Following the publication of a list of suspected endocrine disruptors to be assessed on a priority basis, and the subsequent call for data, the European Commission has requested the SCCS for its Opinion on the safety of Benzophenone-1. The SCCS has just published its preliminary Opinion, which is open for comment until 13 January 2025.
Background
Benzophenone-1 (CAS No.131-56-6, EC No. 205-029-4) is listed in the CosIng with the functions: Light stabilizer, UV Absorber.
It is not currently regulated under the European Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009.
During the call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Benzophenone-1 as a light-stabilizer in cosmetic products.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Endocrine disruptors: 2nd call for data from the European Commission, CosmeticOBS, 22 February 2021
• Benzophenone-4, Benzophenone-1, Triphenyl Phosphate: requests for Opinions to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 24 April 2023
The SCCS Opinion
1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Benzophenone-1, does the SCCS consider Benzophenone-1 safe when used as a light stabilizer in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 2%?
Having considered the data provided, and the concerns relating to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Benzophenone-1, the SCCS cannot conclude on the safety of BP-1, because the information provided is insufficient to exclude genotoxicity.
The available evidence also shows that BP-1 is an endocrine-active substance due to clear demonstration of estrogenic activity and weak anti-androgenic activity both in vitro and in vivo, and …
