Opinion on on Methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate)
Résumé
The SCCS concludes the following:
1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the RAC Opinion on Methyl
salicylate and the expected new classification as Toxic for Reproduction Category 2 of Methyl
salicylate (to be introduced by an update of Annex VI Reg. 1272/2008), does the SCCS consider
Methyl salicylate safe when used up to the maximum concentrations provided in the dossier
submitted by the applicant?
The SCCS considers Methyl salicylate safe when used in cosmetic products up to the maximum
concentrations provided in the dossier submitted by the applicant as detailed in Table 1.
2. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Methyl salicylate
in cosmetic products, also in relation to the RAC recommended classification of Methyl salicylate
as ‘Skin sensitizer Category 1B’?
Methyl salicylate should be considered as a weak skin sensitiser in humans and eye irritant.
Moreover the SCCS would like also to express other concerns related to the use of methyl
salicylate:
• Methyl salicylate can be used in consumer products other than cosmetic products, such
as household cleaning products, air care products, biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest
control products), polishes and waxes which may increase the systemic exposure dose
with a possibility to exceed the safe level.
• Methyl salicylate will be metabolised in the body to salicylic acid which is also classified
as a reprotoxicant and used in cosmetic products (see opinion SCCS/1601/18). Therefore
the combined exposure to cosmetic products containing various salicylates may increase
the systemic exposure dose with a possibility to exceed the safe level.
The SCCS also notices that wintergreen oil that is used in cosmetic products may contain up
to 99% methyl salicylate. Therefore when calculating the content of methyl salicylate in a
cosmetic product, any fraction coming from wintergreen oil should also be considered.