SCCS Publishes Final Opinion on Aluminium in Cosmetic Products
On 4th April 2024, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on Aluminium in Cosmetic Products.
The SCCS considers that aluminium compounds are safe when used:
- in non-sprayable product categories at the maximum levels indicated in Tables 1 and 2 in the opinion
- in sprayable products, at the maximum levels for the total formulation (i.e. including propellant) indicated in Table 1, provided that the percentage of particles/droplets with a diameter of less than 10 μm does not exceed 20% of the total aerosolised particles/droplets. Since the Applicant’s data submission indicated that aluminium is not used in sunscreen aerosol sprays, this Opinion does not cover sunscreen aerosol sprays.
- The SCCS considers that aluminium in talc is not bioavailable. Therefore, talc with aluminium-content of up to 2% may be used in cosmetic products.
The SCCS clarified that only exposure from cosmetic uses was considered in this safety assessment with the exposure assessment based on maximum use levels for cosmetic ingredients. However, aggregated exposure from cosmetics and food may exceed safe limits for consumers at the highest exposure ranges. The opinion does not apply to nano forms of aluminium.
The Opinion can be found here
SCCS Publishes Final Opinion on UV-Filter Benzophenone-4 in Cosmetic Products
On 4th April 2024, the SCCS published its final opinion on UV-Filter Benzophenone-4 when used in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 5%.
The SCCS found that Benzophenone-4 is safe when used as UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 5% in sunscreen, face and hand cream, all leave-on and rinse-off products, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination (based on deterministic aggregated exposure). They also found that any additional use of benzophenone-4, such as protectant for stabilising cosmetic formulations when exposed to light, should remain within the 5% concentration, this includes its use as a UV-filter.
The Opinion can be found here
SCCS Publishes Draft Opinion on Citral in Cosmetic Products
On 4th April 2024, the SCCS published its draft opinion on Citral in cosmetic products.
The SCCS is of the opinion that the assessment based on QRA2 methodology has indicated that Citral can be considered safe in relation to the induction of sensitisation at the concentrations proposed for use in cosmetic products.
They also noted that whilst the proposed QRA2 methodology is an improvement to QRA1 methodology, the SCCS recommendation is specific for the sensitisation potential of Citral at the proposed use concentrations. More case studies are needed to further confirm the applicability of this approach to other fragrances and other cosmetic ingredients. Until then, the SCCS will consider the suitability (for a population not already sensitised) of this methodology for other fragrances and other cosmetic ingredients on a case-by-case basis.
The Draft Opinion is open for comments from industry until 2nd June 2024 and can be found here
SCCS Publishes Draft Opinion on Triphenyl Phosphate in Cosmetic Products
On 4th April 2024, the SCCS published its draft opinion on Triphenyl Phosphate when used as a plasticiser in nail products up to a maximum concentration of 5%.
The SCCS concluded that ‘based on the currently available information, it is not possible for the SCCS to conclude on the safety of Triphenyl phosphate because the genotoxicity potential cannot be excluded.’
The Draft Opinion is open for comments from industry until 2nd June 2024 and can be found here
SCCS Publishes Draft Opinion on Silver in Cosmetic Products
On 4th April 2024, the SCCS published its draft opinion on Silver. The SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver not safe when used in concentrations up to 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.3 % in leave-on cosmetic products when used all together.
However, the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in eye shadow, oral exposure products and shampoo at concentration mentioned in section 3.5 is safe, either used alone or in combination.
The Draft Opinion is open for comments from industry until 5th May 2024 and can be found here
The SCCS Adopts 5 New Mandates for Cosmetic Ingredients
On 27th March, the SCCS has adopted 5 new mandates for the following cosmetic ingredients:
- Prostaglandin analogues (ethyl tafluprostamide - DDDE, methylamido-dihydro-noralfaprostal – MDN, and isopropyl cloprostenate - IPCP) in eyelash and eyebrow products. The SCCS has 12 months to publish an Opinion. The mandate, including its terms of reference can be found here
- Salicylic acid on children’s exposure. The SCCS has 8 months to publish an Opinion. The mandate, including its terms of reference can be found here
- HC Red 18 in oxidative hair dye formulations. The SCCS has 7 months to publish an Opinion. The mandate, including its terms of reference can be found here
- HC Yellow 16 in oxidative and non-oxidative hair dye formulations. The SCCS has 7 months to publish an Opinion. The mandate, including its terms of reference can be found here
Butylparaben on children’s exposure. The SCCS has 8 months to publish an Opinion. The mandate, including its terms of reference can be found here
