylate sensitivity. In certain forms and dosages, salicylates can analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (temperature-lowering) effects. Aspirin is acetyl salicylic acid.
Methyl salicylate in cosmetics
Various forms of salicylates, particularly salicylic acid, are classed with beta hydroxy acids. They are used in cosmetics as an exfoliant and, at higher percentages, in skin peels.
Methyl salicylate is of particular concern to soap and cosmetic makers because it has a mint-like fragrance and smells great. It is used for its aroma and flavor. Its therapeutic benefits can also be side benefits, although they would never be the intended use for the cosmetic product.1
Essential Oils containing more than 5% methyl salicylate
*amounts approximate and may vary depending on the plant variety and the harvest.
| Sweet birch oil | 99% |
| Wintergreen oil | 90 – 95% |
| Cassia absolute | 47% |
| Tuberose | 10% |
Safety
Salicylate poisoning can be fatal in very small amounts. Methyl salicylate and essential oils that contain high percentages of methyl salicylate smell and taste good. As a result, they can be very tempting to small children, especially wintergreen oil!
Toxic or fatal amounts of salicylates
| Age | Approx Wt | Toxic or Fatal Amount |
| 2 years | 26 lb | 5,902 mg (about ¾ teaspoon) |
| 5 years | 40 lb | 9,080 mg (about 1¼ teaspoon) |
| Teenager | 100 lb | 70,000 mg (70 g) (3 Tablespoons - just under ¼ cup) |
| Adult | 150 lb | 95,000 mg (95 g) (4½ Tablespoons - just over ¼ cup) |
Keep all essential oils containing methyl salicylate out of reach of children.
Packaging Restrictions
Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, liquid products containing more than 5% methyl salicylate require poison prevention (child-proof) packaging.2
Warning Labels
Cosmetics products require a warning statement if it is necessary to prevent a health hazard associated with the product. Since methyl salicylate can be toxic in small amounts, products containing more than a negligible amount of methyl salicylate should have an appropriate warning on the label.
EU Restrictions
In the EU, methyl salicylate use in cosmetics is limited to 0.002% to 0.6%, depending on the product type. It is not allowed in products for children under age 6, except for toothpaste. Starting in 2026, it must be listed in the ingredient declaration if it is present at more than 0.001% in a leave-on product or more than 0.01% in a rinse-off product.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed 15 salicylates in 20033 and found that they were “safe as used.” At that time, the maximum usage rate of methyl salicylate was 0.6%.
In 2019, the panel issued an amended assessment report on salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics.4 They again found that the methyl salicylate was “safe as used.” At that time, the maximum usage rate was reported as 1%. Salicylic acid is used at higher levels and is “safe as used” with some restrictions. See Warning Required: Products Containing Beta Hydroxy Acids for details.
IFRA Restrictions
IFRA does not list any restrictions for the use of methyl salicylate in fragrances.
1 If the intended use is therapeutic, then the product is a drug and falls within the laws and regulations covering drugs, not cosmetics.
2 16 CFR 1700.14 methyl Salicylate
3 https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=49b03823-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
4 https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment/?id=81b5b3d7-8c74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6
