Following the mandate given by the European Commission to the SCCS in the context of the safety assessment of substances with potential endocrine disrupting properties, the Scientific Committee has just published its preliminary Opinion on Benzyl Salicylate. It was adopted during the plenary meeting of the SCCS on 6 and 7 June 2023 and is open for comments until 24 August 2023.
Background on substances with endocrine disrupting properties
The European Commission committed to establishing a priority list of potential EDs not already covered by bans or restrictions in the Cosmetics Regulation for their subsequent safety assessment. A priority list of 28 potential EDs in cosmetics was established. The Commission carried out a public call for data for 14 substances (Group A) and a second call in 2021 for 10 substances (Group B) in preparation of the safety assessment of these substances.
Benzyl Salicylate
Background
Benzyl Salicylate (CAS No.118-58-1, EC No.204-262-9) is used in cosmetics for its fragrance/perfuming function.
It is currently regulated as an allergen in entry 75 of Annex III to the Cosmetics Regulation, and its presence must be indicated in the list of ingredients when its concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
During the call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Benzyl Salicylate.
The Commission requests the SCCS to carry out a safety assessment on Benzyl Salicylate taking into account the maximum concentration of Benzyl Salicylate in the different categories of cosmetic products (as reported in Table 1):
• Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances (spray and non-spray): 4%
• Rinse-off skin & …
