Regulatory Updates: Dihydroxyacetone, Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene in cosmetic products

The Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) has recently published opinions on the safety of Dihydroxyacetone, Benzophenone-3 and Octocrylene in cosmetic products. It is expected that changes to the United Kingdom (UK) cosmetic regulation will be implemented through a statutory instrument.

Dihydroxyacetone is not currently listed in the UK cosmetic regulation but it is restricted to 10% in self-tan products and 6.25% in non-oxidative hair dye products in the European Union (EU). SAG-CS are of the opinion that Dihydroxyacetone is safe for use by adults at up to 14% in leave on self-tan (lotion and non-aerosol spray) and leave on self-tan (spray booth weekly application), 22.5% in rinse-off self-tan (rinse off lotion) and 6.25% in non-oxidative hair colourant.

Benzophenone-3 is a UV filter which is listed in annex VI of the UK and EU cosmetic regulations. In the UK Benzophenone-3 is restricted to a maximum concentration of 6% when used as a UV filter and 0.5% when used to protect the product. SAG-CS reviewed the safety of Benzophenone-3 as it may have endocrine disrupting properties. They concluded that it was safe at up to 6% in face cream, hand cream and lip products, up to 2.2% when applied to the whole body and 0.5% when used as a UV stabiliser to protect the product. This opinion is similar to how Benzophenone-3 is regulated in the EU.

Octocrylene is a UV filter which is listed in annex VI of the UK and EU cosmetic regulations. It is permitted to be used at 10% as a UV filter in the UK. The SAG-CS opinion is that it is still safe to be used as a UV filter at 10%. In the EU Octocrylene is permitted to be used at up to 10% in cosmetic products except propellant spray where it is restricted to a maximum concentration of 9%.

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