SCCS publishes Final Opinion on UV filter Benzophenone-1 (SCCS/1672/24)
Ingredient: Benzophenone-1

Date of publication: 01/04/2025

The SCCS concluded that Benzophenone-1 is not safe when used as a light stabilizer in cosmetic products due to genotoxicity potential and endocrine disrupting properties.

What’s new?

On 27 March 2025, the SCCS adopted a final opinion on Benzophenone-1, following public consultation initiated in November 2024. The assessment considered new mutagenicity/genotoxicity studies submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as part of the REACH registration dossier in 2023.

Benzophenone-1 is used as a light stabilizer and UV filter in cosmetic products. The assessment focused on use up to maximum concentration of 2% considering concerns related to endocrine disrupting properties and genotoxicity potential.

Main conclusions

  • Not safe when used as light stabilizer in cosmetic products
  • Data indicate genotoxicity potential
  • Endocrine-active substance confirmed (clear estrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo)

What now?

Expected timeline for regulatory implementation:

  • Final opinion published
  • Amendment to Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation expected in 6-12 months
  • Transition periods typically 18-24 months for compliance

References

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on Benzophenone-1 (CAS No. 131-56-6, EC No. 205-029-4), preliminary version of 25 October 2024, final version of 27 March 2025, SCCS/1672/24

other REGULATORY UPDATES

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 »

Regulation (EU) 2022/692 – OMNIBUS ACT VI – New and Updated Classification of Cosmetic Ingredients

Ingredients: BENZOPHENONE, TEOPHYLLINE, MELAMINE, AZADIRACHTA EXTRACTS, TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIACRYLATE, PENTETIC ACID, PENTASODIUM PENTETATE

Date of publication: 03/05/2022

Date of application: 01/12/2023

The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/692 includes new or updated classification for 12 chemicals that may be used as cosmetic ingredients. Seven out of these 12 are now classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR) and are banned from cosmetic products marketed in the EU.

Read More »
Any REGULATORY QUESTION?

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.

Read More »