Background

Several Member States have recently indicated safety problems in relation to the use of this substance as an ingredient in cosmetic products.
Concerns were raised over the fact that an unexpected risk of food allergy to peanuts was reported in particular at young children (0-3 years), where it was suspected that the induction of the sensitization might have appeared through the use of cosmetic products containing peanut oil in the first six months of life.

In its first Opinion, the SCCS concluded:
"The SCCS is of the opinion that since it is not possible to define the level of peanut protein allergens in peanut oils (there being no standard for the refinement of peanut oil), and since cases of potentially life-threatening peanut allergy have occurred on the contact of peanut-allergic subjects with peanut oil-containing topical products, peanut oil or peanut oil derivatives containing peanut proteins cannot be used safely in cosmetic products, based on the scientific evidence that currently is available.
There is no known safe threshold currently defined at which peanut allergic subjects can safely be exposed to peanut proteins."

For exhaustive background information, see the article
• SCCS 5th plenary meeting: 8 Opinions open for comments . …