Spanish skincare brand penalised for toxic ingredient in India that can cause seizures

Spain’s Luxury Skincare Brand Mesoestetic In India, the company is being investigated for a number of products that contain salicylic acids at levels far above the limits allowed by Indian cosmetic laws.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation Due to non-compliance of Indian safety standards, the registration of several Mesoestetics products will be officially cancelled on May 20, 2025.

Salicylic acid concentrations up to 30% have been found

Salicylic acid can be used in cosmetics as follows:

• General cosmetics: 2 percent
• Rinse-off hair products: 3 percent

The CDSCO discovered that some Mesoestetics products contained between 7 to 30 percent, causing serious health concerns. Some of the products that are affected include:

• Mesopeel Periocula – 7 per cent
• Mesoestetic Salicylic (10 per cent, 20 per cent, 30 per cent)
• Dermamelan Intimate Gel – 15 per cent
• Dermamelan Mask – 15 per cent
• Mesopeel Modified Jessner – 14 per cent

Spectra Medical India Pvt. Ltd., based in Tamil Nadu, is Mesoestetic’s official Indian partner. Ltd., located in Tamil Nadu is Mesoestetic’s official Indian partner.

After lab tests confirmed violations, the CDSCO issued an official show-cause on April 7, 2025. Spectra Medical India accepted the violation and agreed to return the products.

Salicylate toxicity: the dark side of Salicylic Acid

Health experts warn that excessive exposure to salicylic acid – especially in high concentrations – can lead to salicylate toxicity, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Early symptoms include

• Nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitus is ringing in your ears
• Headaches and dizziness
• Acute abdominal pain and excessive sweating
• Rapid or deep breathing

Serious cases can result in:

• Confusion or hallucinations
• Seizures or coma
• Kidney failure with respiratory distress
• Brain swelling with abnormal heart rhythm

If symptoms occur after using products with high levels of salicylic acid, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

India’s growing skincare market

India’s luxury skincare sector is booming, valued at $8.78 billion (€8.08 billion) in 2024 You can also find out more about the following: projected to reach $17.69 billion (€16.28 billion) by 2033, with e-commerce platforms like Nykaa and Tira Fuelling the demand for premium international brands. As reported by South First.)

The CDSCO crackdown indicates a tightening of scrutiny. Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi is India’s Drugs Control General. According to him, the Mesoestetic products that were recalled violated both Condition 03 and Rule 39 of Cosmetics Rules 2020. As reported by pharmabiz.com.)

Mesoestetic skincare, Spain

According to its website, Mesoestetic has offices in more than 105 countries. Its sales are accounted for by 87 percent of international markets.

Salicylic Acid Final Opinion (CAS No. The legal limits for salicylic acids in cosmetics under Regulation (EC No.) 1223/2009 are based on the final opinion of the SCCS regarding Salicylic Acid, CAS No. The following are the details of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009:

• Hair products that rinse off are allowed up to a maximum of 3.0 percent.
• Other cosmetic products may contain up to 2.0%, but not the following:
  • Body lotion
  • Eye shadow
  • Mascara
  • Eyeliner
  • Lipstick
  • Roll-on deodorant
• For the six exceptions listed above, and in:
  • Oral products only (to inhibit microbial development – this must be made clear in the product packaging)
  • Non-spray deodorants

Even premium brands can violate safety standards, say regulators as the demand for luxury skincare grows in India and beyond.

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