Updates on Cosmetic Regulations in Europe (June)

Updates on Cosmetic Regulations in Europe (June)

1. EU SCCS Issues Assessment Opinion on Prostaglandin Analogs
On May 28, 2025, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a preliminary opinion on prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) (SCCS/1680/25). The public consultation period ends on August 18, 2025.

The assessment primarily focuses on three substances: Methylamido Dihydro Norlatanoprost (MDN), Isopropyl Cloprostenate (IPCP), and Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoroethyl Cloprostenamide (DDDE).

After evaluating all evidence provided by the applicant regarding the safety of three prostaglandin analogs (PGAs)—IPCP, MDN, and DDDE—in cosmetics for eyelash and eyebrow growth, the SCCS concluded that the use of these substances in such products cannot be considered safe.

2. EU SCCS Issues Assessment Opinion on Tea Tree Oil
On May 28, 2025, the EU SCCS published a preliminary opinion on Tea Tree Oil (SCCS/1681/25). The public consultation period ends on August 18, 2025.

The SCCS considers Tea Tree Oil safe for use in cosmetics as a sebum control and antibacterial agent at the following maximum concentrations:

• Shampoo: 2.0%

• Body wash: 1.0%

• Facial cleanser: 1.0%

• Face cream: 0.1%

The SCCS emphasizes that this opinion applies only under the following conditions:

• The chemical composition of TTO in the final cosmetic product must comply with the latest international standard (ISO 4730:2017).

• TTO is limited to dermal cosmetics and must not be used in spray or aerosol products that may lead to consumer inhalation exposure.

3. EU SCCS Issues Final Opinion on EHMC
On June 30, 2025, the EU SCCS published its final opinion on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) (SCCS/1671/24).

Based on the data provided and considering EHMC’s potential endocrine-disrupting properties, the SCCS concludes that EHMC is safe at concentrations up to 10% as a UV filter in sun milks, face and hand creams, lipsticks, and sunscreen sprays (propellant and pump sprays), whether used individually or in combination. Due to the high Margin of Safety (MoS), the SCCS also considers its use safe in products intended for children.

4. EU SCCS Issues Final Opinion on DHHB
On June 30, 2025, the EU SCCS published its final opinion on Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) (SCCS/1678/25). Given the existence of alternative production processes, the SCCS recommends setting the maximum residue limit for DnHexP as an impurity in DHHB at 1 ppm.

5. EU SCCS Issues Final Opinion on Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5
On June 30, 2025, the EU SCCS published its final opinion on Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5 (SCCS/1679/25).

For Benzophenone-2, considering all available data and concerns about potential endocrine-disrupting properties, the SCCS cannot conclude on its safety due to the inability to rule out genotoxicity concerns.

For Benzophenone-5, the SCCS considers it safe at a maximum concentration of 5% as a UV filter in sunscreens, face creams, hand creams, lipsticks, and sunscreen sprays (propellant and pump sprays), whether used individually or in combination (based on aggregate exposure from Benzophenone-4).