Hexyl Salicylate
Fragrance ingredient. EU-mandatory labeled allergen. Functional formulation ingredient with no standalone activity on the skin.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
About this ingredient
Hexyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester of salicylic acid with hexyl alcohol. A fragrance ingredient with a light sweet-woody scent. Where applied. Perfumery, scented cosmetics, deodorants (0.1-2%). Does NOT have the exfoliating effect of regular salicylic acid – it is the fragrance analogue. Contact allergy. EU SCCS 2012 added hexyl salicylate to the list of 26 mandatory-labeled fragrance allergens. Patch-test reactions in 0.5-1% of patients with suspected fragrance allergy. Safety. IFRA Restriction: up to 0.8% in leave-on facial products. Does not photosensitize. Irritation rare. Pregnancy and lactation – safe at cosmetic concentrations. Salicylate systemic burden in pregnancy involves oral aspirin and methyl salicylate, not fragrance hexyl salicylates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hexyl Salicylate safe during pregnancy?
Hexyl Salicylate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What is Hexyl Salicylate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Fragrance ingredient.
What's the INCI name for Hexyl Salicylate?
The INCI name is Hexyl Salicylate.
See Hexyl Salicylate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Hexyldecyl Stearate, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrated Silica, Hydrochloric Acid, PEG-4 Rapeseedamide, Saccharin, Triethyl Citrate, Ceteareth-6
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