Seven New SAG-CS Opinions on Cosmetic Ingredients: Changes in Great Britain
What do the new SAG-CS opinions mean for cosmetic ingredients in Great Britain?
On 21 August 2026, the UK Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) published seven new scientific opinions concerning the safety of cosmetic ingredients. The opinions cover triclocarban, sodium orthophenylphenate (SOPP), triclosan, daidzein, orthophenylphenol (OPP), resorcinol and silver. For six of the seven substances, the conclusions broadly align with restrictions already established under the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
What does the SAG-CS do for UK cosmetics?
The SAG-CS provides independent scientific advice to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). Its opinions do not themselves amend UK legislation, but they can inform future regulatory decisions concerning cosmetic ingredients in Great Britain.
What did the SAG-CS conclude about triclocarban, SOPP and OPP?
Triclocarban was considered safe up to 1.5% in rinse-off products for adults and up to 0.2% when used as a preservative, subject to specific exclusions. SOPP and OPP were considered acceptable at up to 0.2% in rinse-off products and 0.15% in leave-on products.
What did the SAG-CS conclude about triclosan, daidzein and resorcinol?
Triclosan was considered safe at specific concentrations depending on the product category, while daidzein was considered safe up to 0.02%. Resorcinol was considered safe under existing UK conditions, including up to 1.25% in oxidative hair dyes and eyelash colouring products and 0.5% in hair lotions and shampoos.
What did the SAG-CS conclude about micron-sized silver?
Their conclusion on micron-sized silver was the most notable development. The SAG-CS considered silver acceptable at 0.3% in certain leave-on and rinse-off products, 0.2% in lip products and 0.05% in mouthwashes and toothpastes. Some of these conclusions differ from the EU framework, particularly for rinse-off products and oral-care applications.
Conclusion: What do the new SAG-CS opinions mean for cosmetic brands?
These opinions demonstrate that, despite continued alignment in many areas, Great Britain and the EU are increasingly capable of developing different regulatory positions on cosmetic ingredients. Companies marketing cosmetics in both markets should therefore monitor UK regulatory developments separately rather than assuming that EU compliance will automatically ensure GB compliance.
