Is Betaine Salicylate safe in cosmetics?
Betaine Salicylate has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted.
Betaine Salicylate
Also known as: UNII-DRF395F9AY, (Carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium salicylate, Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ion(1-), 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium, Betaine, salicylate, Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, 2-hydroxybenzoate (1:1) (+1 more)
INCI: BETAINE SALICYLATE
Betaine Salicylate (CAS 17671-53-3) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Antimicrobial agent, exfoliant/peeling agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 2.0%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 17671-53-3 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Antimicrobial agent, exfoliant/peeling agent
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
2.0%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Salicylic acid is an OTC monograph active (anti-acne 0.5–2%). In cosmetics the betaine salt form is permitted; however, if SA function is claimed, FDA OTC drug rules apply
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Betaine Salicylate.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Betaine Salicylate, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
8-12%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
308.3 Da
Log P
-0.5
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
5-10%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: J Cosmet Dermatol 2019
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "pore-minimizing, cell-turnover", "mechanism_of_action": "Exfoliation, cell turnover acceleration, keratolytic", "target_skin_layer": "stratum corneum, epidermis", "collagen_stimulation": "Mild", "elastin_protection": "Mild", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "6-12", "clinical_study_duration_weeks": "12", "sample_size": "40", "double_blind": "No", "placebo_controlled": "Yes", "publishe…
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "1.0", "max_concentration_pct": "3.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "2.0", "product_type": "Toner", "function_at_concentration": "Gentle BHA", "source": "Supplier TDS"}
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "308.3", "log_p_value": "-0.5", "skin_penetration_level": "stratum-corneum", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum/epidermis", "absorption_pct": "8-12", "systemic_absorption": "minimal", "penetration_enhancer": "yes", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "weakens", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "5-10", "safety_margin_factor": "modera…
exfoliant
{"cas_number": "17146-86-0", "ingredient_class": "BHA", "chemical_subclass": "beta_hydroxy_acid", "molecular_weight_Da": "255.29", "pKa_value": "~3.5", "pH_dependent_activity": "yes", "optimal_pH_range": "4.0-5.5", "penetration_depth": "stratum_corneum", "mechanism_of_action": "desmolysis/lipolysis", "target_bonds": "desmosomal/intercellular_lipids", "onset_of_action": "hours", "peak_effect_timeli…
interactions
{"ingredient_2": "Niacinamide", "interaction_type": "synergistic", "severity": "beneficial", "effect": "Gentler BHA alternative compatible with niacinamide", "recommendation": "Excellent for sensitive skin acne treatment", "data_source": "Formulation science literature, dermatological research, cosmetic chemistry best practices", "last_updated": "2026-03-05"}
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "4.0", "optimal_ph_max": "6.0", "stable_ph_min": "3.5", "stable_ph_max": "6.5", "degrades_above_ph": "7.0", "degrades_below_ph": "3.0", "ph_dependent_function": "Gentle BHA derivative", "formulation_note": "More soluble than salicylic acid", "source": "Formulation literature"}
pregnancy_detail
{"pregnancy_safe": "yes", "breastfeeding_safe": "yes", "risk_category": "not-rated", "reason": "Gentler BHA derivative; low systemic absorption", "source": "dermatology literature"}
skin_suitability
{"oily_skin": "recommended", "dry_skin": "acceptable", "sensitive_skin": "acceptable", "combination_skin": "recommended", "normal_skin": "acceptable", "acne_prone": "recommended", "rosacea": "acceptable", "eczema": "caution", "hyperpigmentation": "acceptable", "aging_mature": "acceptable", "dehydrated": "acceptable", "skin_benefit_primary": "exfoliating", "skin_benefit_secondary": "soothing", "mec…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Biocide
Pharmaceutical
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Betaine Salicylate.
Known Synonyms
UNII-DRF395F9AY
(Carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium salicylate
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ion(1-), 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium
Betaine, salicylate
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, 2-hydroxybenzoate (1:1)
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, salt with 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (1:1)
Chemical Function
Biocide
Pharmaceutical
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Betaine Salicylate allowed in the EU?
Betaine Salicylate EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 2.0%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Betaine Salicylate do in cosmetics?
Betaine Salicylate functions as: Antimicrobial agent, exfoliant/peeling agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 17671-53-3.
Compliance Tools
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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