EU SCCS Confirms Safety of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) in Final Opinion

On June 30, 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) issued the final opinion on ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (CAS No. 5466-77-3 / 83834-59-7), confirming its safety as a UV filter in specified cosmetics. This opinion updates the earlier preliminary conclusion that had raised genotoxicity concerns, following a review of additional data and stakeholder input submitted during the consultation period.¹

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) has a long history of use as a UV filter in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. It is currently regulated under the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation), with permitted concentrations of up to 10% in sunscreen products. In response to concerns about its endocrine disrupting potential, the European Commission launched a call for data on EHMC in 2021, and mandated SCCS to assess its safety in cosmetics.

Based on scientific evidence provided by stakeholders, SCCS issued a preliminary opinion on November 12, 2024. At that time, the committee stated it could not conclude on EHMC's safety due to insufficient data to exclude genotoxicity. SCCS also noted that EHMC exhibited endocrine activity, with clear estrogenic effects and weak anti-androgenic activity demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.

Following an eight-week public consultation, during which additional comments and documents were submitted, SCCS reassessed the evidence. Based on the updated information, the committee concludes in its final opinion that EHMC is safe for use as a UV filter at concentrations up to 10% in sunscreen lotion, face and hand cream, lipstick, and both propellant and pump sunscreen sprays, whether used individually or in combination. This conclusion also applies to children, given the high Margin of Safety. However, SCCS reiterates its previous finding that EHMC demonstrates endocrine activity, as supported by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Further Reading

• EU SCCS Finalizes Opinions on Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Benzophenone-2, and Benzophenone-5

• EU SCCS Consults on Opinions on Prostaglandin Analogues and Tea Tree Oil

• EU Drafts New Amendments to Cosmetic Ingredient Lists Following Latest CMR Classification