Six New Chemicals, Including Common Skincare Ingredients, Under Review

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed adding six more substances to its Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under the EU's REACH regulation. This move aims to enhance protection for human health and the environment.

Key Chemicals Proposed

• Octamethyltrisiloxane (Dimethicone): Commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products.
• O,O,O-Triphenyl Phosphorothioate: Found in antiseptics and disinfectants.

Implications for Suppliers and Consumers

• Legal Duty: Inclusion in the Candidate List requires suppliers to inform ECHA and notify consumers if these chemicals are present in products at concentrations above 0.1% w/w.
• Authorization Process: After public comment review, ECHA will decide which substances to prioritize for inclusion in the Authorization List, restricting their use unless authorized.

Next Steps

Public comments on the proposed inclusions will be reviewed before ECHA finalizes any additions to the Candidate List. This ongoing process highlights the EU's commitment to stricter chemical regulations, ensuring safer products and greater transparency for consumers.