SCCS – Opinion on the safety of Acetophenone (CAS No. 98-86-2, EC No. 202-708-7)
Opinion being finalised
Expert opinion
Details
Publication date: 4 May 2026
Author: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)
Description:
SCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson), J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven
SCCS external experts: E. Benfenati, N. Cabaton, E. Corsini, Ch. Delmaar, A. Koutsodimou, H. Louro, W. Uter, N. von Goetz (Rapporteur)
Contact: SANTE-SCCS ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1689/26
Adopted on: 30 April 2026
Conclusion of the opinion:
(1) In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the possible classification as ‘Repr.1B’ under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), does the SCCS consider Acetophenone safe, when present as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products, provided that its concentration does not exceed 100 ppm (0.01%) in the finished cosmetic product?
In light of the data provided and taking into consideration the possible classification as ‘Repr.1B’ under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), the SCCS considers Acetophenone safe when present up to a maximum concentration of 100 ppm (0.01%) in cosmetic products, taking also into account sources of exposure other than cosmetics (food, tobacco smoking).
(2) Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS, the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Acetophenone as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products?
(3) Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns regarding the use of Acetophenone as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products?
Natural complex substances (NCS) as such were not assessed, so the conclusion on safety only relates to Acetophenone as part of NCS, and not to NCS as such.
Keywords: SCCS, scientific opinion, Acetophenone, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS No. 98-86-2, EC No. 202-708-7
Opinion to be cited as: SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on the safety of Acetophenone (CAS No. 98-86-2, EC No. 202-708-7), preliminary version of 30 April 2026, SCCS/1689/26.