European Commission call for data to assess the safety of Salicylic Acid in cosmetic products
Ingredients: SALICYLIC ACID

Date of publication: 01/07/2024

On July 1 2024, the European Commission launched a call for data to assess the aggregate exposure to Salicylic Acid from various salicylic esters used in cosmetic products in the framework of the Cosmetic Product Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.

Background

Salicylic Acid (CAS No. 69-72-7, EC No. 200-712-3) with the chemical name ‘benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy’ is included in the European database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients (CosIng) with the reported functions of “anti-seborrheic”, “hair conditioning”, “keratolytic”, “fragrance”, “preservative” and “skin conditioning”. Salicylic Acid has been subject to safety evaluations in 2002 and 2018 by the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-food products intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) and Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), respectively.

Salicylic Acid is currently regulated under Annex III (entry 98) and Annex V (entry 3), with specific maximum concentrations and conditions of use. Salicylic Acid was listed in Group B of substances used in cosmetics with potential endocrine effects, as part of the initiative to assess their safety in cosmetics.

What´s new?

On 25 June and 27 October 2021, the SCCS adopted its final opinions on homosalate and methyl salicylate, respectively. In these opinions, the SCCS raised concerns over the potential overexposure of consumers to Salicylic Acid from various salicylates used in cosmetic products. 

Following these SCCS opinions, some EU countries expressed their concerns over possible overexposure to Salicylic Acid and a potential risk to human health. The Commission intends to request the SCCS to perform a safety assessment, specifically on the aggregate exposure to Salicylic Acid from salicylic esters used in cosmetic products.

In order to prepare a mandate for the SCCS, interested parties are invited to submit any relevant information in order to proceed with assessing the aggregate exposure to Salicylic Acid from the salicylic esters used in cosmetic products.

Period of consultation: From 1 July 2024 to 1 July 2025.

References

European Commission – Call for data on ingredients used in cosmetic products

other REGULATORY UPDATES

Regulation (EU) 2022/692 – OMNIBUS ACT VI – New and Updated Classification of Cosmetic Ingredients

Ingredients: BENZOPHENONE, TEOPHYLLINE, MELAMINE, AZADIRACHTA EXTRACTS, TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIACRYLATE, PENTETIC ACID, PENTASODIUM PENTETATE

Date of publication: 03/05/2022

Date of application: 01/12/2023

The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/692 includes new or updated classification for 12 chemicals that may be used as cosmetic ingredients. Seven out of these 12 are now classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR) and are banned from cosmetic products marketed in the EU.

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Any REGULATORY QUESTION?

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.

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