SALICYLATE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE AND SCREENING TEST
The Screening Test for Topical Products
  1. Look for any plant name (aloe, chamomile, coconut, etc.)  If you don't see a plant name go to step #4.
  2. If you see the name of any plant,  look to see if it is coupled with the word OIL, GEL, or EXTRACT.  If you see a plant name but it is not an oil, gel or extract (jojoba esters, accacia gum, for example) go to step 4.
  3. If there is a plant oil, gel or extract, and the plant is NOT corn, rice, oats, wheat or soy, you cannot use the product. If the plants are: soy, wheat, corn, or oats (soybean oil, oat extract) go on to the next step.
  4. Check the product for salicylate, salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid.    If you see one of these listed you cannot use the product.  Any other acid is okay. If you do not, go to the next step.
  5. If the product doesn't contain a sunscreen go to the next step.  If it does, check for salicylate, octisalate, homosalate meradimate or any chemical with the syllable MENTH or CAMPH. If you see one of these, you cannot use the product.  If you don't, go on to the next step.
  6.  Check the product for any bark extracts: balsam, pycnogenol, bisabol, camphor. If you see a bark extract, you cannot use the product.  If not, go to the next step.
  7. Does the product have a flavor? (lip balms, sublingual medications) If the flavor is mint, or menthol--if you can smell or taste mint or menthol, you cannot use the product.
Your check is complete unless you are checking a supplement or vitamin.  If so, you have one more step:
If the product is a supplement of any kind and contains bioflavinoids, you can't use it.
Bioflavinoids include Rutin, Hesperidin, and Quercetin.
 
 
QUICK CHECK DENTAL PRODUCTS:
 
The screening test for toothpaste, mouthwash, dental products-- anything you use in your mouthwash: MAKE SURE THERE IS NO MINT OR MENTHOL.  If a product lists the word FLAVOR you must call the company to make sure the flavor does NOT contain MINT, MENTHOL or methyl salicylate.  This includes wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint, or artificial or synthetic mint.
 
BEWARE: NO COMMERCIAL TOOTHPASTES LIST THE FLAVOR INGREDIENTS except Tom's of Maine.  ALL CREST TOOTHPASTES CONTAIN MINT.
 
QUICK CHECK FOR MEDICATIONS:
 
You need the chemical (or generic)  name of the medication. If it is salicylate, salicylic acid, or contains the syllable SAL, do not take the medication.  If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist if the medication is a salicylate.  Generic or chemical names can be found at www.drugs.com

Quick Reference Guide

SOME GUIDELINES TO HELP YOU CHECK YOUR PRODUCTS:
 
The following products often contain salicylates so check them extra carefully:
 
  • Deodorants, especially roll ons, check for castor oil. (All spray deodorants are fine.)
  • Acne or Oily Skin products: check especially for salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid or witch hazel.
  • Lotions - look for aloe, plant oils such as sesame seed.  
  • Hair products - look for chamomile, borage, salicylic acid, balsam.
  • Toothpaste and dental floss - make sure it doesn't have mint flavor or menthol in the flavor.
  • Lipsticks - look for castor oil, other plants oils.
  • Chapsticks and lip balms: check for aloe, menthol, camphor, salicylic acid.  
  • Shaving creams - check especially for aloe, mint or mentholatum.
  • Razors-make sure there is no aloe strip
  • Sunscreens - check for octisalate, homosalate, meradimate, camphor, aloe.
  • Medicated creams, like Ben-Gay, Noxzema, Blistex, Zostrix check for Capsaicin or capsicum, menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate.
  • Hemorrhoid products: check for aloe, witch hazel or menthol especially.
  • If it feels cool or if it burns, it probably contains menthol--check carefully
  • Cortisone Creams, over the counter: check for aloe 
  • Gum, cough drops, hard candies--check for mint or menthol.
  • In Skin Toners check especially for witch hazel or arnica or salicylic acid.  
  • VitaminC--check for bioflavonoids, or added plants such as alfalfa, parsley or rose hips.  
  • Toilet paper and kleenex may have aloe.
  • Gardening: Use waterproof gloves when gardening.
  • Use gloves for chores if you use plant oils such as: Pinesol or Lemon Oil.
  • Bubble baths and shower gels: check for plant oils such sesame seed or extracts such as lavender.
  • Wart or callus removers check for salicylate, salicylic acid
  • Exfolliating gels or scrubs: check for salicylic acid
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