What it is
Salicylic acid is an exfoliant, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic agent and acts as a topical antibacterial agent. It reduces acne and controls sebum secretion. It is also used in food industry.
Mode of usage pertaining to the discussion below
Topical application in cosmetics and personal care products.
Safety Profile (Based on regional guidelines)
| European Union – CIR | Safe to use, as per current practice |
| European Union – SCCS | Safe to use, as per current practice. Not recommended for children under 3 years of age |
| US FDA | Safe to use, as per current practice |
| ASEAN guidelines | Not recommended for children under 3 years of age |
Safety in special situations
PregnancyAs per current usage/dosage guidelines, topical agents containing this ingredient may be considered safe for brief usage with limited contact over small areas, without occlusion
Nursing MothersNot listed as an ingredient to be avoided by nursing mothers based on currently available data
Babies under 2 yearsNot recommended for children under 3 years of age
Children under 12 yearsNot recommended for children under 3 years of age
Cancer freeNot listed as an ingredient to be carcinogenic or mutagenic based on currently available data
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
Vegan
Biodegradable
Ecotoxicity
Natural/Synthetic
Note
- You may need to check the exact product label to know if a naturally derived ingredient was used.
Attributes
ComedogenicityDoes not cause occlusion
Acne prone skinSafe for use
Sensitive skinMay be safe — check product formulation
Note
- Sensitivity depends on the final formulation with salicylic acid and its applications. It may cause mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity for sensitive skin.
- Avoid using the product on broken skin, around the eyes, and over mucous membranes. Salicylic acid has been recently added to the list of potential endocrine disruptors, and therefore its concentration and use as a food additive and topical agent has been strictly regulated.
Conclusion Salicylic Acid is safe as per the current practice of use.
References
- https://www.cir-safety.org
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov
- https://www.aseancosmetics.org
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
- https://ecancer.org
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- https://echa.europa.eu
Disclaimer
The above information is based on ongoing toxicology research at CHOSEN®'s R&D. We will do our best to update the information as and when the latest studies are available. If you have any inputs regarding the above information, please email us at ingredients@chosenstore.in