INTRODUCTION on ED & BHT
On 7 November 2018, the European Commission adopted the review of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (‘Cosmetics Regulation’) regarding substances with endocrine disrupting (ED) properties.
The Commission established a priority list of 28 potential Eds, for their subsequent safety assessment by the Scientific Council on Consumer Products (SCCS).
SCCS opinion on BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) (CAS No 128-37-0, EC No 204-881-4) is part of the priority list and the Scientific Council on Consumer Products (SCCS) published its opinion on BHT on December 2nd, 2021.
On the basis of a safety assessment, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine-disrupting properties of BHT, the SCCS is of the opinion that BHT is safe as an ingredient up to a maximum concentration of:
- 0.1% in toothpaste
- 0.001% in mouthwash
- 0.8% in other leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products
The European Commission is currently drafting a regulation amending the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, to include the maximum percentages mentioned in the SCCS opinion into the Annex III of the European Cosmetic Regulation.
Applications dates of this future draft regulation are still under discussion but could be as short as:
- 6 months for placing compliant products on the market
- 12 months for withdrawing product not compliant from the market
For more information please contact your dedicated Account Manager.
