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 Opinions on Butylparaben (preservative) and Benzyl Salicylate (fragrance ingredient). They have been adopted during the plenary meeting of the SCCS on 26 October 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.
Butylparaben
Background
Butylparaben (CAS No.94-26-8, EC No.202-318-7) is currently regulated as a preservative (Annex V entry 12a) in a concentration up to 0.14% (as acid) when used on its own or for the sum of its combined use with propylparaben and its salts (Annex V, entry 12a, column g).
During the call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Butylparaben as a preservative 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
• Butylparaben, Homosalate: requests for SCCS Opinions, CosmeticOBS, 19 October 2021
• Methylparaben, Butylparaben : preliminary Opinions of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 12 June 2023 …
