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 final Opinion on Kojic Acid. It was adopted during the plenary meeting on 15-16 March 2022.
Background
Kojic Acid (CAS No.501-30-4, EC No.207-922-4) is used as a skin lightening/whitening or depigmenting agent in cosmetic products.
Currently, it is not regulated under the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009.
Kojic Acid has been reported to interfere with either iodine organification or iodine uptake by the thyroid, resulting in altered thyroid functions, hence it was included in the priority list for safety assessment.
During the call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Kojic acid in cosmetic products. The Commission requests the SCCS to carry out a safety assessment on Kojic acid in view of the information provided.
The Scientific Committee published its Preliminary Opinion in October 2021 and indicated that it was of the opinion that the concentration of 1% Kojic acid is not safe for the intended use in cosmetic products, and that the maximum concentration should not exceed 0.04% for the combined use of two products twice a day.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Endocrine disruptors: 2nd call for data from the European Commission, CosmeticOBS, 22 February 2021
• Endocrine disruptors: 5 new requests for SCCS Opinions, CosmeticOBS, 15 March 2021
• Kojic Acid: the SCCS preliminary …
