SCCS - Request for a scientific Opinion on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC)

Request for a scientific opinion on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) (CAS No. 5466- 77-3/83834-59-7, EC No. 226-775-7/629-661-9)

Commission Department requesting the Opinion: Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

1. Background on substances with endocrine disrupting properties

On 7 November 2018, the Commission adopted the review1 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (‘Cosmetics Regulation’) regarding substances with endocrine disrupting (ED) properties. The review concluded that the Cosmetics Regulation provides the adequate tools to regulate the use of cosmetic substances that present a potential risk for human health, including when displaying ED properties.

The Cosmetics Regulation does not have explicit provisions on EDs. However, it provides a regulatory framework with a view to ensuring a high level of protection of human health. Environmental concerns that substances used in cosmetic products may raise are considered through the application of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (‘REACH Regulation’).

In the review, the Commission commits to establishing a priority list of potential EDs not already covered by bans or restrictions in the Cosmetics Regulation for their subsequent safety assessment. A priority list of 28 potential EDs in cosmetics was consolidated in early 2019 based on input provided through a stakeholder consultation. The Commission carried out a public call for data in 20192 for 14 substances (Group A) 3 and a second call in 20214 for 10 substances (Group B) 5 in preparation of the safety assessment of these substances. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is one of the above-mentioned substances for which the call for data took place.