Description
Salicylic Acid is an aromatic acid consisting of a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group in adjacent positions. In cosmetic formulation it is used under multiple declared technical functions: anti-seborrheic, hair conditioning, keratolytic, fragrance, preservative and skin conditioning. It is identified in pharmacopoeial nomenclature as acidum salicylicum and in the international nonproprietary name as salicylic acid.
From a regulatory standpoint, the ingredient appears in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 under reference 98, with restrictions differentiated by product type. The maximum authorized concentrations are "(a) 3.0%" in rinse-off hair products, "(b) 2.0%" in other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick and roll-on deodorant, and "(c) 0.5%" in the latter category of products. The following literal conditions apply: "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." The mandatory labelling warning is: "Not to be used for children under 3 years of age", exclusively in products that may be used by that population. The ingredient is classified as Reprotoxic Cat. 2. In addition, it appears under reference V/3 of Annex V.
The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.