What’s new?
On June 6 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a Scientific Opinion on prostaglandin analogues used in cosmetic products.
The current Opinion specifically addresses three prostaglandin analogues submitted by industry for safety evaluation: Methylamido-Dihydro-Noralfaprostal (MDN), Isopropyl Cloprostenate (IPCP), and Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide (DDDE). These substances are synthetic analogues designed to mimic natural prostaglandins and are primarily used in eyelash and eyebrow growth products.
This assessment was prompted by ongoing industry efforts to demonstrate the safety of prostaglandin analogues following the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) alert in 2018, which highlighted health risks associated with eyelash growth treatments containing these substances. This assessment represents a continuation of the Committee’s evaluation of these controversial ingredients following concerns raised in previous Opinion SCCS/1635/21 from February 2022.
Key Provisions
The SCCS evaluated industry-proposed concentration limits for three specific prostaglandin analogues when used in eyelash and eyebrow products:
- Ethyl Tafluprostamide: 0.018%
- Methylamido-Dihydro-Noralfaprostal: 0.03%
- Isopropyl Cloprostenate: 0.005%
The SCCS concluded that none of the three prostaglandin analogues can be considered safe for use in cosmetic products intended for promoting eyelash and eyebrow growth, regardless of the proposed concentrations.
SCCS’s safety concerns included potent pharmacological activity at low concentrations, lack of acceptable reproductive/developmental toxicity data, primary users are likely to be young women and the application proximity to the eyes.
Deadline for submitting comments on the preliminary Opinion is 18 August 2025.
- SCCS will review industry submissions and finalize the Opinion based on additional evidence
- European Commission expected to initiate regulatory amendment process following final Opinion
- Market surveillance authorities likely to increase enforcement of existing products
Regulatory Timeline: Following the final Opinion publication, the European Commission will likely prohibit these specific prostaglandin analogues through amendment to Annex II (Prohibited Substances) of the European Cosmetics Regulation, with implementation timelines typically providing 12-18 months for industry compliance.
