Elucidation of the route of contamination to cosmetic products of salicylic acid known to cause contact dermatitis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K13816
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 08030:Family and consumer sciences, and culture and living-related
• Research Institution: Osaka Institute of Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Akihiko 地方独立行政法人 大阪健康安全基盤研究所, 衛生化学部, 主任研究員 (20416241)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 化粧品原料 / サリチル酸 / サリシン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Salicylic acid (SA) has been detected in the cosmetic products when it is not listed on the package. This could be caused by its transfer of SA from an ingredient or its generation from a precursor such as salicin in the cosmetic product. In this study, SA and salicin were detected in cosmetic ingredients containing “Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate” or “Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract”. Therefore, it is presumed that the transfer of SA from an ingredient is a cause of its contamination to cosmetic products.

Free Research Field

医薬品分析

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

サリチル酸（SA）はヤナギ科植物の樹皮など特定の天然物中に存在することが知られ、これら天然物由来の原料が配合された化粧品はSAを含有する可能性がある。本研究において、複数の天然物由来原料からSAが検出されたことから、化粧品中へのSA混入の一因が原料中のSAの移行であることが示唆された。SAを含有する化粧品原料の調査を進めることで、意図せずにSAを配合する化粧品の製造・流通を防ぐことに貢献できると考えられる。