EU seeks public input on Preliminary Opinion on Benzophenone - 4 by SCCS

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has issued a preliminary opinion on benzophenone-4, a UV filter used in cosmetic products. The SCCS concluded that benzophenone-4 is safe when used up to a maximum concentration of 5% in various cosmetic products. The compound has been tested for toxicological properties, including acute oral toxicity, skin irritation, eye irritation, and skin sensitization. Results show low toxicity in acute oral toxicity studies, no adverse effects in skin irritation and eye irritation studies, and no allergic contact dermatitis in human subjects. In vitro genotoxicity studies, such as the Ames test and mammalian cell gene mutation assay, did not show that benzophenone-4 could cause mutations. Reproductive toxicity studies in rats showed no adverse effects on fertility, reproductive performance, or offspring development at the highest tested doses. The compound has low water solubility and a low partition coefficient, indicating limited potential for systemic absorption through the skin.

Deadline for comments is on February 16, 2024.