Methyl Salicylate

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Methyl Salicylate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Methyl Salicylate not recommended for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children 5 years and older, methyl salicylate (a common ingredient in topical pain rubs) is moderately risky. Many kids can use products that contain it safely when those products are made for children and used exactly as the label says. However some children can have allergic reactions and there are official limits and warnings from health authorities.

What to Do

Only use products that list an age recommendation that includes your child. Follow the product directions exactly: use small amounts, do a small patch test on the arm first, do not put it on cuts, broken or very red skin, and do not use near the mouth, eyes, or genitals. Do not let the child rub their eyes or put hands that have the product in their mouth. Avoid combining with other aspirin-type medicines or other products that contain salicylates. Keep all such products out of reach when not in use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, swelling, blistering, breathing problems, stomach upset, or any unusual behavior — stop use and call your doctor if these happen. Official safety guidance notes: Health Canada has use restrictions, the EU Cosmetics Directive lists it as a known human allergen, and an assessment of salicylate esters found developmental effects in animal studies at higher doses. There are also contamination concerns with salicylic acid reported by regulators. Because of these warnings, avoid accidental ingestion and do not use large amounts or frequent full-body applications on children.

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 kid-friendly to use Methyl Salicylate?

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

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of Methyl Salicylate for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the eczema risks of Methyl Salicylate for children?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

What are the banned risks of Methyl Salicylate for children?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the fertility risks of Methyl Salicylate for children?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues.

What are the absorbed risks of Methyl Salicylate for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

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 kids start using products with Methyl Salicylate?

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

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