Following the publication of a list of suspected endocrine disruptors to be assessed on a priority basis, and the subsequent call for data, the European Commission has requested the SCCS to assess the safety of Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5. The Scientific Committee has just published its final Opinion.
Background
Benzophenone-2 (BP-2) (CAS No.131-55-5, EC No.205-028-9) is currently not regulated under the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2099. The substance is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor, while it is also suspected of polluting surface waters and of endangering aquatic organisms.
Benzophenone-5 (BP-5) (CAS No.6628-37-1, EC No.613-918-7) eis currently regulated as a UV-filter (entry 22 of Annex VI) at a maximum concentration of 5% (as acid). Benzophenone-4, of which Benzophenone-5 is the sodium salt, is also regulated under the same entry and has been recently re-evaluated by the SCCS in view of its potential endocrine activity.
The SCCS published its preliminary Opinion in March 2025.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• UV Filters: two requests for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 14 October 2024
• Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5: preliminary Opinion of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 28 April 2025
This scientific advice has been subject to a commenting period of eight weeks after its initial publication (from 22 April to 17 June 2025). Comments received during this period were considered by the SCCS.
There was no change in the final version.
The final Opinion
In light of technical and scientific progress, available scientific literature, …
