• Aspirin or other pain relievers
• Mouthwash - in the form of natural mouthwash with essential oils, mint and methyl salicylate
• Skin care products - for reducing redness and as an anti-inflammatory
• Toothpaste - in the form natural toothpaste with mint and other botanicals
• Creams for muscle pain and swelling
• Any product that has plant, herbal or botanical ingredients.

If your frequent use skin care or personal care products contain any synthetic or natural form of salicylic acid, over time, you could develop salicylate sensitivity and eventually a variety of symptoms associated with salicylic acid allergies. It's important to know just because a label has ‘natural’ ingredients on it, this doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

Most people assume what's 'natural' has to be good, and the more you use it the better. It's also generally believed aspirin is safe for everyone of all ages, especially since it may help with heart attack and stroke. Most plants have some medicinal properties, and most modern drugs originate from plants, but developed in synthetic form. The skin is the largest organ and one of the fastest ways to absorb ingredients into the body. As you absorb ingredients contained in your skin care and other personal care on a daily basis, shouldn't you be knowledgeable as to how these can affect your body and health? It's important to learn which ingredients to avoid.

Some plants have more salicylates than others. Mint, essential oils and plant extracts have the highest amounts. Of course most toothpaste contain mint. Many major brands of mouthwash contain essential oils and therefore salicylic acid, or it may list it as methyl salicylate, menthol, or other plant extracts.

Salicylate sensitivity can lead to salicylate acid allergy symptoms such as the following or lead to death:

• Asthma-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Nasal congestion
• Itching, skin rash or hives
• Swelling of hands, feet or face
• Stomach pain

In 2007, a teen was reported as dead due to overdosing on methyl salicylate after rubbing her sore thigh muscle with a pain reducing cream, Bengay. This report can still be found on the internet. There is one health condition in children and teens in particular that can be fatal, due to taking salicylate ingredients. Reyes Syndrome is a potentially fatal disease that can cause detrimental effects on the brain, liver and other organs. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the triggering causes include salicylic acid ingredients found in such products as aspirin taken by children and teens. Other potential causes are insecticides, herbicides and paint thinner. You can find more information about this syndrome by visiting the Reyes Syndrome Foundation. Parents are warned not to give children aspirin.
If you have sensitive skin you should only use products with non-irritating ingredients that are also salicylate free.