SCCS publishes Final Opinion on UV filter Benzophenone-1 (SCCS/1672/24)
Ingredient: Benzophenone-1

Date of publication: 01/04/2025

The SCCS concluded that Benzophenone-1 is not safe when used as a light stabilizer in cosmetic products due to genotoxicity potential and endocrine disrupting properties.

What’s new?

On 27 March 2025, the SCCS adopted a final opinion on Benzophenone-1, following public consultation initiated in November 2024. The assessment considered new mutagenicity/genotoxicity studies submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as part of the REACH registration dossier in 2023.

Benzophenone-1 is used as a light stabilizer and UV filter in cosmetic products. The assessment focused on use up to maximum concentration of 2% considering concerns related to endocrine disrupting properties and genotoxicity potential.

Main conclusions

  • Not safe when used as light stabilizer in cosmetic products
  • Data indicate genotoxicity potential
  • Endocrine-active substance confirmed (clear estrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo)

What now?

Expected timeline for regulatory implementation:

  • Final opinion published
  • Amendment to Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation expected in 6-12 months
  • Transition periods typically 18-24 months for compliance

References

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on Benzophenone-1 (CAS No. 131-56-6, EC No. 205-029-4), preliminary version of 25 October 2024, final version of 27 March 2025, SCCS/1672/24

Linkedin Instagram Facebook

other REGULATORY UPDATES

French Anti-Waste Law – Impact in Cosmetics Packaging and Labelling

PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Date of application: 01/01/2023, with a transition period until 09/03/2023 for packaging produced or imported before 09/09/2022.

The Loi relative à la lute contre le gaspillage et a l’économie circulaire (Anti-Waste for a circular economy) has come officially into force in France in 2020. From January 2023 the requirements of the law became mandatory, including specific symbols on the packaging or labelling of cosmetic products.

Read More »

SCCS Revision of the Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A

Ingredients: RETINOL, RETINYL PALMITATE, RETINYL ACETATE, RETINYL LINOLEATE, RETINAL

Date of publication: 25/10/2022

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has issued a final version of the Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A, concluding that exposure to Vitamin A derived from cosmetics can be a concern for higher exposure consumers, and since cosmetics alone do not exceed the upper limit the SCCS cannot suggest maximum concentration limits that take into account contributions from other sources.

Read More »

SCCS Final Opinion on the Safety of Triclocarban and Triclosan

Ingredients: TRICLOCARBAN and TRICLOSAN

Date of publication: 25/10/2022

During the plenary meeting on 24-25 October 2022, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) presented its final opinion on the safety of Triclocarban and Triclosan as substances with potential endocrine disrupting properties in cosmetic products.

Read More »
Any REGULATORY QUESTION?
E-mail

UK Responsible Person Labelling Deadline Extension

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Date of application: 31/12/2025

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have reviewed the requirement to label the product with the UK Responsible Person and have decided to extend this transitional provision for a total period of five years, until 31 December 2025.

Read More »

SCCS Preliminary Opinion on Sodium Bromothymol Blue (C186) as hair dyeing

Ingredients: SODIUM BROMOTHYMOL BLUE (C186)

Date of publication: 28/10/2022

Following the request from the EU Commission for a scientific opinion on the hair dye Sodium Bromothymol Blue (C186), on October 2022 the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) issued a preliminary opinion. In light of the data provided, when used in non-oxidative hair colouring products up to a maximum on-head concentration of 0.5%, the SCCS is of the opinion that the complete safety of Sodium Bromothymol Blue could not be assessed.

Read More »

Italy and France – Environmental Labelling of Cosmetic Products

PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Date of application:01/01/2023

Although the European Cosmetics Regulation is applicable to every cosmetic product made available in the European Union market, some national legislations may also apply. Environmental regulations in Italy and France specify mandatory labelling requirements applicable to packaged products marketed in these countries.

Read More »