SCCS Issues Final Opinion on Acetophenone Safety
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has finalized its evaluation of the perfume ingredient used in cosmetics.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Chemistry
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The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has published its final opinion regarding the safety of Acetophenone. The assessment follows a request from the European Commission to review the perfuming agent after a reclassification recommendation.
Why it matters
The review was mandated after the European Chemicals Agency Risk Assessment Committee recommended labeling the substance as Reprotoxic Category 1B in March 2025. This safety assessment determines the future regulatory status of the compound in cosmetic formulations.
The SCCS evaluated Acetophenone, which carries the CAS registration number 98-86-2 and EC registration number 202-708-7. The industry defended its use as a constituent in Natural Complex Substances at concentrations not exceeding 100 ppm.
The players
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
This is an independent scientific body that provides the European Commission with risk assessments on non-food consumer products.
European Chemicals Agency Risk Assessment Committee
This committee is responsible for preparing opinions on the intrinsic properties of substances and their potential risks to human health or the environment.
European Commission
This is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and implementing regulatory decisions.
The details
The SCCS reviewed a dossier submitted by the industry to defend the inclusion of the aromatic compound in consumer goods. This final opinion incorporates feedback gathered during a public commenting period held in mid-2026.
Timeline
March 2025: The ECHA Risk Assessment Committee recommended a Reprotoxic Category 1B classification.
September 2025: The industry informed the European Commission of its safety defense.
April 30, 2026: The public commenting period for the scientific advice began.
May 2026: The SCCS published its preliminary opinion on the substance.
July 6, 2026: The public commenting period concluded.
The Big Picture
This assessment aligns with the European Chemicals Agency Reprotoxic Category 1B classification standards. The SCCS findings represent a crucial step in aligning industry product safety with updated union-wide chemical hazard guidelines.
Consumers should be aware that this opinion is a prerequisite for potential future changes to the ingredients allowed in cosmetic products. The final regulatory decision may ultimately influence the composition of perfumes and scented products available on the market.
The takeaway
This final opinion marks the completion of the SCCS review process for this specific aromatic compound. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming European Commission announcements to see if this advisory leads to new product restrictions.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Chemistry to understand how substances are regulated in the EU.
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