UK SAG-CS issues Opinions on Formaldehyde Releasers, Homosalate, and 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor

Ingredients: Formaldehyde-releasing substances, Homosalate, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor

Date of publication: 21/05/2025
The UK's Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) published three critical opinions addressing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, homosalate UV filter safety, and 4-MBC safety concerns for cosmetic products.

What’s new?

On 21 May 2025, SAG-CS published three opinions addressing key cosmetic ingredient safety concerns in the UK market. These replace EU SCCS reliance post-Brexit, covering formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, UV filter Homosalate assessment, and 4-MBC safety evaluation following industry data calls.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Substances

Current 0.05% labeling threshold insufficient for consumer protection
New recommended threshold: 0.001% (10 ppm) for both leave-on and rinse-off products (aligning with EU requirement)
Affects DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, and other Annex V preservatives

Homosalate Safety Confirmed

Safe at 10% maximum concentration in sunscreen products

4-MBC Safety Concerns

Cannot conclude safety for cosmetic use
Exhibits endocrine disrupting properties in vivo

What now?

3-6 months: Expected OPSS consultation on regulatory amendments
6-12 months: Potential UK Cosmetics Regulation updates

References

SAG-CS Opinion 16: Formaldehyde Releasing Substances, June 2024 (Updated May 2025)

SAG-CS Opinion 17: Homosalate use in cosmetic products, March 2025

SAG-CS Opinion 18: 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor as a UV Filter, March 2025

other REGULATORY UPDATES

Update on the classification and labelling of Titanium Dioxide in powder form

Ingredients: TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Date of publication: 23/11/2022

The EU General Court annuls the Commission Delegated Regulation of 2019 in so far as it concerns the harmonised classification and labelling of Titanium Dioxide as a carcinogenic substance by inhalation in certain powder forms.

Regulation (EU) 2022/1531 – OMNIBUS ACT V – applicable as of 17 December 2022

Ingredients: METHYL SALICYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE, DBMC, MIBK

Date of publication: 15/09/2022

Date of application: 17/12/2022

The European Commission has published the Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1531, which amends the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards the use in cosmetic products of certain substances classified as CMR, by adding new entries to Annex II and Annex III and revising an entry in Annex V.

SCCS Final Opinion on the Safety of Triclocarban and Triclosan

Ingredients: TRICLOCARBAN and TRICLOSAN

Date of publication: 25/10/2022

During the plenary meeting on 24-25 October 2022, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) presented its final opinion on the safety of Triclocarban and Triclosan as substances with potential endocrine disrupting properties in cosmetic products.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) ban in cosmetics comes into force in Great Britain

Ingredients: BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL

Date of application: 15/12/2022

Due to its classification as toxic to reproduction, Butylphenyl Methylpropional is prohibited in cosmetic products placed in the Great Britain market as of December 15, 2022.

UK Responsible Person Labelling Deadline Extension

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Date of application: 31/12/2025

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have reviewed the requirement to label the product with the UK Responsible Person and have decided to extend this transitional provision for a total period of five years, until 31 December 2025.

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.