Methyl Salicylate
A cosmetic ingredient used as denaturant, flavouring, oral care in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
What does it do?
Methyl Salicylate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
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Flavouring
adds taste to oral-care products like toothpaste and mouthwash
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Oral care
used in oral-hygiene products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental gels
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Perfuming
adds scent to a cosmetic product
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Soothing
helps calm irritated or sensitive skin
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Methyl Salicylate is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 324). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Notes: Restricted by Regulation (EU) 2022/1531 following CMR (reprotoxic cat. 2) classification. Permitted only within defined maximum concentrations across specific product categories, with lower limits or exclusions for products intended for young children. Applies from 17 December 2022.
Frequently asked questions
What is Methyl Salicylate?
Methyl Salicylate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Is Methyl Salicylate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Methyl Salicylate is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Methyl Salicylate do in cosmetic products?
Methyl Salicylate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: denaturant, flavouring, oral care, perfuming, soothing.
What is the CAS number of Methyl Salicylate?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Methyl Salicylate is 119-36-8.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 17/12/2022