Safety Assessment of Hexyl Salicylate Exposure in Children Under Three Years from Cosmetic Products: An Addendum to SCCS Opinion SCCS/1658/23

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs has requested an addendum to the SCCS Opinion on Hexyl Salicylate (Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, CAS No. 6259-76-3).

This request aims to address concerns regarding children's exposure to this ingredient from cosmetic products. Hexyl Salicylate, commonly used in fragrances for various consumer goods, has been classified by ECHA as a "Toxic for Reproduction Category 2" and "Skin Sensitizer Category 1." While the SCCS deemed it safe for adult use within certain concentration limits, it highlighted the lack of specific data on children's exposure, especially for those under three years old. In response, the industry provided additional data in May 2024.

The SCCS is now tasked with assessing the safety of Hexyl Salicylate for children under three years, considering the new information provided.

MORE INFO ON: health.ec.europa.eu