EU Deems Four Potentially Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Safe in Cosmetics

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has deemed the use of four potentially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) within specific, defined concentrations are safe. The four chemicals are resorcinol, propylparaben, and UV filters benzophenone-3 and octocrylene. Resorcinol is used most frequently as an antioxidant in hair dyes and toners and less often in dandruff shampoos. In their opinion, the members of the SCCS admit that endocrines are affected in in-vitro and animal experiments. However, no negative effects have yet been shown in human studies. The committee thus concluded that the use of the products for hair and eyelashes is safe in concentrations up to 1.25% and in hair lotions and in shampoos up to concentrations of 0.5%.   

Regarding the use of propylparaben as a preservative in cosmetics, the SCCS has no concerns as long as the maximum concentration does not exceed 0.14%.  

For UV filters benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and octocrylene, the authors’ opinion refers to missing data. The studies undertaken so far are not conclusive and are insufficient to classify the chemicals clearly as endocrine-disrupting. The SCCS regards the use of BP-3 safe when its concentration in body creams and sprays remains under 2.2%. For octocrylene, the committee approves of a maximum concentration up to 10%.  

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