P-Cymene may soon be banned from cosmetics

Ingredient: P-CYMENE

Date of publication: 10/1/2025

P-cymene may be banned from cosmetics as its proposed classification as Reprotoxic 1B is under review and is expected to be approved.

What’s new?

In 2022, Sweeden submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Ageny (ECHA) to classify p-cymene as Toxic to Reproduction 1B. In cosmetics, p-cymene is used as a fragrance and is not currently restricted under Cosmetics Regulation (EU) 1223/2009.

As of January 10, 2025, this classification decision is still awaiting an opinion from the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC).

We will continue to monitor this procedure and provide updates. However, it is expected that this new classification will be approved, and p-cymene may soon be prohibited for use in cosmetics, which would have a significant impact on the cosmetic industry.

References:

European Chemicals Agency – Registry of CLH intentions until outcome

other REGULATORY UPDATES

French labelling requirement for leave-on products containing Phenoxyethanol repealed

Ingredients: PHENOXYETHANOL

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Ingredients: BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL

Date of application: 15/12/2022

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Ingredients: SALICYLIC ACID

Date of publication: 15/12/2022

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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.

Regulation (EU) 2022/2195 – Updates to cosmetic ingredients use requirements

Ingredients: BHT, ACID YELLOW 3, HOMOSALATE, HAA299 and RESORCINOL

Date of publication: 11/11/2022

Date of application: 01/07/2023

Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2195 of November 2022 amends Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, restricting the use of BHT, Acid Yellow 3, Homosalate, HAA299 and Resorcinol, in cosmetic products.

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.