EU Amends the Use Requirements for 2 UV Filters in Cosmetics Regulation

On July 8, 2022, EU published Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1176, revising the use requirements for two UV filters in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation), Benzophenone-3 (CAS No. 131-57-7) and Octocrylene (CAS No. 6197-30-4). The new amendments shall enter into force on July 28, 2022. ¹

Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene are UV filters currently allowed for use in cosmetic products, and included in the List of Permitted UV Filters of the Cosmetics Regulation. In light of concerns related to their potential disrupting properties, the EU Commission requested the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) to carry out safety assessments for both substances. According to the SCCS's opinions on Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene, there is potential risk to human health arising from their use in cosmetics at the concentrations currently allowed. Therefore, the use requirements for these two substances in the Cosmetics Regulation shall be amended accordingly.

In accordance with SCCS's safety assessment results, the use requirements for Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene are amended as (the amended requirements are shown in red):

Further Reading

• How Are Endocrine Disruptors Regulated by EU Cosmetics Regulation?

• A Collection of SCCS Final Opinions and Scientific Advice in 2021

• How to Export Cosmetics to EU? Five Key Elements You Should Know