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 preparations.
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) revised its opinion on this group of substances, due to concerns raised with respect to related to the use of MEA o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate and sodium o-phenylphenate. In particular, 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.
In light of the above, the Cosmetics Regulation has been amended so that the use of o-phenylphenol as a preservative is allowed with a maximum concentration of 0.15 % in leave-on and 0.2 % in rinse-off cosmetic products. In addition, it needs to be indicated that contact with eyes should be avoided. The use of sodium o-phenylphenate, potassium o-phenylphenate and MEA o-phenylphenate as preservatives is not allowed.
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