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CAS 69-72-7
Also known as: salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin
Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like willow bark, and it is also made synthetically for use in many everyday products. You might know it as the active ingredient in aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or as a common ingredient in acne treatments, dandruff shampoos, and skin care products. Since February 2018, California has listed salicylic acid on its Proposition 65 list for developmental toxicity, but only when exposure exceeds a specific daily threshold. This means that at high enough doses, it may pose a risk to fetal development during pregnancy. The regulation does not apply to the low levels typically found in over-the-counter cosmetics or medicines. Instead, it targets products or situations where someone might be exposed to much larger amounts, such as certain industrial uses or high-dose supplements. The listing is based on scientific evidence reviewed by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). For more details, see the official Proposition 65 list at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative.
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