SCCS issues Final Opinion on Methylparaben

Ingredients: METHYLPARABEN

Date of publication: 14/12/2023

On December 14 2023, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published the Final Opinion on Methylparaben.

BACKGROUND

Methylparaben (CAS No. 99-76-3, EC No. 202-785-7) with the chemical name ‘Methyl 4- hydroxybenzoate’ is currently regulated as a preservative in a concentration up to 0.4 % (as acid) when used on its own or up to 0.8% for mixtures of esters. Methylparaben is produced naturally in a variety of plants, but it is also synthesised for use in a range of products including cosmetics.

Methylparaben has been subject to different safety evaluations by the SCCP in 2005 (twice), 2006 and 2008 and by the SCCS in 2010 and 2011.

In 2019, the European Commission issued a call for data on a list of potential substances with endocrine disrupting (ED) properties in cosmetics, a list containing Methylparaben. Methylparaben is currently regulated under Annex V (entry 12) of the Cosmetics Regulation No. 1223/2009, with specific maximum concentrations.

During the call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products. The Commission requested the SCCS to carry out a safety assessment on Methylparaben in view of the information provided.

WHAT’S NEW?

In light of the data provided and considering the potential endocrine-disrupting properties of Methylparaben, the SCCS is of the opinion that:

that the use of Methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 0.4% (expressed as acid) is safe.

The assessment did not cover the safety of Methylparaben for the environment.

REFERENCES

Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety Opinion on methylparaben (CAS No. 99-76-3, EC No. 202-785-7), preliminary version of 6-7 June 2023, final version of 14 December 2023, SCCS/1652/23

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