What’s new?
On the 30th of April 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) approved a new mandate to evaluate the safety of Hydroxycitronellal (CAS No. 107-75-5, EC No. 203-518-7).
The trigger for this new evaluation is a dossier submitted by the industry applying QRA2 — an updated Quantitative Risk Assessment methodology that incorporates aggregate exposure modelling across multiple product uses.
Hydroxycitronellal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient valued for its floral scent profile. It is a well-established skin sensitizer and has undergone previous SCCS evaluations (SCCP/1153/08 and SCCS/1459/11). It is currently regulated under Annex III, entry 72 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, with existing concentration limits and labelling thresholds already in place.
What now?
The SCCS is specifically requested to address the following issues:
- If Hydroxycitronellal is safe regarding its sensitisation potential when used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetic products up to the maximum concentrations provided in the dossier submission?
- Identification of any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of QRA2 to derive safe upper levels for Hydroxycitronellal or for fragrance allergens in general?
Preliminary opinion expected within 12 months following standard SCCS evaluation procedures, with public consultation period.
