What Is the Proposed REACH Restriction on UV Filter Octocrylene in Cosmetics?
France has proposed a REACH restriction that would prohibit cosmetics containing Octocrylene at concentrations of 0.001% w/w or higher, primarily due to environmental concerns.
The restriction has not yet been adopted, and Octocrylene remains permitted under current EU cosmetics rules. ECHA still lists the proposal at the “Opinion development” stage.
What Is the Current Permitted Concentration of Octocrylene in EU Cosmetics?
Octocrylene (CAS 6197-30-4; EC 228-250-8), a UV filter widely used in cosmetic products, is currently authorised by Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 up to a maximum concentration of 10% in finished products, with a limit of 9% for propellant spray products.
What Is the Regulatory Status and Proposed REACH Limit for Octocrylene in Cosmetics?
The regulatory status of Octocrylene in the European Union could change significantly following a restriction proposal submitted by France under the REACH Regulation.
The proposal specifically concerns finished cosmetic products and provides for a ban on placing on the market or use when Octocrylene is present at a concentration equal to or greater than 0.001% w/w. The measure, if adopted, should become applicable 24 months after its entry into force.
Why Is Octocrylene Facing a Proposed REACH Restriction?
The proposal does not arise from a re-evaluation of the safety of the ingredient for the consumer under the Cosmetics Regulation, but mainly from environmental concerns.
Octocrylene is in fact considered dangerous for aquatic and sedimentary organisms, persistent or very persistent and characterised by a certain capacity for bioaccumulation. It is also suspected of having endocrine-disrupting properties in the environment.
What Is the Current Status of the Octocrylene REACH Restriction?
The French dossier was formally submitted in July 2025. ECHA’s RAC subsequently assessed the proposal and SEAC developed its socio-economic opinion; the related consultation ended in August 2026.
As of October 2026, however, a definitive REACH restriction has not yet been adopted by the European Commission. ECHA continues to list the status as being at the “Opinion development” stage.
How Could the Proposed Octocrylene Restriction Affect Cosmetic Brands?
It is premature to consider Octocrylene already banned or subject to the 0.001% limit. However, the process is sufficiently advanced to make it appropriate for manufacturers and owners of cosmetic products to evaluate formulation alternatives and impacts on the continuity of formulations in time.
Key Takeaways: Octocrylene REACH Restriction
- Octocrylene is currently permitted in EU cosmetics at up to 10%, or 9% in propellant spray products.
- France has proposed a REACH restriction at concentrations of 0.001% w/w or higher, primarily due to environmental concerns.
- The European Commission has not yet adopted the restriction, and ECHA still lists the proposal at the “Opinion development” stage.
- If adopted, the restriction would apply 24 months after entry into force.
