New opinions on cosmetics ingredients in the UK

On 21 May 2025, the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) released three new scientific opinions. These pertain to the safety of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), formaldehyde-releasing substances, and homosalate in cosmetic products.

SAG-CS is a scientific advisory body that supports regulatory decision-making in the United Kingdom following its departure from the European Union.

Opinion on Formaldehyde-releasing substances

The SAG-CS concluded that the current labelling threshold of 0.05% for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives is insufficient to ensure consumer safety. Instead, the group recommended lowering the threshold to 10 ppm (0.001%) for both leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products.

If adopted by Great Britain’s regulatory authorities, this revision would align GB cosmetics regulation with the requirements in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Opinion on Homosalate

The SAG-CS assessed homosalate and determined that it is safe for use in sunscreen products at concentrations up to 10%.

This conclusion differs from that of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which restricts the use of homosalate as a UV filter to a maximum concentration of 7.34%, and only in facial products (excluding propellant sprays).

Opinion on 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) as a UV filter

Due to the absence of a complete industry data package, the SAG-CS based its assessment of 4-MBC on existing opinions from other scientific bodies, including the SCCS. Given the lack of robust data on genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and due to concerns regarding endocrine-disrupting effects, the group was unable to establish a safe use level.

Consequently, based on the current evidence, the SAG-CS could not assess the safety of 4-MBC as a UV filter in cosmetic products.

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