On 11 April 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a consultation on a harmonised classification and labelling proposal from Belgium for the preservative Propylparaben. This consultation is open until 10 June 2022.
Propylparaben (CAS: 94-13-3 - EC: 202-307-7 - INCI: Propylparaben) is listed in Annex V (entry 12) to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a preservative and limited to 0.14% in individual use (0.8% in mixtures of parabens).
It is not currently listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.
Belgium proposes to classify the substance as Repr. 2 with the hazard statement H361fd - “Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.”, the pictogram GHS08 and the signal word: Wng (Warning).
A classification as CMR2 could eventually threaten the use of the substance in cosmetic products, even though the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) has recently ruled in favour of its safety at the maximum concentration currently set by the regulation.
The ECHA consultation is open until 10 June 2022.
Sources
• Harmonised classification and labelling consultations - propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, ECHA, 11 April 2022
• Ingredient: Propylparaben, CosIng
• CLH report - Proposal for Harmonised Classification and Labelling - propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, DGEM/ Department of Product Policy and chemical Substances / Management of Chemical Substances, Belgium, March 2022
