SCCS Issued Final Opinion on Biphenyl-2-ol and Sodium 2-biphenylolate Used in Cosmetic Products

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued a final opinion on Biphenyl-2-ol and Sodium 2-biphenylolate  used in cosmetic products.

SCCS/1669/24 was published on October 25, 2024, and refers to CAS/EC No.90-43-7/201-993-5 and CAS/EC No.132-27-4/205-055-6.

The SCCS concludes the following:

1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the classification as “Carcinogen Cat. 2”, does the SCCS consider o-Phenylphenol safe when used as a preservative up to a maximum concentration of 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.15 % in leave-on cosmetic products?

In light of the data provided, the SCCS considers o-Phenylphenol safe when used as a preservative up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.15% in leave-on cosmetic products. O-Phenylphenol and Sodium o-Phenylphenate, when used together, should not exceed the maximum concentration of 0.15% in leave-on cosmetic products and should not exceed the maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off cosmetic products.

Since this safety dossier was related to dermally applied products only, the SCCS did not consider oral and inhalation routes.

2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS, the maximum concentration considered safe for use of o-Phenylphenol in cosmetic products?

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3. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the classification as “Carcinogen Cat. 2” of o-Phenylphenol, does the SCCS consider Sodium o-Phenylphenate safe when used as a preservative up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.15% in leave-on cosmetic products?

In light of the data provided, the SCCS considers Sodium o-Phenylphenate safe when used as a preservative up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.15% in leave-on cosmetic products. Sodium o-Phenylphenate and o-Phenylphenol, when used together, should not exceed the maximum concentration 0.15% in leave-on cosmetic products and should not exceed the maximum concentration 0.2% in rinse-off cosmetic products.

Since the safety dossier related to dermally applied products only, the SCCS did not consider oral and inhalation routes.

4. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS, the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Sodium o-Phenylphenate in cosmetic products?

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5. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of O-Phenylphenol and Sodium o-Phenylphenate in cosmetic products?

The SCCS mandates do not address environmental aspects. Therefore, this assessment did not cover the safety of O-Phenylphenol and Sodium o-Phenylphenate for the environment.

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Further Information

https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/83cee23f-24be-4ec4-8987-b289c3e0427a_en?filename=sccs_o_291.pdf