PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid, BHA

Anti-seborrheicHair conditioningKeratolyticFragrancePreservativeSkin conditioningreviewed

A beta hydroxy acid with keratolytic and preservative functions.

What it is

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). In cosmetics it is used as a keratolytic (helps loosen dead skin cells), an anti-dandruff agent and a preservative. It is regulated in the EU in Annex III and Annex V.

Where it is used

Cleansers, toners and leave-on products for blemish-prone skin, shampoos.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

See the EU regulation section: limits and warnings, including use in products for children under 3, depend on the product type.

Functions

Anti-seborrheic
Preventing or relieving the symptoms of seborrhea and/or seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.
Hair conditioning
Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
Keratolytic
Helping to eliminate the dead cells of the stratum corneum.
Fragrance
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
Preservative
Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
Skin conditioning
Maintaining the skin in good condition.

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 3Salicylic acid and its salts
Maximum concentration
Salicylic acid: 0,5 % (acid) Salicylic acid salts: 0,5 % (acid)
Conditions and warnings
Salicylic acid: Not to be used for children under 3 years of age Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age. Salicylic acid salts: Not to be used for children under 3 years of age Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age and which remain in prolonged contact with the skin.
As of
3 November 2026 · (EU) 2019/1966
EU · Annex III, entry 98Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
Product type
(a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant (c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant
Maximum concentration
(a) 3.0% (b) 2.0% (c) 0.5%
Conditions and warnings
(a) (b) (c) Not to be used for children under 3 years of age Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age.
As of
3 November 2026 · (EU) 2021/850

Safety Gate alerts (EU)

8 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.

See all alerts →

Scientific opinions (SCCS)

Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.

Products with this ingredient (625)

Check a full ingredient list