7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
UV filter · skin conditioning agent · solvent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Also known as: Octyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Molecular Formula
C15H22O3
Molecular Weight
250.33 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Ethylhexyl Salicylate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in concentrations below 10%
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other topical medications
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to salicylates
- you experience irritation or redness
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H22O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 250.33 g/mol |
| Log P | 5.7 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Sunscreens, moisturizers, foundations. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, anti-inflammatory creams. Use as directed; monitor for skin reactions.
Supplement
Not commonly used in supplements. Not typically used in dietary supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is generally safe for skin contact in cosmetic formulations.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Ethylhexyl Salicylate may pose moderate risks, particularly in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but should be minimized in poorly ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with Ethylhexyl Salicylate can cause irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in cosmetic applications.
- elderly — Generally safe but monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in infants and children; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data; potential for transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for skin reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | FDA Regulatory Review (2021) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ethylhexyl Salicylate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Permitted for use in cosmetics; no significant safety concerns.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex VI entry 20; maximum: 5% Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED UV FILTER WITH LIMITS (ANNEX VI, ENTRY 20)
Annex VI entry 20; maximum: 5%
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
It may cause irritation in some individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Consult with a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
It is often found in sunscreens and moisturizers for UV protection.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:36:30.795762Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:39.128573+00:00 | 7.0 | EU regulatory status replaced with the CosIng Annex entry; the safety score was not re-evaluated. |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.