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Answer: Salicylic acid (high dose) is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: acne treatment, exfoliant, shampoo.
TL;DR: Salicylic acid (high dose) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Salicylic Acid. CAS 69-72-7.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | acne treatment, exfoliant, shampoo |
| CAS number | 69-72-7 |
Salicylic acid (high dose) (Salicylic Acid) is a beta-hydroxy acid exfoliant.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Flagged as an endocrine disruptor; the EU restricts concentration and bans it in products for children under 3.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Salicylic acid (high dose)with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Salicylic acid (high dose) is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Salicylic acid (high dose) can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Salicylic acid (high dose) automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Salicylic acid (high dose).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Salicylic acid (high dose) or other ingredients banned overseas.
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