1 October 2025
SCCS preliminary assessment on Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric salts
December 2025 – SCCS preliminary assessment on Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric salts as preservatives in cosmetic products.
On October 30th, 2025, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) adopted its preliminary assessment on the use of Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric salts as preservatives in cosmetic products (SCCS/1686/25).
Background
Mercury and its compounds are already prohibited in cosmetics products under the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 (entry 221 from Annex II), with two specific exceptions.
The entries 16 and 17 of Annex V, allow the use of Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric salts as preservatives in Eye products when used at concentrations of up to 0.007% (expressed as mercury).
Although already strictly regulated, the Commission requested the SCCS to provide scientific advice on the safety of these substances in light of updated scientific data and the known health risks associated with mercury and its compounds.
Conclusion
In this preliminary opinion, the SCCS concludes that Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric salts cannot be considered safe at the concentration levels currently permitted in cosmetic products.
What is next?
The preliminary opinion is now open for comments until January 21st, 2026.
Once the consultation period ends, all data will be examined and the SCCS will finalise its assessment and publish the final opinion.
We should then expect the publication of a draft regulation amending the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 to implement the SCCS opinion.
Biorius will closely monitor this topic and update this Information Letter accordingly if needed.
We hope that this letter will be of help and stay at your disposal for any questions related to this topic. Should you have any questions, please, feel free to contact your dedicated Customer Relationship Manager.
Your Biorius Team
Author
Christophe Brault-Chevalier
Christophe Brault-Chevalier is the Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Director at Biorius, bringing over 20 years of experience in the cosmetics industry. He has previously held positions at International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) and LVMH, further enhancing his expertise in the field.
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