Is Salicylic Acid (BHA) safe in cosmetics?
Salicylic Acid (BHA) has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
INCI: SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic Acid (BHA) (CAS None) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Insufficient Data. SCCS NOAEL 75 mg/kg/day per SCCS/1646/22; EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS None →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Insufficient Data
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Salicylic Acid (BHA).
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
SCCS NOAEL Values
NOAEL/LOAEL values cited in official SCCS opinions for Salicylic Acid (BHA).
| NOAEL | LOAEL | Route | Species | Study | DA% (SCCS) | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 mg/kg/day | 165 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (Wistar) | Developmental toxicity (OECD 414 equivalent) (GD 8-14 (gestational days)) | 100 | SCCS/1646/22 (2023) |
| 75 mg/kg/day | 165 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (Wistar) | Developmental toxicity (OECD 414 equivalent) (GD 8-14 (gestational days)) | 100 | SCCS/1601/18 (2018) |
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Salicylic Acid (BHA), relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
18-30%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
138.1 Da
Log P
2.26
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
12-25%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: SCCS Opinion
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne Treatment | 0.5–2 | 2 | CIR Safety Assessment |
| Shampoo (Dandruff) | 1–3 | 3 | CIR Safety Assessment |
| Toner | 0.5–2 | 2 | CIR Safety Assessment |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "69-72-7", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic/comedolytic/anti_inflammatory", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory/inflammatory", "p_acnes_mic_ug_per_ml": "1000-2000", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "15-20", "keratolytic_strength": "moderate", "exfoliation_mechanism": "chemical", "optimal_ph_for_efficacy": "3.0-4.0", "bha_equivalent_potency"…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "69-72-7", "ingredient_class": "antioxidant_pollution_shield", "primary_mechanism": "barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": …
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "69-72-7", "ingredient_class": "other", "pediatric_safety_rating": "avoid", "minimum_age_months": "36", "neonatal_safe": "no", "premature_infant_safe": "no", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "RESTRICTED: Keratolytic; EU ban <3yr most products; systemic absorption concern", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "high", "systemic_exposure_concern_pediatric": "high", "dose_…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "2", "skin_type_suitability": "oily,combination,acne-prone", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "BHA exfoliant"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.5", "max_concentration_pct": "2.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "2.0", "product_type": "Spot Treatment", "function_at_concentration": "Targeted anti-acne", "source": "FDA OTC Monograph"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "budget", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "12", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "22", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "0", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "0", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "China", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "200", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "commodity", "substitute_ingredients": "Betaine Salicylate…
deodorant
{"cas_number": "69-72-7", "ingredient_class": "antimicrobial_deodorant", "mechanism_of_action": "bacterial_growth_inhibition", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "8-12", "odor_reduction_pct": "40-60", "bacteriostatic": "yes", "bactericidal": "yes", "target_bacteria": "broad_spectrum", "microbiome_impact": "selective", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "vari…
depigmentation
{"cas_number": "69-72-7", "ingredient_class": "keratinocyte_turnover_enhancer", "primary_mechanism_of_action": "BHA lipophilic exfoliation; anti-inflammatory; accelerates melanin dispersal", "secondary_mechanisms": "Variable", "molecular_target": "other", "tyrosinase_inhibition_IC50_uM": "varies", "tyrosinase_inhibition_type": "competitive", "melanin_reduction_pct_in_vitro": "25-45", "melanin_redu…
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Salicylic Acid (BHA).
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Salicylic Acid (BHA) by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
54
Lowest NOAEL
30
Highest NOAEL
500
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg/day, mg/kg
ECHA
SCCNFP Opinion
ECHA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salicylic Acid (BHA) allowed in the EU?
Salicylic Acid (BHA) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Salicylic Acid (BHA) do in cosmetics?
Salicylic Acid (BHA) functions as: Insufficient Data. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: None.
Compliance Tools
Check Salicylic Acid (BHA) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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