What’s new?
On 30 October 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has published a preliminary scientific opinion evaluating the safety of Cannabidiol (CBD) (CAS/EC No. 13956-29-1/689-176-3) when used as a cosmetic ingredient. This assessment responds to the European Commission’s request to evaluate CBD safety profile and identify the maximum safe level of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present as a contaminant.
Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa L., incorporated into cosmetic formulations as a ‘skin conditioning’, ‘skin protecting’, ‘antioxidant’ and ‘anti-sebum’ agent. Currently, CBD is not regulated under the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. However, entry 306 of Annex II prohibits the use of ‘Narcotics, natural and synthetic’ substances. In 2020, the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) concluded that CBD should not be considered as a narcotic drug and that a legislation limiting its marketing could be appropriate for protecting public health.
The SCCS evaluation examined available toxicological data, exposure assessments, and potential safety concerns specific to cosmetic use.
Key findings:
The SCCS considers CBD safe when used at concentrations up to 0.19% and the presence of THC impurities as safe at concentrations up to 0.00025% in dermal cosmetic products and oral cosmetic products – whether used alone or together.
The opinion did not consider cosmetic products that may lead to exposure of the end user’s lungs by inhalation.
What now?
The preliminary opinion is open for comments until 21 January 2026.
- SCCS will review submitted comments during working group meetings
- Final Opinion expected following comment evaluation and potential revisions
