Octocrylene

SCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry (Rapporteur), P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson), M. Dusinska, J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, B. Granum (Rapporteur), E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven
SCCS external expert: A. Koutsodimou, W. Uter, N. von Goetz (Rapporteur)
Contact: SANTE-C2-SCCSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-C2-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1627/21
Adopted on: 30-31 March 2021

Conclusion of the opinion:

1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Octocrylene, does the SCCS consider Octocrylene safe when used as a UV-filter in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 10% (as acid)?

On the basis of safety assessment, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Octocrylene, the SCCS is of the opinion that Octocrylene is safe as a UV-filter at concentrations up to 10% in cosmetic products when used individually.

Octocrylene is also considered safe for a combined use of sunscreen cream/lotion, sunscreen pump spray, face cream, hand cream and lipstick at a concentration up to 10%. However, the use of Octocrylene at 10% or above in sunscreen propellant spray is not considered safe for the combined use.

2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Octocrylene as a UV-filter in cosmetic products?

The use of Octocrylene in sunscreen propellant spray is considered safe when its concentration does not exceed 9% when used together with face cream, hand cream, and lipstick containing 10% Octocrylene.

3. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Octocrylene in cosmetic products?

The SCCS considers that, whilst there are indications from some in vivo studies to suggest that Octocrylene may have endocrine effects, the evidence is not conclusive enough at present to enable deriving a specific endocrine-related toxicological point of departure for use in safety assessment. Contact sensitisation to Octocrylene has been reported, however, taking into consideration the widespread use of Octocrylene in cosmetic products, the number of reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis appears to be negligible.

It should be noted that occurrence of photoallergy to Octocrylene is strongly related to a previous photoallergy to topical ketoprofen. Exposure to Octocrylene from other products than those in this Opinion has not been considered.

The SCCS mandates do not address environmental aspects. Therefore, this assessment did not cover the safety of Octocrylene for the environment.

Keywords:

SCCS, scientific opinion, Octocrylene, UV-filter, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS No 6197-30-4, EC No 228-250-8

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on Octocrylene (CAS No 6197-30-4, EC No 228-250-8), preliminary version of 15 January 2021, final version of 30-31 March 2021, SCCS/1627/21.