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Cosmetics & Hygiene Regulatory Watch

EU Revises Cosmetic Requirements on the Use of Two UV Filters

July 28 2022

European Commission revises the maximum concentration levels for the use of Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene as UV filters.

European Commission revises the maximum concentration levels for the use of Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene as UV filters.

On July 7, 2022, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 to amend its restrictions on the use of Benzophenone-3 (CAS no 131-57-7) and Octocrylene (CAS no 6197-30-4) as UV filters in cosmetic products.

Considering the SCCS opinions SCCS/1625/20 on Benzophenone-3 and SCCS/1627/21 on Octocrylene, Annex VI has been amended to restrict the maximum concentration limits allowed for the use of these two substances in different product types.

This regulation enters into force on July 28, 2022.

A period of grace is provided for industry to adopt the new requirements:

    • From 28 January 2023 – only cosmetic products containing those substances and complying with the new restrictions may be placed onto EU markets
    • From 28 July 2023 – only cosmetic products containing those substances and complying with the new restrictions shall be made available on EU markets

Table 1 EU Revises Cosmetic Requirements on the Use of Two UV Filters

Table 2 EU Revises Cosmetic Requirements on the Use of Two UV Filters

Reference Source:

  1. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/1176
  2. SCCS opinion SCCS/1625/20
  3. SCCS opinion SCCS/1627/21

Next step
Since the new requirements reduces the maximum concentration of use of concerned substances in different cosmetic product types, cosmetic player shall start evaluating if the new requirement would bring any impact to their existing products. Changes to formulation might be necessary.

Author
Queenie Tse
Cosmetics & Hygiene - Technical Services Manager

Tags: Cosmetics, articles

    

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