Salicylic acid

Learn about salicylic acid.

On this page

• About salicylic acid
• Safety of salicylic acid
• What we're doing
• What you can do

About salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a chemical that occurs naturally in the environment.

It may be used in a variety of consumer products as a(n):

• exfoliant
• fragrance
• preservative
• anti-acne agent
• anti-dandruff agent
• hair and skin conditioning agent

Products that may contain salicylic acid include:

• natural health products and non-prescription drugs
  • sunscreens
  • acne creams
  • oral antacids
  • after-shave creams
  • topical pain relief creams

• self-care products
  • eye makeup
  • moisturizers
  • bath products
  • hair styling products
  • antiperspirants and deodorants
  • hair shampoos and conditioners

• household products
  • food packaging
  • cleaning products

Salicylic acid can also be found in:

• dust
• surface waters, such as rivers and lakes

Safety of salicylic acid

Under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.

We have completed the draft assessment of salicylic acid and are proposing that it may pose a risk to your health when:

• applied to the skin in such products as:
  • certain cosmetics, including moisturizers and massage oils
  • certain natural health products and drugs, including sunscreens, acne cream, pain relief cream and after-shave
• swallowed in such products as:
  • certain non-prescription drugs, including liquid antacids

Salicylic acid in these products may cause:

• liver damage
• kidney damage
• effects on human development

What we're doing

Our assessment is not yet final. We are continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by salicylic acid before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:

• tracking new information on exposures or hazards
• asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
• reviewing and using this information to help shape our final assessment

Currently, there are restrictions on the use of salicylic acid in:

• drugs
• cosmetics
• natural health products
• food packaging and food flavouring

If the proposed health effects are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:

• changing the existing entry on Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
• prohibiting or restricting its use in certain natural health products and non-prescription drugs

What you can do

Consumers are reminded to:

• read product labels
  • labels on cosmetics, natural health products and drugs must list all ingredients and recommended conditions of use
• follow all safety warnings and directions on product labels
• dispose of the product safely, following the manufacturer’s directions
• provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period

If you are unsure if your product contains salicylic acid, contact the manufacturer to confirm.

If you are exposed to salicylic acid at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:

• relevant laws
• safe handling and storage practices
• requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

For more information

• Chemical risk assessments
• Measuring your exposure to chemicals
• Canada’s system for addressing chemicals
• Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan

For industry and professionals

• Risk assessment of chemical substances
• Salicylates Group - information sheet