SCCS publishes final opinion on the use of methylparaben in cosmetic products

On 14 December 2023, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on the use of methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products.

Endocrine disrupting substances

The European Commission has adopted a review of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, focusing on substances with endocrine-disrupting properties (EDs). The review found that the Regulation adequately regulates the use of cosmetic substances that pose a potential risk to human health.  Environmental concerns raised by substances used in cosmetic products are covered by the REACH Regulation. The Commission consolidated a priority list of 28 potential EDs in cosmetics in 2019. Methylparaben is considered one of the  endocrine-disrupting substances.

About methylparaben

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, also known as methylparaben, is a preservative that is regulated in various industries, including cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceuticals. It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and is effective against yeasts and  molds. Methylparaben has undergone safety evaluations by the Scientific Committee for Consumer Products (SCCP), and the SCCS in 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2011.

In response to a call for data, stakeholders submitted scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products. The Commission has requested the SCCS to conduct a safety assessment of methylparaben based on the information provided. Methylparaben occurs naturally in various plants and is also synthesized for use in cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceuticals.

Final opinion

Based on the safety assessment considering all available data and the concerns related to endocrine activity, the SCCS concluded that the use of methylparaben as a preservative in cosmetic products is safe at concentrations of up to 0.4 % (expressed as acid) when used alone and up to 0.8 % for mixtures of esters.