The UK Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) has published its final safety opinions on seven cosmetic ingredients and ingredient groups: Triclocarban, Triclosan, o-Phenylphenol (OPP), Sodium o-Phenylphenate (SOPP), Resorcinol, Daidzein and micron-sized particulate silver.
The assessments concluded that these substances can be considered safe for use in cosmetic products when used within specified product categories, conditions of use and maximum concentration limits.
Although the SAG-CS safety opinions do not introduce immediate changes to UK cosmetics legislation, they may provide an important scientific basis for future regulatory decisions affecting cosmetic products placed on the Great Britain market.
Which Cosmetic Ingredients Were Assessed by SAG-CS?
The final SAG-CS safety opinions cover the following cosmetic ingredients:
- Triclocarban
- Triclosan
- o-Phenylphenol (OPP)
- Sodium o-Phenylphenate (SOPP)
- Resorcinol
- Daidzein
- Micron-sized particulate silver
For each substance, SAG-CS assessed safe concentration levels and, where relevant, specific cosmetic product categories and exposure scenarios.
Triclocarban: Safe Concentration Limits
Triclocarban was considered safe at concentrations of up to 1.5% in rinse-off cosmetic products intended for adults.
When used as a preservative in cosmetic products, Triclocarban was considered safe at concentrations of up to 0.2%.
SAG-CS also noted that additional assessment may be required for exposure to Triclocarban through children’s toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Triclosan: Maximum Safe Use Levels
The SAG-CS assessment established different safe use levels for Triclosan depending on the cosmetic product category.
Triclosan was considered safe at concentrations of up to:
- 0.2% in mouthwashes
- 0.3% in toothpastes
- 0.3% in hand soaps
- 0.3% in shower gels
- 0.3% in non-spray deodorants
- 0.3% in face powders
- 0.3% in certain nail products
These findings provide an important reference point for companies using Triclosan in cosmetic and personal care formulations intended for the UK market.
o-Phenylphenol (OPP) and Sodium o-Phenylphenate (SOPP)
For o-Phenylphenol (OPP) and Sodium o-Phenylphenate (SOPP), SAG-CS considered the following maximum concentrations acceptable:
- Rinse-off products: up to 0.2%
- Leave-on products: up to 0.15%
Oral care products and products that may result in inhalation exposure, including certain spray applications, were excluded from the assessment.
Where OPP and SOPP are used together in the same cosmetic formulation, their combined concentration should not exceed the applicable maximum safe concentration limit.
Resorcinol in Hair Dyes and Hair Care Products
Resorcinol was considered safe at different maximum concentrations depending on the product category.
The final opinion considered Resorcinol safe at concentrations of up to:
- 1.25% in oxidative hair dyes
- 0.5% in hair lotions
- 0.5% in shampoos
The conclusions are particularly relevant for manufacturers and brands placing hair colouring and hair care products containing Resorcinol on the UK market.
Daidzein: Maximum Safe Concentration
SAG-CS concluded that Daidzein can be considered safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 0.02%.
Micron-Sized Particulate Silver in Cosmetics
The safety assessment for micron-sized particulate silver established different maximum concentrations depending on the cosmetic product category.
| Product Category | Maximum Safe Concentration |
| Leave-on products excluding lip products | 0.3% |
| Lip products | 0.2% |
| Rinse-off products | 0.3% |
| Mouthwashes | 0.05% |
| Toothpastes | 0.05% |
Companies using particulate silver in cosmetic formulations should therefore consider both the concentration and the intended product category when assessing compliance.
Further Assessments May Be Needed for Children and Adolescents
SAG-CS also highlighted limitations in the available exposure data for children and adolescents for certain substances.
As a result, further scientific assessments may be required to determine whether additional conditions or restrictions are necessary for cosmetic products intended for younger populations.
Manufacturers of children’s cosmetics and personal care products should therefore pay particular attention to future scientific and regulatory developments.
Do the SAG-CS Opinions Change UK Cosmetics Regulation?
The publication of the final SAG-CS opinions does not itself introduce new restrictions, prohibitions or immediate amendments to UK cosmetics legislation.
Instead, the opinions provide scientific advice on the safety of cosmetic ingredients under specified conditions of use. This scientific evidence may subsequently be considered by UK authorities when determining whether changes to the regulatory framework are necessary.
The conclusions are also largely aligned with previous safety assessments issued by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
What Does This Mean for Cosmetic Companies?
Cosmetic manufacturers, brands and Responsible Persons placing products containing these substances on the Great Britain market should review the findings as part of their ongoing UK cosmetics compliance activities.
Companies using Triclocarban, Triclosan, OPP, SOPP, Resorcinol, Daidzein or particulate silver should consider:
- reviewing current ingredient concentrations and formulations;
- verifying the relevant cosmetic product categories;
- assessing exposure conditions for products intended for children and adolescents;
- monitoring future SAG-CS opinions and UK regulatory developments; and
- reviewing product safety assessments where necessary.
While the final safety opinions do not immediately change existing legal requirements, they may influence future amendments to UK cosmetics regulation. Companies operating in the UK cosmetics market should therefore continue monitoring regulatory developments closely.