EU SCCS Releases Final Scientific Opinion on EHMC
At the end of July 2025, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) officially released the final safety assessment opinion on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC), which clearly states that under current cosmetic regulations, the use of this ingredient at concentrations not exceeding 10% is safe. This conclusion follows the preliminary assessment conclusion previously released by SCCS in 2021, but this final opinion further strengthens the focus on exposure conditions, product form, and frequency of use.
EHMC, also known as Octinoxate, it is a common ultraviolet B (UVB) absorber widely used in sunscreen, daily skincare, and makeup products. However, the discussion surrounding its potential endocrine disruption risk has been heating up in recent years, and the EU has requested manufacturers to provide more toxicological data to assist in judgment.
SCCS points out that existing evidence suggests that EHMC is an endocrine active substance due to its estrogenic activity and anti-androgenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. Considering the data provided and the concerns about the potential endocrine interference characteristics of EHMC, SCCS believes that EHMC is safe when used as ultraviolet filter in sunscreen lotion, face cream and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen spray and pump spray, and its maximum concentration does not exceed 10%, whether used alone or in combination, providing an important reference basis for formula design and product filing in the industry.
In addition to EHMC, the SCCS also simultaneously released the latest safety opinions on two other sunscreen agents — Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Bemotrizinol) and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB), both of which have been confirmed to be safe at the permitted concentrations under regulations.
In addition, it also includes scientific evaluation opinions on Hydroxyapatite (nano) materials, clearly indicating that they are acceptable for use in toothpaste and other products under specific particle sizes and coating conditions.
The final opinion of SCCS usually becomes an important basis for the European Commission to revise the Annexes to Cosmetic Regulation. For sunscreen product brands and formula suppliers who wish to enter the EU market, timely grasp and respond to such scientific opinions means more efficient compliance preparation and product lifecycle management capabilities.
Although EHMC is considered safe under specified conditions, there are still environmental or ecological restrictions on its use in some countries and regions (such as Hawaii, USA). Brand owners should further assess the risks based on the export market of the product and develop alternative ingredient reserves or formula adjustment strategies.
