The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has initiated scientific safety assessments of Cuminaldehyde and p-Cymene as constituents of natural complex substances used in cosmetic products.
The mandates for both substances were adopted by written procedure on 29 July 2026. The SCCS is expected to complete its scientific opinions within nine months.
The assessments focus primarily on the presence of the substances at naturally occurring levels in essential oils, botanical extracts and other natural complex substances rather than their intentional use as standalone cosmetic ingredients.
What Is Cuminaldehyde?
Cuminaldehyde, CAS No. 122-03-2, is an aromatic aldehyde naturally occurring in several essential oils, particularly cumin oil.
In cosmetic products, it may be associated with functions such as:
- Fragrance
- Perfuming
- Skin conditioning
Cuminaldehyde is not currently subject to a substance-specific restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
However, the European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee has proposed its classification as Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B, Repr. 1B, H360FD.
If the classification is harmonised through Annex VI of the CLP Regulation, the cosmetic use of Cuminaldehyde may be affected by the CMR provisions of Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
What Will the SCCS Assess for Cuminaldehyde?
The safety dossier submitted by the cosmetics industry does not primarily seek to support the intentional addition of Cuminaldehyde as an individual cosmetic ingredient.
Instead, it focuses on the substance’s presence at naturally occurring levels in natural complex substances.
The SCCS has been asked to assess:
- Whether Cuminaldehyde is safe at the reported use and exposure levels
- Whether a safe maximum concentration can be established for its presence in natural complex substances
- Whether there are any additional scientific concerns relating to its use in cosmetic products
The Committee may establish a safe concentration, recommend specific conditions of use or conclude that the available data are insufficient to support safety.
What Is p-Cymene?
p-Cymene, CAS No. 99-87-6, is a monoterpene hydrocarbon naturally present in numerous essential oils and botanical extracts.
It may occur in natural materials such as:
- Thyme oil
- Oregano oil
- Cumin oil
- Other aromatic plant extracts
In cosmetic products, p-Cymene is commonly associated with fragrance and skin-conditioning functions.
The substance is not currently subject to a specific restriction under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. However, ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee has proposed its classification as Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B, Repr. 1B, H360FD.
What Will the SCCS Assess for p-Cymene?
The dossier submitted to the SCCS focuses on p-Cymene at naturally occurring levels in natural complex substances rather than its intentional use as an individual ingredient.
The Committee has been requested to determine:
- Whether p-Cymene is safe at the reported exposure levels
- Whether a safe maximum concentration can be established
- Whether additional scientific concerns should be considered
The assessment is expected to consider consumer exposure, relevant cosmetic product categories, the toxicological profile of the substance and the adequacy of the available safety data.
How Could a CMR Classification Affect Cosmetic Products?
Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation generally prohibits substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.
The continued use of a substance classified as a Category 1A or 1B CMR requires the applicable derogation conditions to be fulfilled.
Relevant considerations may include:
- Whether suitable alternative substances are available
- Whether the use is necessary for a specific product category
- Whether consumer exposure is clearly defined
- Whether the SCCS considers the substance safe under specified conditions
A favourable SCCS opinion would not automatically create a regulatory exemption. Any final decision would require further action by the European Commission through the applicable EU regulatory process.
Why Are Natural Complex Substances Relevant?
Cuminaldehyde and p-Cymene may naturally occur in several essential oils and plant-derived materials. A future regulatory measure could therefore affect more than products in which the substances are intentionally added as standalone ingredients.
Potentially relevant raw materials include:
- Essential oils
- Fragrance mixtures
- Botanical extracts
- Aromatic natural ingredients
- Other natural complex substances
The natural presence of a substance does not automatically exempt it from regulatory requirements. Its concentration, function, product category and contribution to total consumer exposure may still require assessment.
How Should Cosmetic Companies Prepare?
Companies using essential oils, botanical extracts or other materials that may contain Cuminaldehyde or p-Cymene should begin reviewing their product portfolios before the SCCS assessments are completed.
Recommended actions include:
- Identifying products containing relevant natural materials
- Reviewing raw material composition for Cuminaldehyde and p-Cymene
- Requesting updated specifications and analytical data from suppliers
- Estimating concentrations in finished cosmetic products
- Reviewing Cosmetic Product Safety Reports
- Assessing alternative ingredients and formulations
- Monitoring preliminary and final SCCS opinions
- Following developments in the CLP classification process
What Could the SCCS Opinions Mean for the Cosmetics Industry?
The forthcoming SCCS opinions will be important in determining whether Cuminaldehyde and p-Cymene may continue to be present in cosmetic products as constituents of natural complex substances.
The Committee may establish safe maximum concentrations, recommend specific restrictions or determine that the available evidence does not sufficiently support safe use.
Companies developing natural, botanical or essential oil-based cosmetics should therefore monitor both the scientific assessment process and any subsequent amendments to EU cosmetics legislation.