EU SCCS Issued Final Opinion on Acetophenone

On October 15, 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1689/26) regarding the safety of Acetophenone (CAS No. 98-86-2). Compared with the preliminary opinion issued by SCCS on May 4, 2026, the final opinion issued this time has been updated, and the updated content is marked in red below.

Final Opinion on Acetophenone

In light of the data provided and taking into consideration the possible classification as ‘Repr.1B’ under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), the SCCS considers Acetophenone safe when present up to a maximum concentration of 100 ppm (0.01%) in cosmetic products for adults and children from age 3 years, including exposure from sources other than cosmetics.

Natural complex substances (NCS) were not assessed in this Opinion, so the conclusion on safety only relates to Acetophenone as part of NCS, and not NCS as such.

Assessment Background

In March 2025, the European Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA issued an opinion recommending classification of Acetophenone as 'Reprotoxic Category 1B (H360FD)'. Under Article 15(2) of the Cosmetics Regulation, CMR 1A/1B substances are prohibited in cosmetic products. In view of this, regulatory measures must be adopted by the Commission services for the classification as CMR 1A or 1B of the substance(s) concerned in Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

In September 2025, the European Commission requested SCCS to conduct a safety assessment on Acetophenone in view of the potential classification.

Interpretation of Acetophenone

Acetophenone (CAS No. 98-86-2, EC No. 202-708-7), with chemical name “1-phenylethanone”, is an aromatic compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily as a perfuming agent, valued for its sweet and floral scent. It occurs naturally in various plant extracts (also called “NCS” for Natural Complex Substances), such as essential oils, concretes, absolutes, gums and resinoids. In addition, Acetophenone is also listed as a food additive in Implementing Regulation (EU) No 872/2012.

The Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database – Global CosIng, independently developed by CIRS Group, indicates that Acetophenone (CAS No. 98-86-2) is included in the following lists globally.

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Further Information:
SCCS/1689/26