On 28 February 2024, the SCCS adopted, by written procedure, a corrigendum to its final Opinion on Methylparaben, dated 14 December 2023. It clarifies the Scientific Committee’s conclusion regarding the percentages of safe use of this preservative.
Background
Methylparaben (CAS No.99-76-3, EC No.202-785-7) is currently regulated as a preservative (Annex V/12 to the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009) in a concentration up to 0.4% (as acid) when used on its own or up to 0.8% for mixtures of esters (Annex V, entry 12, column g) During the call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products.
The SCCS published its final Opinion in December 2023.
It stated only that “the use of Methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 0.4% (expressed as acid) is safe.”
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Endocrine disruptors: 2nd call for data from the European Commission, CosmeticOBS, 22 February 2021
• Methylparaben, Benzyl Salicylate, Salicylic Acid: requests for SCCS Opinions, CosmeticOBS, 14 February 2022
• Methylparaben, Butylparaben : preliminary Opinions of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 12 June 2023
• Methylparaben: final Opinion of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 2 February 2024
The corrected Opinion
Following this corrigendum, the final opinion of the SCCS is now as follows.
1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns …
