This October, the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) published 3 new opinions on the following cosmetic ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Benzophenone-3, and Octocrylene.
While the opinions on Dihydroxyacetone and Benzophenone-3 align closely with those previously issued by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), the opinion on Octocrylene introduces some notable changes.
What are the SCCS and SAG-CS?
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) are expert bodies responsible for assessing the safety of ingredients used in cosmetic products.
- SCCS: Operates under the European Commission and evaluates risks posed by chemical substances in cosmetics, issuing opinions that influence the European Union’s regulatory framework, including the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
- SAG-CS: Provides similar guidance, but it primarily informs the regulatory decisions of authorities in the United Kingdom following its departure from the EU.
The assessments and opinions issued by these bodies hold significant weight. Their findings often directly shape the regulatory restrictions and bans introduced in the EU and UK Cosmetics Regulations. Manufacturers must stay up to date with these opinions to ensure compliance.
Octocrylene: key differences between SCCS and SAG-CS opinions
Octocrylene is widely used as a UV filter in sunscreens and other cosmetic products. The SCCS previously determined that its use in propellant sunscreen sprays is safe at concentrations up to 9%, provided it is combined with face cream, hand cream, and lipstick containing up to 10% Octocrylene. Furthermore, for the combined use of sunscreen creams or lotions, sunscreen pump sprays, face cream, hand cream, and lipstick, the SCCS deemed a 10% concentration safe.
In contrast, the SAG-CS has introduced a simplified approach. According to the SAG-CS opinion, Octocrylene is considered safe at a maximum concentration of 10%, regardless of the application method (pump spray vs. propellant spray) and its combined use in various product types.
This distinction may impact manufacturers using Octocrylene in their formulations, as the SAG-CS opinion suggests more straightforward and consistent rules for its use across product categories.
Do you have any questions on compliance of cosmetics in the EU, UK, or US? Contact us here and write an email to COSlaw@obelis.net.
References
SAG-CS. (2024). Opinion 15 on Octocrylene in Cosmetic Products. Retrieved on 28 October 2024.
SCCS. (2021). SCCS Opinion on Octocrylene (SCCS/1624/20). Retrieved on 28 October 2024,
SAG-CS. (2024). Opinion 13 on Dihydroxyacetone in Cosmetic Products. Retrieved on 28 October 2024.
SCCS. (2021). SCCS Opinion on Dihydroxyacetone (SCCS/1611/19). Retrieved on 28 October 2024.
SCCS. (2020). SCCS Opinion on Benzophenone-3 (SCCS/1625/20). Retrieved on 28 October 2024.
SAG-CS. (2024). Opinion on Benzophenone-3 in Cosmetic Products. Retrieved on 28 October 2024.
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