salicylic acid (and salts)

Regions

MarketStatusLimitRuleSource
European UnionRestricted≤ 2%Annex III, entry 1 (leave-on ≤2%; rinse-off ≤3%; not for under-3)Source
United StatesRestricted≤ 2%FDA OTC acne/anti-dandruff monograph ≤2% leave-on; ≤3% rinse-off (salicylate)Source
South KoreaRestricted≤ 0.5%MFDS ≤0.5% (cosmetics; ≤2% in acne functional)Source
JapanRestricted≤ 0.2%MHLW positive list ≤0.2% (non-rinse-off; 2% for scalp rinse-off)Source
ChinaRestricted≤ 2%NMPA restricted list ≤2.0% (for hair care; ≤3% nail products)Source
United KingdomNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with OPSS — UK Cosmetics Regulation.
CanadaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Health Canada — Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
AustraliaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with AICIS / TGA.
IndiaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with CDSCO / BIS — IS 4707.
BrazilNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with ANVISA — RDC resolutions.
MexicoRestricted≤ 2%Artículo SEGUNDO — 0.50%–2.00% depending on function (preservative, active ingredient, or dye remover)Source
ASEANRestricted≤ 3%ACD Annex III Part 1, Ref. No 98 — max 3.0% rinse-off hair products, 2.0% other products, 0.5% body lotion/eye area/lip/roll-on deodorant; not for children under 3; not for oral products. Verified verbatim.Source
California (US)No entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with OEHHA Prop 65 · AB-2771 (PFAS).
Washington State (US)No entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (HB 1047).

Retailer standards

RetailerStatusNoteSource
Clean at SephoraNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Sephora clean-seal ingredient criteria.
Conscious Beauty at UltaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Ulta Beauty made-without list.
Target CleanNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Target Clean icon ingredient criteria.
Amazon listing complianceNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Amazon restricted-products / clean criteria.
Credo Clean StandardNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with The Credo Clean Standard dirty list.
Whole Foods Body CareNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Whole Foods Market body-care quality standards.
Whole Foods Premium Body CareNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Whole Foods Market premium body-care standards.
Walmart Sustainable ChemistryNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Walmart sustainable chemistry commitment.
Walmart Made Without ListNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Walmart made-without-list substances.
CVS store-brand chemicals policyNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with CVS Health chemicals of concern policy.
Costco vendor complianceNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Costco wholesale vendor requirements.
Douglas clean criteriaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Douglas (EU) clean beauty criteria.
The Detox Market banned listNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with The Detox Market banned-ingredient list.

2026-07-21 · Compiled from cited primary sources. Informational only — not legal advice.

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