EU’s SCCS publishes opinion on the use of benzophenone in cosmetic products

On 15 December 2023, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published the preliminary opinion on benzophenone–4.

Background

The EU Cosmetics Regulation provides adequate tools to regulate the use of cosmetic substances that present a potential risk to human health, including those with  endocrine-disrupting (ED) properties. The Regulation addresses the environmental concerns raised by substances used in cosmetic products through the application of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation). The Commission commits to establishing a priority list of potential Eds not covered by bans or restrictions in the Cosmetics Regulation for their safety assessment. A public call for data was conducted for 14 substances in 2019 and 10 substances in 2021.

About SCCS opinion

2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulphonic acid, also known as  benzophenone-4, is a UV filter in sunscreen products that absorbs UV light over a broad range of wavelengths to protect the skin from UVB and UVA damage. It is also listed in the European database for cosmetic substances and ingredients as a UV stabilizer and UV absorber for protecting cosmetic formulations against sunlight.

In 1999, the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products (SCCNFP) evaluated benzophenone-4 and concluded that it can be safely used in cosmetic sunscreen formulations at a maximum concentration of 5%, expressed as acid, and proposed no further restrictions or conditions for its use in cosmetic products. The Commission requests a safety assessment of benzophenone-4 based on the information provided.

Considering the possible  endocrine-disrupting effects of benzophenone-4 and the results of the safety assessment, the SCCS considers that benzophenone-4 is safe to use as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 5% in sunscreens, pump spray, lipstick, face, and hand cream, and sunscreen propellant spray, either alone or in combination (based on deterministic aggregate exposure).

Deadline for comments

The preliminary opinion is open for public comments until 16 February 2024.