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