Worth a closer look
Evidence key Strong Moderate Weak How we grade
Skin allergen Suspected reproductive toxicant Restricted in the EU
- What it can be used for
- Adds flavor, adds scent, cares for teeth and mouth, makes alcohol undrinkable and soothes (the functions the EU ingredient database, CosIng, lists for it; a product may use it for any of them)
- CAS number
- 119-36-8
Why it’s flagged
Classified as a skin sensitizer (may cause an allergic skin reaction).
- Skin Sens. 1B (H317). Source: EU CLP Regulation, Annex VI harmonized classification
EU hazard statement H317: may cause an allergic skin reaction.
Classified as suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
- EU classification Repr. 2. Source: EU CLP Regulation, Annex VI harmonized classification
EU Repr. 2: suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Allowed in EU cosmetics only with limits.
- Annex III entry 324; products: (a) Leave-on skin products (except face makeup, spray/aerosol body lotion, spray/aerosol deodorant and hydroalcoholic-based fragrances) and leave on hair produc; max (a) 0,06 %; (b) 0,05 %; (c) 0,002 %; (d) 0,009 %; (e) 0,003 %; (f) 0,04 %; (g) 0,06 %; (h) 0,6 %; (i; Not to be used in preparations for children under 6 years of age, with the exception of (k) “Toothpaste”. The presence of the substance shall be indicated in th. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III (restricted)
Annex III (restricted substances) or Annex V (preservatives) of the EU Cosmetics Regulation sets maximum amounts, allowed product types or required warnings.
What the research says
- Salicylate fragrance chemicals pass through skin and are converted in the body to salicylic acid, the compound aspirin becomes: for methyl salicylate (wintergreen), human studies found roughly 12-30% of an applied dose absorbed. Moderate evidence. RIFM Expert Panel / Belsito 2007 Industry-funded
- Methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) is a strong eye irritant in animal tests, causing irritation even at about 1%, and is toxic if swallowed; keep wintergreen oils and rubs away from children's eyes and mouths. Moderate evidence. RIFM Expert Panel / Belsito 2007 Industry-funded
About ingredients flagged like this one:
- In a survey of 187 US pediatric personal-care products, preservatives (57.8% of products) were a more common source of contact allergens than fragrance (29.4%), even though the products were being screened specifically for hypoallergenic/fragrance-related marketing claims. Moderate evidence. Hamann 2015
Each finding shows its evidence grade. See every graded fact or how we grade.
What this page can’t tell you
These lists describe what a substance can do, its hazard. The risk from one product depends on how much is in it and how you use it, and the label doesn’t say how much.
Not being on a list doesn’t make an ingredient safe. It may never have been assessed.
Check your products
Check a whole labelProducts that list itEWG Skin DeepShop fragrance-free
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Flagged the same way
Official lists checked September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.