High Salicylic Acid: India Halts Cosmetic Imports

The maximum allowable percentage for salicylic acid in cosmetic products is 3% in rinse-off hair products and 2% in all other cosmetics.

323
High Salicylic Acid: India Halts Cosmetic Imports
High Salicylic Acid: India Halts Cosmetic Imports

Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by The Health Master

Salicylic Acid

Want flawless skin? Not with these! The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has suspended the import registration of certain skincare cosmetics as the amount of salicylic acid exceeded the permissible limits.

Here’s what happened and how to achieve effective skincare.

What’s Happening:

Major Regulatory Announcement Related to Cosmetics We Need to Know About

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) issued a press announcement detailing the immediate cancellation of the registration of several imported skincare cosmetics.

What’s Happening Related to Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a commonly known compound found in over-the-counter and prescription skincare products—it works wonders for exfoliating, acne, blackheads, and oily complexions.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that targets the oil glands in skin; it penetrates oil glands and dissolves dead skin cells; however, because it’s a strong active ingredient, it’s a case of concentration that makes the difference for you or against you.

Therefore, when too much salicylic acid is used or absorbed by users, they’ll suffer from intense skin irritation, redness, extreme dryness, peeling, and inflamed skin.

Thus, after an extensive international regulatory investigation by the Cosmetics Division of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), it was determined these products contain salicylic acid levels from 7% to 30%.

According to India’s Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the maximum allowable percentage for salicylic acid in cosmetic products is 3% in rinse-off hair products and 2% in all other cosmetics.

Q. What’s the limit of salicylic acid in cosmetics in India?

A. As per Rule 39, Cosmetics Rules, 2020, the limit is 3% in rinse-off hair products and 2% in all other cosmetics.

Q. How can I guarantee the safety of my cosmetic products?

A. Read the ingredient panel. If they are made in India or state Indian standards, they’re more likely to comply. Speak to a dermatologist or refer to the CDSCO website.

Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

YouTube Icon
YouTube Icon
YouTube Icon
YouTube Icon
Telegram
WhatsApp
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube Icon