Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a chemical compound of plant or synthetic origin. It fulfills several roles in cosmetics: exfoliant, preservative, fragrance, and is used in skin and hair care.
Skin conditioningHair conditioningRestricted useSuspected CMREndocrine disruptor (suspected)
Ingredient
Roles & functions
Skin conditioning — Keeps the skin in good condition and protects it; improves its comfort.
Hair conditioning — Improves the appearance, softness and manageability of the hair.
Perfuming — Adds a scent to the product or masks the odour of raw materials.
Preservative — Limits the growth of micro-organisms to preserve the product.
Exfoliating — Helps remove dead cells from the surface of the skin.
Regulatory framework
What the authorities say
| Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009) | Autorisé sous conditions |
| Classification CLP harmonisée (ECHA, Annexe VI Règl. 1272/2008) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:29 GMT | Reprotoxique — suspecté |
| Endocrine Disruptor Lists (autorités UE, edlists.org) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:31 GMT | Perturbateur endocrinien — suspecté |
| ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59) | Not on the Candidate List (SVHC) |
| European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III) | No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling |
| European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009) | No referenced nanoform |
| European Commission — Annex III (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMT | Permitted subject to restrictions (Annex III) — max (a) 3.0% (b) 2.0% (c) 0.5% in (a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant (c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant — (a) (b) (c) Not to be used for children under 3 years of age* * Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age. — (a) (b) (c) Not to be used in preparations for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Not to be used in oral products. For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product. These levels are inclusive of any use of salicylic acid. |
| European Commission — Annex V (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMT | Authorised preservative (Annex V) — max Salicylic acid: 0,5 % (acid) Salicylic acid salts: 0,5 % (acid) — Salicylic acid: Not to be used for children under 3 years of age** **Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age. Salicylic acid salts: Not to be used for children under 3 years of age*** ***Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin. — Salicylic acid: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in oral products. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Salicylic acid salts: Not to be used in products for children under 3 years of age, except for shampoos. |
Last verified :
Products
Products containing it
MádaraAcne Roll-On Action Ciblé, 8ml
EucerinDermoPure Gel Nettoyant Triple Action, 400ml
Eau PrecieuseLotion Nettoyante Visage 375ml
Eau PrecieuseLotion Rafraîchissante Et Appaisante, 2 X 375ml
K18 Biomimetic HairsciencePeptide Prep™ Shampoing Détoxifiant, 250ml
EsthedermIntensive Propolis+ Salicylic Acid Sérum Concentré, 30ml
ParashopPatchs Anti-Boutons Invisibles, 60 patchs
Skin&OutPEEL OUT Masque Exfoliant, 60ml
BiodermaSébium Lotion, 200ml
PhytoShampooing Dermo-Traitant Anti-Pellicules, 250ml
EucerinDermoPure Mat Fluide Matifiant, 40ml
DucrayKeracnyl Stop Bouton Gel Asséchant, 10ml
Statistics
In Lou’s database
109
products listed
| Most frequent categories | Face · Cleansers & makeup removers · Anti-dandruff · Serums · Targeted care |
| Most frequent brands | Bioderma · SVR · Caudalie · Ducray · Dermaceutic |
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This information is reported factually and with attribution (authorities and publications cited). It does not constitute medical advice, for your situation, ask a pharmacist or a healthcare professional for advice.
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