During the month of August 2025, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), the Agency responsible for the CLP Regulation in Great Britain, published its Opinions on the harmonised classification and labelling of three ingredients for cosmetic use in the GB MCL (Mandatory Classification and Labelling), the equivalent of Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation. With a notable divergence from the ECHA RAC opinion for Tea Tree essential oil.
HEMA
2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (CAS: 868-77-9; CE: 212-782-2; INCI: HEMA) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the declared function “Nail sculpting”.
The HSE proposes the following classifications.
• STOT SE 3, H335 - May cause respiratory irritation, with a specific concentration limit ≥ 10%.
• Skin Irrit. 2, H315 - Causes skin irritation.
• Eye Irrit. 2, H319 - Causes serious eye irritation.
• Skin Sens. 1, H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• Note D (Certain substances which are susceptible to spontaneous polymerisation or decomposition are generally placed on the market in a stabilised form. It is in this form that they are listed in Part 3. However, such substances are sometimes placed on the market in a non-stabilised form. In this case, the supplier must state on the label the name of the substance followed by the words “non-stabilised”.)
This Opinion is in line with that of the ECHA’s RAC, issued in December 2023.
HPMA
HPMA (CAS 27813-02-1; EC: 248-666-3; INCI: Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate) is an ingredient listed in Cosing, with the declared function “Film forming”.
The HSE proposes the following classifications.
• STOT SE 3, H335 - May …
