Following the recommendation of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to classify Hexyl Salicylate as “Toxic for Reproduction Category 2”, the European Commission asked the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety to assess its safety. The SCCS has just published its final Opinion, with an additional precision for children compared to the preliminary Opinion.
Background
Hexyl Salicylate is a fragrance ingredient currently not subject to restriction under European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
The European Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA issued in March 2022 an opinion recommending a “Toxic for Reproduction Category 2” (i.e., suspected of damaging the unborn child) and “Skin sensitizer Category 1” classification for Hexyl Salicylate.
Stakeholders submitted a dossier to support the safe use of Hexyl Salicylate according to Art. 15(1) Reg. 1223/2009 with specific concentration limits for various product type.
| Product type, Body parts | Maximum concentration (%) |
|---|---|
| Hydroalcoholic-based fragrances | 2 |
| All rinse-off products | 0.5 |
| All leave-on products | 0.3 |
| Oral care (toothpaste and mouthwash) | 0.001 |
The SCCS published its preliminary Opinion in November 2023.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Hexyl Salicylate: request for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 20 February 2023
• Hexyl Salicylate: preliminary Opinion of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 13 November 2023
This Opinion has been subject to a commenting period of min eight weeks after its initial publication (from 9 November 2023 to 12 January 2024). Comments received during this period were considered by the …
