SCCS Issues Preliminary Opinion on Butylparaben and Salicylic Acid - Children Exposure
On 13th January 2025, the EU SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) issued Preliminary Opinions on Butylparaben (CAS No. 94-26-8, EC No. 202-318-7) and Salicylic Acid (CAS No. 69-72-7, EC No. 200-712-3) exposure in children. Both Opinions are open for comments with a deadline of 10th March 2025.
In a 2023 Opinion, SCCS confirmed Butylparaben to be safe up to 0.14% (as acid) when used as a preservative, as per the limit stated in the EU ‘Cosmetics Regulation’ (EC) No. 1223/2009. However a lack of data on exposure to children was noted.
SCCS has now posited in the latest Preliminary Opinion that the maximum concentration of Butylparaben should not exceed 0.028% (as acid) when formulated for use by children.
You can read the Opinion on Butylparaben here.
In the Preliminary Opinion on Salicylic Acid, the SCCS commented on use for children between 3-10 years of age (N.B. - Salicylic Acid is prohibited for use in children under 3 years of age as per (EC) No. 1223/2009).
SCCS concluded Salicylic Acid is not safe when used as a preservative at a concentration of 0.5% in cosmetic leave-on, rinse off, and body/oral products for this age group. It is however safe for single dermal (excluding body lotion) and oral product categories. This excludes spray products which may lead to exposure by inhalation.
For Salicylic Acid use for purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms, SCCS concludes it is not safe:
- up to 3.0% for the cosmetic rinse-off hair products used by children (shampoo, conditioner),
- up to 2.0% for selected other dermally applied products used by children (face moisturizer, hand cream, liquid soap, shower gel), and
- up to 0.5% for body lotion.
It is however safe for single dermal (excluding body lotion) and oral product categories.
SCCS’s proposed maximum concentration for safe use in children of 3-10 years of age is 0.1% in dermal products and toothpaste.
You can read the Opinion on Salicylic Acid here.
Brazil Proposes Update to List of Substances that Personal Hygiene Products, Cosmetics and Perfumes Must Not Contain
On 31st December 2024, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), proposed Public Consultation on an update to the ‘Restricted’ and ‘Banned’ lists for personal care products. The consultation period will run from 7th January 2025 to 7th March 2025. The update aims to incorporate the most recent toxicological findings on the safety of these substances in personal care products.
The proposals for public consultation can be found here - for the Restricted List, and the Banned List.
