Revision of the opinion of on diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) (Preservatives)

WG on Cosmetic Ingredients
SCCS members: U. Bernauer, G. Degen, W. Lilienblum, E. Nielsen, V. Rogiers, T. Sanner (rapporteur), S. Ch. Rastogi (chairman), J. van Engelen, R. Waring, I.R. White, Th. Platzek, Ch. Rousselle, J. van Benthem, A. Luch, P.-J. Coenraads, D. Gawkrodger
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/1507/13
Doi: 10.2772/36098
Adopted on: 18 June 2013

Conclusion of the opinion:

Based on the information submitted, SCCS is of the opinion that:
1. The use of DEGEE at a maximum concentration of 2.6% in cosmetic products taking into account the other uses previously assessed (10% in rinse-off products, 7.0% in oxidative and 5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulation) does not pose a risk to the health of the consumer. 2. the use of DEGEE in the following spray products, fine fragrances, hair sprays, and antiperspirants and deodorants in a concentration up to 2.6% does not pose a risk to the health of the consumer.
3a. Since the systemic daily dose with the current levels and uses of DEGEE considered to be safe for the consumers, is higher than that permitted in previous Opinions, SCCS is of the opinion that the level of ethylene glycol impurity in DEGEE should be decreased from <0.2% to ≤0.1% (DEGEE conforming to this specification are commercially available) in order to avoid consumer exposure to higher dose of this toxic impurity.
3b. The use of DEGEE in products for oral hygiene and the eyes has not been evaluated. Aggregate exposure to diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) from non-cosmetic sources has not been considered.

Keywords:

SCCS, scientific opinion, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, directive 76/768/ECC, CAS 111-90-0, EC 203-919-7

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 26 February 2013, revision of 18 June 2013.