Following the opinion of the RAC (Risk Assessment Committee) of the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), which recommended classifying Acetophenone as Rep. 1B, the Commission mandated the SCCS to assess the safety of the substance in cosmetics. The Scientific Committee has just published its preliminary Opinion.
Background
Acetophenone (CAS No.98-86-2, EC No.202-708-7) is an aromatic compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily as a perfuming agent.
The substance occurs naturally in various plant extracts (Natural Complex Substances), such as essential oils, concretes, absolutes, gums and resinoids..
The European Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA issued in March 2025 an opinion recommending among others a classification for Acetophenone as “Reprotoxic of Category 1B (H360FD - May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.)”.
In September 2025, the EU cosmetics industry informed the Commission services that they do not wish to defend the safety of Acetophenone as such, but submitted a dossier to defend its safe use as a constituent in NCS when used, at a concentration not exceeding 100 ppm, in cosmetic products.
For an exhaustive background information, see the article
• Acetophenone: request for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 10 November 2025
The SCCS Opinion
(1) In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the possible classification as “Repr.1B” under Regulation (EC) No.1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), does the SCCS consider Acetophenone safe, when present as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products, provided that its concentration …
