Methyl Salicylate

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Methyl Salicylate?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 9 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Methyl Salicylate avoid - not safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and infants (0–6 months) methyl salicylate is not safe to use on their skin. Babies absorb chemicals more easily, and this ingredient can cause serious poisoning or allergic reactions in infants.

What to Do

Do not use creams, ointments, wipes, balms or oils that list methyl salicylate, wintergreen oil, or similar names on babies under 6 months. Check product ingredient lists carefully. If you need to treat a baby’s sore skin or minor pain, ask your pediatrician for safe alternatives made for infants.

⚠️Warnings

Avoid any product that names methyl salicylate, wintergreen oil, or methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate on the label. Health Canada restricts its use in some cosmetic products, and the ingredient is listed as a known allergen by the European cosmetic regulator; there are also contamination concerns for salicylic acid. Watch for signs of poisoning (vomiting, drowsiness, rapid breathing, ringing in the ears, or unusual breathing/behavior). If the baby has been exposed or shows these signs, contact emergency services or your poison control center right away.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: This ingredient is listed as a known human allergen, so it can cause allergic reactions and immune responses in people who touch it. That classification comes from the EU cosmetics safety rules.
Irritant: Industry safety reviews say it must be used only in ways that avoid causing skin irritation. That shows it can make skin red, sore, or inflamed if not formulated carefully (Cosmetic Ingredient Review findings).
Eczema: Because it is a known human allergen, it can trigger or make eczema and similar rashes worse for sensitive children and adults (noted in the EU cosmetics safety listing).
Banned: Use of this ingredient is restricted in at least one country and subject to concentration or use limits, so some places limit or forbid it in cosmetics (Health Canada restrictions and industry safety panels note limits).
Fertility: Animal assessments have shown developmental or reproductive effects at moderate doses, so there is a possible risk to reproduction or development seen in animal studies (based on an ECHA assessment).
Absorbed: The ingredient record flags contamination with salicylic acid, and because this product is used on the skin that contamination can lead to extra salicylate exposure through the skin. The ingredient file lists salicylic acid as a contamination concern.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Methyl Salicylate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

methyl salicylateNCGC00091106-046-[(E)-METHOXYHYDROXYMETHYLENE]-2,4-CYCLOHEXADIENE-1-ONEGAULTHERIA OIL POUND>>WINTERGREEN OIL POUND>>2-HYDROXY-BENZOICACIMETHYLESTER POUND>>METHYL 2-HYDROXYBENZOATEZ19703590METHYL SALICYLATE, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL2-[HYDROXY(METHOXY)METHYLENE]-3,5-CYCLOHEXADIENE-1-ONEF0001-0306METHYL SALICYLATE, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDSR-05000001473-1Q-100939

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Methyl Salicylate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Methyl Salicylate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Methyl Salicylate

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Methyl Salicylate?

Methyl Salicylate is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Methyl Salicylate for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Methyl Salicylate for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Methyl Salicylate for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of Methyl Salicylate for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the fertility risks of Methyl Salicylate for newborns?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Methyl Salicylate for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Methyl Salicylate?

Methyl Salicylate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Methyl Salicylate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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