On 8 October 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published Norway’s proposal for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) of several pine resins, including rosin, for their reproductive toxicity potential.
Of all the resin derivatives covered by the Norwegian proposals, three have INCI names and are listed in the CosIng:
• Rosin or Colophonium (CAS No.8050-09-7, EC No.232-475-7) is listed as a binding, depilatory, film-forming and viscosity-controlling agent;
• Hydrogenated Rosin (CAS No.65997-06-0, EC No.266-041-3) is listed with the functions of film-forming, viscosity controlling agent and fragrance;
• Dimer Rosin (CAS No.65997-05-9, EC No.500-163-2) is listed with no reported function.
None of the three is currently regulated by European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
Only Rosin is currently listed in Annex VI of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008, with the classification Skin Sens. 1, H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction.
Norway proposes to introduce the following classifications:
• Rosin : Repr. 1B, H360Df - May damage the unborn child, Suspected of damaging fertility;
• Hydrogenated Rosin : Repr. 2, H361f - Susceptible de nuire à la fertilité ;
• Dimer Rosin : Repr. 1B, H360Df - May damage the unborn child, Suspected of damaging fertility.
If the process is completed and these classifications become effective, these substances could be listed as reprotoxic and therefore as CMRs, and their use could be banned in cosmetic products in Europe, unless the ban is …
