Proposals for EU harmonised classification and labelling of Bronopol and Aminomethyl Propanol
Ingredients: AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, BRONOPOL

Date of publication: 2023

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has received two proposals for harmonised classification and labelling for two cosmetic substances: Aminomethyl Propanol, used as buffering agent, and Bronopol, used as preservative. If the harmonised classification process is completed, the use of Aminomethyl Propanol and Bronopol in cosmetic products may be threatened.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has received two proposals for harmonised classification and labelling for two cosmetic substances: Aminomethyl Propanol, used as buffering agent, and Bronopol, used as preservative.

Aminomethyl Propanol (CAS 124-68-5) is included in Annex III/61 to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 (list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down).

Austria has proposed to classify Aminomethyl Propanol as:

  • Skin Irrit. 2, H315 – Causes skin irritation.
  • Eye Irrit. 2, H319 – Causes serious eye irritation.
  • Repr. 1B, H360D – May damage the unborn child.
  • Aquatic Chronic 3, H412 – Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Date of submission: 17 february 2023

Bronopol (CAS no 52-51-7) is included in Annex V/21 to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 (list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products).

Spain has proposed to classify Bronopol as:

  • Acute Tox. 3, H301 – Toxic if swallowed
  • Acute Tox. 4, H312 – Harmful in contact with skin
  • Acute Tox. 3, H331 – Toxic if inhaled
  • Skin Irrit. 2, H315 – Causes skin irritation
  • Eye Dam. 1, H318 – Causes serious eye damage
  • STOT SE 3, H335 – May cause respiratory irritation
  • Aquatic Acute 1, H400 – Very toxic to aquatic life (M=10)
  • Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 – Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Expected date of submission: 31 december 2023

-> If the harmonised classification process is completed, the use of Aminomethyl Propanol and Bronopol in cosmetic products may be threatened.

References:

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Registry of CLH intentions until outcome

other REGULATORY UPDATES

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 »
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.

Read More »

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 »