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 preliminary Opinion, which is open for comment until 17 June 2025.
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.
For an exhaustive background information, see the article
• UV Filters: two requests for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 14 October 2024
The SCCS Opinion
In light of technical and scientific progress, available scientific literature, relevant in silico tools and the SCCS’ expert judgement and taking under consideration in particular the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS is requested:
(1) to identify and justify whether there are specific concerns regarding the use of Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5 in cosmetic products;
Benzophenone 2 (BP-2)
Having considered all the available data, and the concerns relating to potential endocrine disrupting …
