Ingredient
Methyl Salicylate
Methyl Salicylate is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Wintergreen Oil
- Oil of Wintergreen
- Methyl 2-Hydroxybenzoate
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Methyl Salicylate and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Methyl salicylate is an organic ester that is readily absorbed through the skin and metabolized to salicylic acid. It's the main component of wintergreen oil and is chemically related to aspirin. When used topically, it can achieve measurable blood levels of salicylates. According to ACOG, high-dose aspirin and salicylates should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks including bleeding complications and effects on fetal development. While topical methyl salicylate absorption is lower than oral aspirin, it can still result in systemic salicylate exposure. The FDA recommends avoiding salicylate-containing products during the third trimester due to potential effects on fetal circulation and increased bleeding risk. Most obstetricians advise limiting all salicylate exposure during pregnancy. ACOG guidelines on aspirin use during pregnancy extend to topical salicylates when used in high concentrations or over large body areas. While low concentrations in perfuming applications may pose minimal risk, products with methyl salicylate for therapeutic effects (pain relief, anti-inflammatory) should be avoided. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider about products containing this ingredient.
Methyl Salicylate and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Absorbed into the body
Methyl salicylate is absorbed through the skin and metabolized to salicylic acid, which can be detected in blood. The compound's systemic absorption raises questions about transfer into breast milk. According to the AAP and LactMed database, while occasional low-dose aspirin use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, the systemic absorption of topical methyl salicylate creates uncertainty. Salicylates can pass into breast milk, and high maternal salicylate levels could theoretically affect breastfed infants. The risk depends on the concentration, frequency of use, and size of application area. Most dermatologists and lactation consultants recommend caution with topical salicylates during breastfeeding. Small amounts in fragrance concentrations are likely low risk, but products with higher concentrations (like muscle rubs or therapeutic formulations) should be avoided or used sparingly on small areas away from breast tissue. If use is necessary, avoid application near areas that could contact the infant.
Methyl Salicylate and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Methyl salicylate can provide soothing and cooling sensations in cosmetic products. For postpartum use when not breastfeeding, the primary concern is skin irritation rather than systemic effects. As long as breastfeeding concerns don't apply, methyl salicylate in typical cosmetic concentrations poses minimal risk. However, it can be irritating to sensitive skin, and postpartum skin may be more reactive. Use in moderation and avoid if skin sensitivity is experienced.
Methyl Salicylate and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Methyl salicylate is absorbed through the skin and metabolized to salicylic acid. When trying to conceive, considerations about salicylate exposure become relevant due to potential early pregnancy exposure. While there's no evidence that topical salicylates affect fertility, many healthcare providers recommend limiting salicylate exposure when trying to conceive since early pregnancy often goes undetected for several weeks. The precautionary principle suggests avoiding or minimizing exposure to salicylates during the conception period. Low concentrations in fragranced products pose minimal concern, but therapeutic concentrations should be approached with caution.
Methyl Salicylate and PCOS
Safe to Use
Methyl salicylate is a salicylate compound used in cosmetics for fragrance and soothing properties. When metabolized, it produces salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects. There are no PCOS-specific concerns with methyl salicylate. The compound does not have endocrine-disrupting properties or effects on androgen or insulin pathways. The anti-inflammatory properties of salicylates may even be beneficial for managing inflammation associated with PCOS. The ingredient can be used safely by individuals with PCOS. The main considerations are the same as for the general population: potential for skin irritation and ensuring appropriate concentration and usage.
Methyl Salicylate and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
Methyl salicylate is widely used in cosmetics for its pleasant wintergreen fragrance and cooling sensation. In low concentrations typical of fragranced products, it poses minimal risk to most users. The primary concerns for general use are skin irritation and sensitivity. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or irritation, particularly with higher concentrations. The FDA has documented cases of salicylate toxicity from excessive topical use of products containing high concentrations, though this is rare with cosmetic products. Individuals with aspirin sensitivity should avoid products containing methyl salicylate. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts concentrations and requires labeling when methyl salicylate is present. The ingredient is considered safe for cosmetic use when formulated within regulatory guidelines. Users should avoid applying products with significant methyl salicylate content to large body areas or broken skin.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Methyl Salicylate, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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