The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has announced updated regulations regarding the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetics, setting new limits on its concentration in various personal care products.
Methyl salicylate, a compound derived from salicylic acid and sourced from the leaves of the wintergreen tree, is commonly used in the beauty industry as a flavoring agent, fragrance, and in products that provide relief from muscle pain. However, due to safety concerns, the OPSS has imposed tighter controls on its usage in cosmetics.
UK Imposes New Restrictions on Methyl Salicylate in Cosmetics. These changes were formally communicated to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the OPSS, which requested adjustments to the European Commission’s Annex III documentation. Annex III outlines substances that cosmetic products must not contain unless subject to specific restrictions.
Methyl salicylate is typically found in rinse-off skin and hair products, lipsticks, makeup, mouthwashes, and children’s toiletries. While it offers benefits such as muscle relief, it can be harmful if ingested and is known to cause allergic reactions, including rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing. These health risks have prompted the UK to review and limit its use in cosmetic products, particularly those intended for children.
UK Imposes New Restrictions on Methyl Salicylate in Cosmetics. The revised limits specify the allowable concentrations of methyl salicylate in different product categories. For example:
- Rinse-off skin and hair products (excluding hand washes):
- 0.02% for products intended for children aged 0.5-1 year
- 0.06% for products intended for children over 1 year and adults
- Hand wash products:
- 0.02% for children aged 0.5-1 year
- 0.06% for products intended for children above 1 year and adults
- Leave-on skin products (excluding face makeup, spray/aerosol body lotions, deodorants, and hydroalcoholic-based fragrances):
- 0.02% for children aged 0.5-1 year
- 0.06% for children above 1 year and adults
- Lipsticks and lip balms:
- 0.02% for products intended for children 0.5-1 year
- 0.03% for products intended for children above 1 year and adults
- Face makeup products:
- Eye makeup products and makeup remover:
- Toothpaste:
- Mouthwash:
- 0.1% for children aged 6-10 years
- 0.4% for children above 10 years and adults
- Mouth spray:
- Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances:
- Deodorant spray/aerosol products:
- Hair products (spray/aerosol):
- Body lotion spray:
These new regulations also emphasize the safety of children’s personal care products, ensuring that methyl salicylate concentrations remain well below thresholds that could pose risks to younger consumers. OPSS has opened a 60-day comment period on the draft legislation, with the proposed market deadline set for 30 September 2025 and an off-shelf deadline of 31 March 2026.
