France proposes restricting the use of octocrylene in cosmetic products

The French Agency for Health and Safety (ANSES) has submitted a proposal to ECHA to restrict the use of octocrylene (INCI: Octocrylene ) in cosmetic products containing concentrations equal to or greater than 0.001% w/w.

The goal of this measure is to reduce the environmental risks associated with this ultraviolet filter, widely used in sunscreens and personal care products.

Table of contents

• Risks identified by ANSES

• Assessment according to REACH criteria

France proposes restricting the use of octocrylene in cosmetic products

Risks identified by ANSES

According to the submitted dossier, octocrylene represents a significant risk to the aquatic environment, especially for sensitive species such as Daphnia magna , for which a no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 2.66 μg/L has been determined.

Furthermore, the analysis concludes that the substance can affect freshwater ecosystems, marine environments, sediments, and agricultural soils due to its persistence and toxicity.

Assessment according to REACH criteria

Under the REACH Regulation, octocrylene meets the criteria of Annex XIII to be considered a very persistent (vP) and toxic (T) substance. However, it is not classified as bioaccumulative (B) as the available data do not demonstrate significant accumulation in living organisms.

However, the combination of its widespread use, high chemical stability, and toxic effects on aquatic organisms has motivated the need for regulatory action at the European Union level.

The French proposal is currently under public consultation as part of ECHA's restriction assessment process. Once the analysis by the relevant scientific committees (RAC and SEAC) is complete, an opinion will be issued that could lead to a restriction on the use or concentration of octocrylene on the European market.

Octocrylene is an organic UV filter used to protect skin and cosmetics from ultraviolet radiation. Although effective and stable, recent studies have highlighted its persistence in the environment and toxicity to aquatic organisms, prompting this new regulatory review.

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