Call for the SCCS for a new opinion on Hydroxycitronellal in cosmetic products
May 19, 2026 - Cosmetics
Call for the SCCS for a new opinion on Hydroxycitronellal in cosmetic products
On May 4, 2026, the SCCS (Scientific Committee and Advisory Body of the EU) received a mandate to reassess the fragrance ingredient Hydroxycitronellal (CAS No. 107-75-5).
Currently, this substance is regulated according to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 Annex III, serial number 72. It is required to be declared on the INCI list if present above 10ppm (leave-on products) or 100ppm (rinse-off products). For certain product groups, there is also a maximum limit of 0.1%. The following questions have been posed to the SCCS as part of the mandate, to be answered within 12 months:
- Does the SCCS consider Hydroxycitronellal to be safe concerning its sensitization potential when used as a fragrance component in cosmetic products at the maximum concentrations specified in the submitted documents, considering the presented data and the application of the QRA2 methodology for the endpoint "sensitization"?
- Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns regarding the use of QRA2 to derive safe upper limits for Hydroxycitronellal or fragrance allergens in general?
The QRA2 method (Quantitative Risk Assessment 2) is a novel procedure for evaluating and assessing possible risks of fragrances concerning the development of skin sensitizations (allergies).
Hydroxycitronellal is part of the scope of allergenic fragrance testing offered by BAV. We test all declarable fragrances for you, including those according to Regulation (EC) No. 2023/1545.
Do you have questions about the analysis or toxicological evaluation of fragrances? Contact us, and we will be pleased to assist you with our investigations and regulatory expertise.
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