Worth a closer look
Evidence key Strong Moderate Weak How we grade
Suspected reproductive toxicant Suspected endocrine disruptor Restricted in the EU
- What it can be used for
- Adds scent, conditions hair, conditions skin, controls oily skin, loosens dead skin and preserves the product (the functions the EU ingredient database, CosIng, lists for it; a product may use it for any of them)
- CAS number
- 69-72-7
Why it’s flagged
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.
Under EU evaluation as an endocrine disruptor, or identified as one by a national authority (ED Lists II and III).
- EU ED List III: identified as an endocrine disruptor by a national authority. Source: EU endocrine disruptor lists (edlists.org)
EU ED List II: under evaluation as an endocrine disruptor in an EU process. List III: identified as one by a national authority in the EU.
Allowed in EU cosmetics only with limits.
- Annex III entry 98; products: (a) Rinse-off hair products; (b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant; (c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mas; max (a) 3.0%; (b) 2.0%; (c) 0.5%; (a) (b) (c); Not to be used in preparations for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs ; required warning: (a) (b) (c); Not to be used for children under 3 years of age*; * Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age. 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
- The industry panel judged each salicylate's safety one chemical at a time, although the same report says all 17 are broken down in the body to the same substance, salicylic acid. Moderate evidence. RIFM Expert Panel / Belsito 2007 Industry-funded
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
“Products that list it” opens Open Beauty Facts, a free database anyone can edit.
Official lists checked September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.