EU Limits Use of Methyl-n-methylanthranilate Fragrance

The EU plans to restrict the use of the methyl-n-methylanthranilate (M-N-MA) fragrance and list it in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation. In this draft legislation, the EU is following a recommendation of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Experts on the committee indicated that the substance is phototoxic, meaning that it should not be used in sunscreens. And because M-N-MA is also easily nitrosable, it should not be used together with nitrosating agents.  

The draft of the Annex defines a maximum allowable concentration of 0.1% for leave-on products and 0.2% for rinse-off products, like shower baths or shampoos – cosmetics that come into brief contact with the skin and are then washed off. Leave-on products, like sunscreens, remain on the skin.  

Comments are allowed on the draft until May 14. The restriction is expected to be approved in the third quarter of this year.  

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