9.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance ingredient · Flavoring agent · Analgesic · Counterirritant
Methyl Salicylate
Also known as: Oil of Wintergreen, Salicylic Acid Methyl Ester, Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Molecular Formula
C8H8O3
Molecular Weight
152.15 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Salicylate is generally considered safe in low concentrations, though it can cause irritation in some individuals when used in high amounts.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- applied to intact skin without prior irritation
- used in food products within regulatory limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in combination with other irritants
- applying to broken or damaged skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a known allergy to salicylates
- using in high concentrations in food or cosmetics
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 152.15 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -8.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 223.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Lotions, creams, fragrances. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, confectionery. Regulatory limits apply; use within safe levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, pain relief ointments. Follow dosage guidelines to avoid adverse effects.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure proper ventilation when using products.
Supplement
Pain relief supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Moderate
Methyl Salicylate can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially with prolonged exposure.
oral
oral
Risk Level: High
Ingestion of Methyl Salicylate can lead to serious health issues, including toxicity.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very High
Contact with eyes can cause severe irritation and potential damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to toxicity and adverse effects.
- pregnant — Potential risks to fetal development; limited data.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated but varies by individual sensitivity.
- elderly — Typically manageable with caution; monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Moderate | Adults typically have a higher tolerance, but sensitivity varies. |
| pregnant | High | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; potential risks are concerning. |
| infants_children | Very High | Children are more susceptible to toxicity and adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution advised. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
| 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 | Low irritation potential | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
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
Methyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory limits established for safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Salicylate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Methyl Salicylate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 2%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Salicylate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Methyl Salicylate is safe in cosmetic products at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Methyl Salicylate
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established; safe for food use within limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex III entry 324; maximum: (a) 0,06 % (b) 0,05 % (c) 0,002 % (d) 0,009 % (e) 0,003 % (f) 0,04 % (g) 0,06 % (h) 0,6 % (i) 0,6 % (j) 0,03 % (k) 2,52 % (l) 0,1 % (m) 0,6 % (n) 0,65 %; applies to: (a) 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) (b) Face makeup (except lip products, eye makeup and makeup remover) (c) Eye makeup and makeup remover (d) Leave-on hair products (spray/aerosol) (e) Deodorant spray/aerosol (f) Body lotion spray/aerosol (g) Rinse-off skin products (except hand wash) and rinse-off hair products (h) Hand wash (i) Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances (j) Lip products (k) Toothpaste (l) Mouthwash intended for children aged 6–10 years (m) Mouthwash intended for children above 10 years of age and adults (n) Mouth spray Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED IN COSMETICS (ANNEX III, ENTRY 324)
Annex III entry 324; maximum: (a) 0,06 % (b) 0,05 % (c) 0,002 % (d) 0,009 % (e) 0,003 % (f) 0,04 % (g) 0,06 % (h) 0,6 % (i) 0,6 % (j) 0,03 % (k) 2,52 % (l) 0,1 % (m) 0,6 % (n) 0,65 %; applies to: (a) 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) (b) Face makeup (except lip products, eye makeup and makeup remover) (c) Eye makeup and makeup remover (d) Leave-on hair products (spray/aerosol) (e) Deodorant spray/aerosol (f) Body lotion spray/aerosol (g) Rinse-off skin products (except hand wash) and rinse-off hair products (h) Hand wash (i) Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances (j) Lip products (k) Toothpaste (l) Mouthwash intended for children aged 6–10 years (m) Mouthwash intended for children above 10 years of age and adults (n) Mouth spray
US
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to specific concentrations in food and cosmetics.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Regulated similarly to EU standards.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Permitted in cosmetics and food within specified limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methyl Salicylate may cause irritation for sensitive skin types; patch testing is recommended.
It is advisable to avoid Methyl Salicylate during pregnancy due to potential risks.
Methyl Salicylate is permitted in food at regulated concentrations; check local guidelines.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:01:24.431843Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:56.140277+00:00 | 9.0 | 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.