SCCS rules UV-filter 3-BC as unsafe

3-BC is currently regulated in the cosmetics Directive in Annex VII, part 1 n19 (“List of permitted UV filters which cosmetic products may contain”) in a concentration of up to 2 per cent while the World Health Organization proposes a minimum value of 100 to conclude that a substance is safe.

The study reported oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic effects and anti-androgenic activities of 3-BC whereby In vivo,​ the substance was found to alter the expression of target genes in male and female rats used in the studies.

However, the SCCS reckons that these results need to be confirmed because of shortcomings in the studies. "No conclusion can be drawn regarding the genotoxity of the substance due to a lack of data."​

The Committee has also adopted an opinion on cosmetic ingredient zink pyrithione and hair dye ingredient hydroxyanthraquinone-aminopropyl methyl morpholinium methosulfate.

In regards to zinc pyrithione, used for preservative purposes in rinse-off hair products, the SCCS ruled it safe to use at a maximum concentration of 1 per cent, but on investigating its use as an anti-dandruff agent in rinse-off hair care products, however, it concluded the ingredient as unsafe.

"This was due to an unsatisfactory MoS for a concentration of up to 2 per cent."​

With hair dye ingredient hydroxyanthraquinone aminopropyl methyl morpholinium methosulfate, the Committee found there to be no concern if used in a maximum concentration of 0.5 per cent.

Also requests an opinion on colorants..​

Meanwhile, the European Commission has also requested an opinion from the SCCS on Carbon Black, CI 77266. The chemical is used in its nano-form as a colourant in cosmetic products.

The EU executive has also requested a clarification on the opinion on zinc oxide (ZnO) that was adopted on 18 September 2012 . Cosmetics Europe submitted a different interpretation of the characteristics of ZnO in its nano-form in January 2013.