The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has been tasked by the European Commission to conduct detailed assessments on the safety of certain ingredients used in cosmetic products, including Biphenyl-2-ol, Sodium 2-biphenylolate, and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC).
These evaluation requests, announced on February 28, reflect the Commission's ongoing vigilance over the safety of products offered to consumers in the European Union.
Evaluations Requested on Preservatives and UV Filters
The Commission has asked the SCCS to issue scientific opinions on the safe use of two preservatives known by their INCI names as o-Phenylphenol (Biphenyl-2-ol) and Sodium o-Phenylphenate (Sodium 2-biphenylolate), in addition to an evaluation on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, a common UV filter in cosmetic products.
Details of the Requests to the SCCS
Biphenyl-2-ol and Sodium 2-biphenylolate:Â The Commission is inquiring whether the use of o-Phenylphenol as a preservative is safe up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off products and 0.15% in leave-on products, considering its classification as a Category 2 Carcinogen. Similarly, it seeks to determine the safe maximum concentration for Sodium o-Phenylphenate under the same conditions.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC):Â Regarding EHMC, the request focuses on clarifying the safety of its use as a UV filter in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 10%, considering concerns about its potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
Deadlines for publication of opinions
The SCCS has a six-month deadline to issue its opinion on the preservatives and nine months for the UV filter EHMC, underlining the European Commission's commitment to the safety of cosmetic products and the protection of consumer health.
These evaluations are part of a broader effort to ensure that ingredients used in cosmetics are safe and effective, reinforcing consumer confidence in the products available in the EU market.
