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 now requested the SCCS for its Opinion on the safety of Butylparaben and Homosalate. Homosalate had already been the subject of an Opinion published in June 2021, this request follows new data provided by the industry. The SCCS approved these mandate by written procedure on 5 October 2021. It has 9 months to give its Opinion on Butylparaben and 2 months for Homosalate.
Background on substances with endocrine disrupting properties
On 7 November 2018, the Commission adopted a review of Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009 on cosmetic products (‘Cosmetics Regulation’) regarding substances with endocrine disrupting properties. The review concluded that the Cosmetics Regulation provides the adequate tools to regulate the use of cosmetic substances that present a potential risk for human health, including when displaying ED properties.
The Cosmetics Regulation does not have specific provisions on EDs. However, it provides a regulatory framework with a view to ensuring a high level of protection of human health. Environmental concerns that substances used in cosmetic products may raise are considered through the application of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (‘REACH Regulation’).
In the review, the Commission commits 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 consolidated in early 2019 based on input provided through a stakeholder consultation. 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.
