The use of DEGEE (INCI: Ethoxydiglycol) is not yet restricted by Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. It will be with Regulation 2016/314 of 4 March 2016, amending its Annex III, to include restrictions of concentrations in several types of products, and the ban of its use in eye and oral products. These provisions are applicable from 25 March 2017.
The substance Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGEE) with the INCI name Ethoxydiglycol which is used in cosmetic products is not yet regulated under Regulation 1223/2009.
In 2005, DEGEE was the subject of a risk assessment done by France on the basis of which France decided that it is safe for consumers, when used in a concentration up to 1.5% in all cosmetics products except products for oral hygiene. This decision was notified to the Commission and the Member States in accordance with Article 12 of Council Directive 76/768/EEC. As a result, the Commission gave a mandate to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) to issue an opinion on the safety of each of the glycol ethers restricted by the French decision.
Scientific opinions were adopted, the lastest on June 18, 2013.
The SCCS concluded that the use of DEGEE in oxidative hair dye formulations at a maximum concentration of 7% w/w, in non-oxidative hair dye formulations at a maximum concentration of 5% w/w and in other rinse-off products at a maximum concentration of 10% w/w does not pose a risk to the health of consumers. The SCCS also concluded that the use of DEGEE does not pose a …
