(1)

The substance Biphenyl-2-ol and its salts, which have been assigned the names o-phenylphenol, MEA o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate and sodium o-phenylphenate under the International Nomenclature of Cosmetics Ingredients (INCI), are currently allowed as preservatives in cosmetic products with a maximum concentration of 0,2 % (as phenol) in ready for use preparation under entry 7 of Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

(2)

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in its opinion of 25 June 2015, revision of 15 December 2015, (2) as regards the use of o-phenylphenol as a preservative, that a maximum concentration of 0,2 % in leave-on cosmetic products is not safe, while a maximum concentration of 0,15 % in such products can be considered safe, and that a maximum concentration of 0,2 % in rinse-off cosmetic products is considered safe. The SCCS also concluded that there might be a potential of injury to the vision system attributable to o-phenylphenol.

(3)

Following concerns raised by several Member States regarding the use of MEA o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate and sodium o-phenylphenate, the SCCS indicated in an addendum to the above-mentioned opinion, adopted on 21-22 February 2018, (3) that the same conclusions on the safe use levels of o-phenylphenol cannot be applied as such to sodium o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate or MEA o-phenylphenate. The SCCS stated that sodium o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate and MEA o-phenylphenate may have potentially more potent toxic effects than o-phenylphenol due to greater skin penetration. The SCCS concluded that a potential risk to human health from the use of these substances as preservatives in cosmetic products cannot be excluded.

(4)

In light of the above-mentioned SCCS opinions and in view of the potential risk to human health arising from the use of those substances, the use of o-phenylphenol as a preservative should be allowed with a maximum concentration of 0,15 % in leave-on and 0,2 % in rinse-off cosmetic products. In addition, it should be indicated that contact with eyes should be avoided. The use of sodium o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate and MEA o-phenylphenate as preservatives should not be allowed.

(5)

Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(6)

The industry should be allowed a reasonable period of time to adapt to the new requirements by making the necessary adjustments to product formulations to ensure that only products complying with those requirements are placed on the market. The industry should also be allowed a reasonable period of time to withdraw products which do not comply with the new requirements from the market.

(7)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products,