Following the opinion of the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) in favor of the CLH classification of Heliotropin (a fragrance ingredient), notably as Repr. 1B, the European Commission has mandated the SCCS to assess its safety in cosmetic products. The Scientific Committee has just published its preliminary Opinion.
Background
Heliotropin (CAS No.120-57-0, EC No.204-409-7, INCI: Heliotropine), also known as piperonal, is an aromatic compound naturally found in some essential oils but mostly produced synthetically, and commonly used in cosmetic products.
The European Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA issued in September 2024 an opinion recommending among others a classification for Heliotropin as “Reprotoxic of Category 1B (H360FD - May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.)”.
In June 2025, the Commission services received a dossier to defend the safe use of Heliotropin as an ingredient in fine fragrances for adults only according to Article 15(2) of the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
For an exhaustive background information, see the article
• Heliotropin: request for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 7 July 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) and the conditions laid out in Article 15 (2) (d) of the Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009, does the SCCS consider Heliotropin, safe when used as an ingredient in fine fragrances for adults only up to 1.8%?
Based on the assessment of data provided and taking into consideration the …
