Methyl Salicylate

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Methyl Salicylate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Methyl Salicylate not recommended for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children ages 2–5 (toddlers and young children) this ingredient can cause allergic skin reactions and, if absorbed or swallowed, can cause poisoning. It is safer to avoid products with methyl salicylate made for kids.

What to Do

Do not use products with methyl salicylate as a daily child skincare item. If an adult muscle rub containing it is ever used for a child 2–5 years old, use only a very small amount, avoid the face, hands and mouth, never apply to broken or irritated skin, do a small patch test first, and keep the product out of reach. If the child licks or swallows the product, or shows drowsiness, breathing changes, or ringing in the ears, seek medical help or call poison control right away.

⚠️Warnings

This ingredient is listed by health authorities as a known human skin allergen and some countries restrict its use or limit how it is made and used (source: Health Canada; EU cosmetics guidance; industry safety reviews). There is also a contamination concern with salicylic acid. Avoid: products marketed for babies/children that contain methyl salicylate; applying near the mouth or hands where a child can touch and then eat; using on broken skin. Watch for: redness, swelling, rash, unusual sleepiness, breathing trouble, or vomiting — these can be signs of serious exposure.

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

Safe for preschoolers to use Methyl Salicylate?

Methyl Salicylate is not recommended for 2-5 year old children due to potential safety risks.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the irritant risks of Methyl Salicylate for preschoolers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the eczema risks of Methyl Salicylate for preschoolers?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the banned risks of Methyl Salicylate for preschoolers?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the fertility risks of Methyl Salicylate for preschoolers?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of Methyl Salicylate for preschoolers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Methyl Salicylate?

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

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Methyl Salicylate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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