As part of the assessment of substances that may have endocrine disrupting properties, the European Commission has asked the SCCS to evaluate the safety of the UV filter Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate. The Scientific Committee has just published its preliminary Opinion, which is open for comment until 17 January 2025.
Background
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) (CAS No.5466-77-3/83834-59-7, EC No.226-7757/629-661-9) is regulated as a UV-filter in sunscreen products in a concentration up to 10% (Annex VI/12).
During the call for data in 2021 on endocrine disruptors to be assessed as a priority, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate as UV-filter in cosmetic products. The Commission then requested the SCCS to carry out a safety assessment on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate in view of the information provided.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Endocrine disruptors: 2nd call for data from the European Commission, CosmeticOBS, 22 February 2021
• Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: request for an Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 11 March 2024
Opinion
1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, does the SCCS consider Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate safe when used as UV-Filter in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 10%?
Having considered the data provided, and the concerns relating to potential endocrine disrupting properties of EHMC, the SCCS cannot conclude on the safety of EHMC, because the information provided is insufficient to exclude genotoxicity.
In addition, the available evidence also …