In view of its forthcoming CLH classification as a reprotoxic substance (and therefore CMR), the industry has submitted a dossier in defense of the safe use of Tea tree oil. The SCCS has just assessed the dossier and published its final Opinion.
Background
The European Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA issued in February 2024 (adopted in November 2023) an opinion recommending among others a classification for TTO as “Reprotoxic of Category 1B (H360Fd)”.
In August 2024, the Commission services received a dossier to defend the safe use of Tea Tree Oil (CAS/EC No.68647-73-4 /285-377-1) as an ingredient with anti-seborrheic and antimicrobial function in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products according to Article 15(2) of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009.
The SCCS adopted its preliminary Opinion in May 2025.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Proposed CLH classification for Tea tree extract and essential oil, CosmeticOBS, 5 December 2022
• Tea Tree EO, HEMA and HMPA: ECHA’s RAC opinions on the proposed CLH classifications, CosmeticOBS, 11 December 2023
• Fragrances: three requests for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 14 October 2024
• Tea Tree oil : preliminary Opinion of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 10 June 2025
This Opinion has been subject to a commenting period of min eight weeks after its initial publication (from 6 June to 18 August due to holiday period). Comments received during this period were considered by the SCCS. Main …
