On 2 October 2024, the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) accepted mandates from the European Commission to evaluate two fragrance ingredients concerned by classification as CMR (Methyl Salicylate, Tea tree oil) and a third suspected of being an endocrine disruptor (BHA).
Methyl salicylate
Background
Methyl Salicylate (CAS/EC No.119-36-8/204-317-7) is the INCI name of “methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate” an ingredient used in many fragrance mixtures and as flavouring and soothing agent in oral hygiene products.
Following its classification as “Toxic for Reproduction Category 2” by the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/849 and the submission of an exception dossier by industry, the Commission services mandated the SCCS to assess its safety following the provisions of Article 15(1) of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC). No.1223/2009.
On 27 October 2021, the SCCS concluded on the safety of Methyl Salicylate and Regulation (EU) 2022/1531 restricted its use in cosmetic products. Methyl Salicylate is currently listed in entry 324 of Annex III to the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009, with specific concentration limits for various product types and age groups.
In November 2022, industry submitted additional data to support the use of Methyl Salicylate in cosmetic products intended for children (age groups 0-3 and 3-6).
On 14 September 2023, the SCCS concluded in their Opinion SCCS/1654/23 on the safety of Methyl Salicylate in cosmetic products intended for children of age 0.5-3 and 3-6 years in specific types of cosmetic products and with defined concentration limits.
On 29 July 2024, the …
