On 1 April 2026, ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) announced that two preservatives used in cosmetics were the subject of an intention for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) (for Climbazole) and a classification proposal (for Benzylhemiformal).
Climbazole
Climbazole (CAS No.38083-17-9, EC No.253-775-4, INCI: Climbazole) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the functions: Anti-seborrheic, Antimicrobial, Preservative.
The substance is currently not listed in Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
It is regulated by the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009:
• Annex V/32 (Authorised preservatives) limits its maximum concentration to 0.2% in hair lotions, face creams and foot care products, and to 0.5% in rinse-off shampoos;
• Annex III/310 (Restricted substances) limits it to 2% in rinse-off anti-dandruff shampoos.
Belgium intends, in particular, to propose that the substance be classified as an endocrine disruptor for environment.
Benzylhemiformal
(Benzyloxy)methanol or (Phenylmethoxy)methanol (CAS No.14548-60-8, EC No.238-588-8, INCI: Benzylhemiformal) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the function: Preservative.
The substance is currently not listed in Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
It is regulated by the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009:
• Annex V/55 (Authorised preservatives) limits its maximum concentration to 0.15% in rinse-off products.
Austria proposes to classify the substance as follows
• Acute Tox. 4*, H302 - Harmful if swallowed.
• Acute Tox. 4*, H312 - Harmful in contact with skin.
• Acute Tox. 2*, H330 …
