
On March 31, 2025, Great Britain published Statutory Intrument 2025 No.413, entitled “The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025”, which institutes restrictions on the use of Methyl salicylate in cosmetic products.
Initiated following the classification of Methyl Salicylate as Repr. 2, which gave it CMR status, this new regulation adds an entry to Annex III (restricted substances) of the Cosmetics Regulations applicable in England, Wales and Scotland.
The new regulations in Great Britain
Reference number
324
Substance identification
• Chemical name/INN
Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
• Name of Common Ingredients Glossary
Methyl Salicylate
• CAS number
119-36-8
• EC number
204-317-7
Restrictions
• Product type, body parts
(A) Rinse-off skin & hair products (except hand wash products)
(B) Hand wash products
(C) Leave on skin products (except face makeup, spray/aerosol body lotion, spray/aerosol deodorant and hydroalcoholic-based fragrances) and hair products (non-aerosol)
(D) Lipsticks & lip balm
(E) Face makeup products
(F) Eye makeup products & makeup remover
(G) Toothpaste
(H) Mouthwash
(I) Mouth spray
(J) Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances
(K) Deodorant spray/aerosol products
(L) Hair products (spray/aerosol)
(M) Body Lotion Spray
• Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation
(A)(1) 0.02% (products intended for children 0.5-1 years)
(A)(2) 0.06% (products intended for children above 1 year and adults)
(B)(1) 0.02% (products intended for children 0.5-1 years)
(B)(2) 0.06% (products intended for children above 1 year and adults)
(C)(1) 0.02% (products intended …












