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 industry submitted a dossier in defense of the substance. The European Commission has mandated the SCCS to evaluate it.
Background
Heliotropin (CAS No.120-57-0, EC No.204-409-7), also known as piperonal, is an aromatic compound commonly used in cosmetic products for its sweet, floral scent. Naturally found in some essential oils but mostly produced synthetically, Heliotropin is a popular fragrance ingredient in perfumes, lotions, creams, shampoos, and deodorants. In addition, Heliotropin can function as a fixative, helping to stabilize and prolong other scents in a formulation, as well as a masking agent, softening the odour of other ingredients to enhance overall product appeal.
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.)”.
Following the RAC opinion, the European Commission may propose a classification for Heliotropin as a “Repr.1B” (CLP Regulation Annex VI entry).
According to Article 15(2) of the Cosmetics Regulation, “The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 1A or 1B under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No.1272/2008 shall be prohibited.
However, such substances may be used in cosmetic products by way of exception where, subsequent to their classification as CMR …
