The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated the safety of Salicylic Acid for children between 3-10 years of age in cosmetic products.
As a Preservative (0.5%)
- Not safe when used as a preservative at 0.5% concentration in combined product usage
- Safe in single product categories (except body lotion) when used separately
- Not applicable to sprayable products that may cause inhalation exposure
- Identified as an eye irritant with potential to cause serious eye damage
For Non-Preservative Purposes
The following concentrations are not safe when considering aggregate exposure:
- 3.0% in rinse-off hair products (shampoo, conditioner)
- 2.0% in other dermal products (face moisturizer, hand cream, liquid soap, shower gel)
- 0.5% in body lotion
Single product use (except body lotion) is considered safe when used alone.
Safe Concentration Recommendations
- 0.1% in dermal products and toothpaste is considered safe
- Following public consultation, the SCCS approved an alternative proposal:
- 0.5% in rinse-off products
- 0.15% in leave-on products
- 0.1% in oral care products
Additional Considerations
- Assessment excludes children under 3 years (prohibited by Cosmetic Regulation)
- Findings apply only to Salicylic Acid, not other salicylates or salicylic acid salts
- Cumulative exposure assessment to salicylates is ongoing
- Environmental safety was not evaluated
This assessment provides comprehensive guidance for safe concentration limits of Salicylic Acid in various cosmetic products for children aged 3-10 years.
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