SALICYLIC ACID is graded C** (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-ALLERGEN-.
SALICYLIC ACID
Safety grade: C**
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. It's naturally found in willow bark and wintergreen plants, and is commonly used in acne and dandruff treatments.
This ingredient works by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores to reduce dandruff and acne, while also conditioning hair and skin and helping preserve the product's freshness.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- Health Canada — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to SALICYLIC ACID
- SODIUM LACTATE — Grade A. Keratolytic that chemically exfoliates dead skin like salicylic acid.
- SALVIA OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT — Grade A. Plant-based antidandruff and skin conditioning alternative to salicylic acid.
Other EU Fragrance Allergen ingredients
- LIMONENE — Grade C
- LINALOOL — Grade C**
- BENZYL ALCOHOL — Grade C**
- CITRONELLOL — Grade C
- HEXYL CINNAMAL — Grade C
- GERANIOL — Grade C
Other Preservative ingredients
- SODIUM BENZOATE — Grade C
- PHENOXYETHANOL — Grade B**
- POTASSIUM SORBATE — Grade B
- BENZOIC ACID — Grade C**
- METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE — Grade C
- METHYLPARABEN — Grade C
- METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE — Grade C