UK SAG-CS Issued Final Opinion on Hexyl Salicylate in Cosmetic Products

In November 2025, the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group of Chemical Safety of Non-food and Non-medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) issued an opinion on Hexyl Salicylate in Cosmetic Products.

SAG-GS Concludes the Following

Based on the evidence available to the SAG-CS, members agreed that Hexyl Salicylate is acceptable for use in cosmetic products intended for use by adults and children aged three years and above at the stated concentrations:

• Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances (spray and non-spray): 2%
• All rinse-off products: 0.5%
• All leave-on products: 0.3%
• All oral care products: 0.001%

However, the data were limited for children aged three years of age and above, so the SAG-CS recommended that a full risk assessment should be conducted when an adequate methodology and data become available in order to fully assess the use of Hexyl Salicylate in products intended for children.

Based on the evidence available to the SAG-CS, members agreed that Hexyl Salicylate is acceptable for use in cosmetic products intended for use by children aged 0-3 at the stated concentrations:

• 0.1% for use in shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, body lotion, face cream, hand cream, lipstick/lip balm, fragrance products；
• 0.001% in toothpaste.

Interpretation of Hexyl Salicylate and Its Safety Assessment Background

Hexyl Salicylate (CAS No. 6259-76-3), is classified as a category 1 skin sensitiser and a category 2 reproductive toxicant under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation No 1272/2008 (as amended) and is included in the GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling (MCL) list as it may cause allergic skin reactions and is suspected of damaging the unborn child.

Hexyl Salicylate is classified as a Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) category 2 substance under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation No 1272/2008 (as amended), and it is not currently listed in the Annexes III-VI of the Cosmetic Products Regulation UK No 1223/2009 (as amended). As a result of the CMR classification, the use of Hexyl Salicylate in cosmetic products would have been prohibited when the CMR classification becomes legally binding. As a consequence, industry has provided a safety dossier to OPSS in support of the continued use of Hexyl Salicylate as per the requirements in the UK cosmetics regulations. The SAG-CS were asked to review this dossier and offer an opinion on the exemption requested by the industry.

The Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database-Global CosIng, independently developed by CIRS Group indicates that Hexyl Salicylate is included in the following key lists globally.

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Further Information

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6915d847493305b49ce6e764/sag-cs-opinion-19-hexyl-salicylate-in-cosmetic-products.pdf