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

On June 6, 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released draft scientific opinions on the cosmetic use of prostaglandin analogues and tea tree oil. Both opinions are open for public comment until August 18, 2025.^1-2

Opinion on Prostaglandin Analogues

Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are currently not subject to any restrictions under the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (the Cosmetics Regulation), although they have been used in cosmetics intended to promote eyelash growth. In light of potential health concerns associated with their use, SCCS assessed prostaglandins and their two analogues—Ethyl Tafluprostamide (DDDE) and Isopropyl Cloprostenate (IPCP)—and issued its opinion in February 2022. In this opinion, SCCS was unable to conclude on their safety, while expressing concerns regarding their use near the eyes. By January 2024, additional data was submitted for DDDE and IPCP, as well as a third PGA, Methylamido-Dihydro-Noralfaprostal (MDN). Following this, the European Commission mandated SCCS to conduct a further safety assessment.

Having reviewed all submitted evidence, SCCS concluded that DDDE, IPCP, and MDN are not safe for use in cosmetics aimed at promoting eyelash and eyebrow growth. This conclusion is grounded in the strong pharmacological activity of these PGAs, even at low concentrations, and the absence of sufficient data to rule out potential adverse effects related to reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Opinion on Tea Tree Oil

At present, tea tree oil (TTO) is not regulated under the Cosmetics Regulation, while it is widely use in skin, hair, and oral care products. Beyond its cosmetic functions—such as antioxidant, skin conditioning, antimicrobial, and perfuming—this substance is also used as a fragrance in household cleaning products. In February 2024, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommended classifying TTO as "Reprotoxic of Category 1B". Given the existing prohibition of CMR substances (those classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction) in the Cosmetics Regulation, such a classification may trigger a ban on its cosmetic use.

To support the continued safe use of TTO in cosmetics, the industry submitted a dossier in August 2024. Based on the provided information, SCCS carried out a safety assessment, and concluded that TTO is safe for use as an anti-seborrheic and antimicrobial agent at the concentrations specified below. 

Further Reading

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

• EU Updates Cosmetic Ingredient Lists to Address Newly Classified CMR Substances

• EU SCCS Finalizes Opinions on Three Cosmetic Ingredients Concerning Children Exposure