In May 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a new mandate submitted by the European Commission to evaluate the use of Hydroxycitronellal in cosmetic products.
Hydroxycitronellal (CAS No. 107‑75‑5) is a fragrance ingredient widely used in cosmetics and consumer products for its floral scent profile. It is currently regulated as a fragrance allergen and listed under entry 72 of Annex III to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, which imposes specific concentration limits and labelling requirements. The ingredient has already been subject to previous safety evaluations.
QRA2 and the renewed evaluation of fragrance allergens
The SCCS had previously assessed fragrance allergens – including the additional 56 allergens that must be individually labelled by July 2026 – using the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) methodology, originally developed by industry. Over recent years, the methodology has undergone improvements. Its updated version, known as QRA2, incorporates enhanced exposure assessment models.
Through the application of QRA2, upper concentration limits have been identified for some fragrance allergens, including Citral, whose use was recently restricted under Omnibus Act 2.
SCCS assessment and broader implications
While QRA2 continues to present uncertainties and methodological limitations, it is currently being applied on a case‑by‑case basis. A dossier has been submitted applying the QRA2 methodology to Hydroxycitronellal.
In light of this submission, the European Commission has requested that the SCCS assess whether the upper levels proposed for Hydroxycitronellal can be considered safe.
Importantly, the questions posed to the SCCS extend beyond the specific case of Hydroxycitronellal. The Committee has also been asked to evaluate whether QRA2 is an appropriate methodology for setting safe upper concentration limits for fragrance allergens in general. Should the SCCS consider the methodology suitable, it is possible that additional fragrance allergens may be assessed and, where necessary, subject to future restrictions.
References
SCCS. (2026). Request for a scientific Opinion on Hydroxycitronellal when used in cosmetic products. Retrieved on 4 May 2026.
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