SCCS Preliminary Opinion on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC)

Ingredient: ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE (EHMC)

Date of publication: 25/10/2024

On October 25 2024, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) could not conclude on the safety of UV-filter Ethylhexyl Methocycinnamate (EHMC) due to insufficient data. The deadline for comments is set to January 17, 2025.

What’s new?

On October 25 2024, the SCCS published its preliminary opinion on the safety of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is used in cosmetic products as a light stabilizer, UV absorber and UV-filter in sunscreen products and is currently restricted in Annex VI of the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 up to a maximum concentration of 10%.

In light of the information provided, the SCCS considered that the data is insufficient to conclude on the safety of EHMC due to insufficient data to rule out genotoxicity. Additionally, the evidence showed that EHMC has endocrine-disrupting properties, demonstrating estrogenic activity and weak anti-androgenic activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This opinion did not address EHMC’s environmental impact.

What now?

The opinion is open for comments until January 17 2025.

References:

SCCS – Opinion on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) (CAS No. 5466-77-3/83834-59-7, EC No. 226-775-7/629-661-9)

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