The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has submitted a dossier to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the REACH Regulation, proposing a significant restriction on the use of octocrylene in cosmetic products.

Octocrylene is a commonly used UV filter, photostabiliser, and UV absorber, frequently found in sunscreens, color cosmetics, day creams, and fragrances. Its role in formulations is to protect against UV-induced degradation and enhance product stability.

ANSES conducted a risk assessment, which concluded that the use of octocrylene contributes to contamination of aquatic environments and soil.

The findings indicate potential risks to:

– The reproduction and growth of aquatic organisms,

– Species living in sediment and soil,

– Possible toxic effects on the thyroid and reproductive systems, suggesting octocrylene may act as an endocrine disruptor.

The proposal seeks to limit the maximum authorised concentration of octocrylene in all cosmetic products to an extent that its technical function would no longer be effective. In practice, this would mean that cosmetic products containing octocrylene would no longer be viable and could ultimately be withdrawn from the EU market if the restriction is adopted.

The dossier is under ECHA’s review and public consultation process before potential inclusion in the EU’s REACH restriction list.