Should I Avoid methyl salicylate During Pregnancy? | VeriMom

What to use instead

Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:

Pregnancy-safe products to use instead

Products built around the safer ingredients above, scored "no known risks" or "low risk".

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Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to methyl salicylate | VeriMom

Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated

See also

• Is methyl salicylate safe during pregnancy?
• Is methyl salicylate safe for babies?
• What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to methyl salicylate?

FAQ

Is methyl salicylate safe during pregnancy?

Harmonised CLP classification lists methyl salicylate as Repr. 2 (H361d), therefore it is scored h=2 (suspected reproductive toxicant). Animal/developmental studies showing reproductive/developmental effects and statements that effects are a function of systemic blood levels support a demonstrated mechanism (m=2). Topical cosmetic use results in low but measurable systemic exposure at typical use levels (SCCS/CIR assessments), so exposure is scored e=1. (Sources: ECHA harmonised classification; SCCS and CIR reviews).

Is methyl salicylate safe while breastfeeding?

Same harmonised reproductive classification applies to lactation concerns (h=2). Mechanistically, systemic absorption and metabolism to salicylate (which can distribute systemically and has been reported in blood) support demonstrated transfer potential (m=2). Dermal cosmetic use gives low but measurable maternal systemic exposure; therefore infant exposure via milk is possible but expected to be low (e=1).

Is methyl salicylate safe for baby skin?

SCCS specifically reassessed children 0–3 years and set much lower safe-use limits (e.g., 0.02% in most products for 0–3 y), citing higher risk from systemic exposure in young children. Because harmonised H361d applies, hazard stays h=2. Mechanistic/animal data support demonstrated reproductive/developmental toxicity (m=2). Exposure for baby skin is increased by +1 relative to adults because of immature barrier and higher per‑kg uptake, so e=2 (adult e=1 → infant e=2).

How does VeriMom score methyl salicylate?

VeriMom scores methyl salicylate at 20/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.

What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to methyl salicylate?

See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to methyl salicylate based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.