Cosmetics · Octocrylene
Octocrylene in cosmetics: time to review formulations
ECHA’s committees support restricting octocrylene in finished cosmetic products to address environmental risks. For manufacturers, this is a signal to review formulations and options for replacing octocrylene, although the proposed restriction has not yet been adopted.
Reviewed on 6 November 2026.
What has ECHA announced?
On 30 October 2026, ECHA announced that its Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) support the proposed restriction on octocrylene. RAC adopted its opinion in June and SEAC in September. The final opinions have been sent to the European Commission for the next stage of the legislative process.
Octocrylene (INCI: Octocrylene, CAS 6197-30-4) is a UV filter used in sun protection products and other cosmetics. The committees are addressing environmental risks associated with its release from products, including during washing and swimming.
Does this mean octocrylene is already banned?
No. The committees’ opinions do not themselves introduce a new legally binding restriction. On the basis of these opinions, the Commission may propose a REACH measure for discussion and a vote in the REACH Committee, followed by scrutiny by the European Parliament. Companies’ obligations will depend on the adopted legal act, its scope and transitional periods.
The proposal in ECHA’s registry covers finished cosmetic products containing octocrylene at a concentration of at least 0.001% by weight. This is a proposed threshold and should not be presented as an existing general limit. Do not determine a product phase-out date solely from the date the opinions were published.
Environmental restrictions and consumer safety are separate issues
The REACH procedure must be distinguished from the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation. Annex VI, entry 10, sets conditions for using Octocrylene as a UV filter: a maximum of 9% in propellant spray products and 10% in other products. Benzophenone as an impurity or degradation product must be kept at trace level. Meeting these conditions alone does not establish the compliance of every formulation.
The manufacturer or responsible person must continue to ensure the safety of the finished product and maintain the required documentation. Any future REACH restriction will be an additional requirement to consider alongside cosmetics legislation.
What should manufacturers prepare now?
- Portfolio review: identify which products contain Octocrylene, at what concentration and in which markets they are sold.
- Reformulation plan: work with suppliers and development teams to assess permitted alternatives, compatibility, availability and cost implications.
- Testing plan: changing a UV filter may affect SPF, UVA protection, photostability, stability and other properties. Determine the necessary tests for the actual new formulation.
- Documentation: before selling a reformulated product, arrange an appropriate cosmetic product safety report (CPSR), product information file (PIF), labelling and CPNP updates where required.
- Stocks and contracts: record raw materials, packaging and production plans, then align them with the final legal deadlines once adopted.
Do not select an alternative UV filter solely because it replaces octocrylene. Assess the complete formulation, permitted uses and available safety and environmental information.
Need a review of your cosmetic products?
Send us a list of products containing octocrylene, their concentrations and the available documentation at info@bisafe.si. Through our cosmetic product services, we can agree on an assessment of the changes and the documentation updates needed.
