p-Cymene (CAS No. 99-87-6), is a naturally occurring monoterpene hydrocarbon and is not currently regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. It is widely present in numerous Natural Complex Substances (NCS) used both leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products and fragrance applications.
The European Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA issued in October 2025 an opinion recommending a classification for p-Cymene as ‘Reprotoxic of Category 1B (H360Fd)’. Following the RAC opinion, the European Commission may propose a classification for p-Cymene as a ‘Repr.1B’ (CLP Regulation Annex VI entry).
In May 2026, the EU cosmetics industry informed the Commission services that they do not wish to defend p-Cymene as an ingredient used in cosmetic products as such, but submitted a dossier to defend the safe use of p-Cymene as a constituent in NCS2 when used up to the maximum concentrations provided in the dossier. The Commission, therefore, requests the SCCS to carry out a safety assessment on this ingredient in view of the information provided.
1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the possible classification as ‘Repr.1B’, does the SCCS consider p-Cymene safe, when present as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products, according to the concentrations provided in the table below?
Product category with maximum intended use level (w/w %):
All products except products intended for children below 10 years:
Deodorants – 0.057
Fragrance products – 0.3
Leave-on body products (except deodorants and fragrance products) – 0.08
Leave-on hair products – 0.04
Leave-on face products (except lip products) – 0.051
Lip products – 0.024
Rinse-off products – 0.08
Oral care products – 0.022
Products intended for children below 10 years:
Fragrance products – 0.00005
Leave-on products (except fragrance products) – 0.0003
Rinse-off products – 0.005
Oral care products – 0.0008
2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS, the maximum concentration considered safe for use of p-Cymene as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products?
3. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns regarding the use of p-Cymene as a constituent of natural complex substances that are used in cosmetic products?
