Hexyl Salicylate: What the SCCS Concluded About Safety in Cosmetics
Hexyl Salicylate safety summary from SCCS/1658/23: SCCS conclusion, NOAEL, maximum concentration or conditions, and source-linked context.
Hexyl Salicylate is covered by SCCS/1658/23, an SCCS-family cosmetic safety opinion dated 2024-02-28. The opinion conclusion for this opinion is direct enough for a substance-specific summary: Based on the assessment of data provided and taking into consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS considers Hexyl Salicylate safe when used up to the maximum concentrations as provided in Table 1 of this Opinion.
Core Opinion Facts
- Opinion: SCCS/1658/23
- Opinion date: 2024-02-28
- Primary substance: Hexyl Salicylate
- CAS: 6259-76-3
NOAEL Values Cited in the Opinion
The no-observed-adverse-effect data below is shown only from the SCCS source fields for this opinion. It is not a calculated margin-of-safety output.
| Endpoint | Value | Unit | Study context |
|---|---|---|---|
| developmental_toxicity | 75 | mg/kg bw/day | rat, oral, gestation (teratogenic effects) |
| systemic_NOAEL | 75 | mg/kg bw/day | rat, oral, derived from developmental endpoint (Tanaka 1973a) |
| reproductive_developmental_toxicity | 75 | mg/kg bw/day | rat, oral, 3-generation study |
Maximum Concentration or Conditions
| Use condition | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances | 2.0 | % |
| All Rinse-off products | 0.5 | % |
| All Leave on products | 0.3 | % |
| Oral care (toothpaste and mouthwash) | 0.001 | % |
Conditions from the Opinion
Tabulated maximum concentrations per product category. Note: concerns re: CMR Cat.2 classification (to be introduced in Annex VI to Reg.
How to Read This Safety Conclusion
The key point for formulators is the match between the named ingredient, the cited NOAEL, and the SCCS conclusion. A NOAEL is a study point of departure, not a standalone permission to use Hexyl Salicylate at any level. The SCCS conclusion and any concentration or product-type conditions remain the controlling context for cosmetic use.
The source also matters because SCCS opinions can be ingredient-specific. The internal ingredient page for Hexyl Salicylate should be treated as the substance hub, while SCCS/1658/23 is the opinion-level page for the committee record.
Practical Formulation Takeaway
For a formula review, start with the identity check: confirm the INCI name, CAS number, and opinion reference align with the material in the formula. Then compare the intended product type against the SCCS concentration or condition language above. If the formulation uses a different exposure route, product category, or concentration basis, the SCCS conclusion should not be stretched beyond what SCCS/1658/23 actually assessed.
Review Notes
The conservative reading is to keep Hexyl Salicylate tied to this exact opinion. The opinion number, date, NOAEL table, and condition language all travel together. If a later formula review uses a different CAS identity, product type, or concentration basis, the source should be checked again rather than reusing this summary as a blanket answer.
This page is therefore an indexable safety summary, not a replacement for the committee text. It gives search readers the core SCCS facts for Hexyl Salicylate and keeps the source handle visible for audit.
Source
- SCCS opinion: SCCS/1658/23
- Source file: sccs_o_281_final.pdf
- Extraction JSON: SCCS Scientific Opinions