SCCS Acetophenone Opinion Covers Cosmetics For Ages Three And Above

Final Opinion Specifies Concentration And Age Group

The European Commission published the SCCS final opinion on acetophenone on 15 October 2026. Adopted on 14 October, opinion SCCS/1689/26 assesses the substance as a constituent of natural complex substances used in cosmetics.

The committee considers acetophenone safe at up to 100 ppm, equivalent to 0.01%, in finished cosmetic products for adults and children from three years of age. Its conclusion takes account of exposure from sources other than cosmetics.

Assessment Does Not Cover The Whole Natural Substance

The final document explicitly limits its assessment to acetophenone. The natural complex substances containing it were not assessed as a whole.

The stated age range also matters: the conclusion does not establish safety for cosmetics intended for children under three. The concentration refers to the finished cosmetic product, rather than the concentration in an ingredient before formulation.

Scientific Opinion Is Separate From Legislation

The committee considered the possible classification of acetophenone as a category 1B reproductive toxicant. That is part of the assessment's terms of reference. The published document is a scientific opinion, rather than an amendment to the Cosmetics Regulation or a new legal authorisation.

Product Assessments Must Preserve The Opinion’s Scope

Foresight analysis. The finished-product concentration and age range should remain attached to any use of this opinion in a safety assessment. A supplier statement about acetophenone should not be treated as evidence that the whole natural ingredient, or a product for children under three, has been assessed by the SCCS.