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Public Health
Expert opinion

Kojic acid

Final Opinion

Details

Publication date
13 June 2022
Author
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)

Description


SCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson), M. Dusinska, J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C.L. Galli, B. Granum, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers (Rapporteur), Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke (Rapporteur), S. Wijnhoven
SCCS external experts: A. Koutsodimou, W. Uter, N. von Goetz
Contact:SANTE-SCCSatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1637/21
Adopted on: 15-16 March 2022

Corrigendum including changes in the abstract, in sections 3.2.4 calculation of SED/LED - 3.4 safety evaluation - 3.5 discussion and relevant conclusions 1 and 2. Adoption 10 June 2022.

 

Conclusion of the opinion:

(1) In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Kojic acid, does the SCCS consider Kojic acid safe when used in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 1 %?

On the basis of the safety assessment, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Kojic acid, the SCCS is of the opinion that Kojic acid is safe when used as a skin lightening agent in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 1%.

(2) Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Kojic acid in cosmetic products?

/

(3) Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Kojic acid in cosmetic products?

As Kojic acid is sometimes added to peeling agents, a weakened skin barrier may be of additional concern because of greater dermal absorption.

Only the topical use of Kojic acid in cosmetics has been considered in this Opinion. Other uses (e.g. food) of natural or synthetic sources have not been considered.

As far as the derivatives of Kojic acid are concerned, e.g. esters of Kojic acid such as Kojic acid dipalmitate and Kojic acid isopalmitate, and derivatives such as chloro-Kojic acid, these have not been included in this Opinion as no data has been submitted.

Keywords:

SCCS, revision, scientific opinion, Kojic acid, CAS No 501-30-4, EC No 207-922-4, Regulation 1223/2009

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), scientific opinion on Kojic acid, preliminary version of 26-27 October 2021, final version of 15-16 March 2022, Corrigendum of 10 June 2022, SCCS/1637/21.

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1 DECEMBER 2021
sccs_o_259.pdf
English
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