Sodium Salicylate
Keeps the formula fresh.
What it is
A salt of salicylic acid, made in a lab.
A preservative that helps keep the product free from microbial growth.
What it does in a formula
Keeps the formula freshOfficial EU function: Preservative
Makes alcohol undrinkableOfficial EU function: Denaturant
What official sources say
Restricted in certain uses · Cosmetics, EU
Allowed as a preservative in EU cosmetics within limits (Annex V).
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex V: list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09Restricted in certain uses · Cosmetics, EU
Allowed in EU cosmetics only within set limits and conditions (Annex III, entry 98).
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III: list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09