Octocrylene Under REACH: What the Proposed Restriction Means for Cosmetic Companies
Octocrylene is one of the most widely used UV filters in sunscreen and skincare products. However, its regulatory status in Europe could soon change.
On 17 June 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a 60-day public consultation on the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) draft opinion regarding France's proposal to restrict Octocrylene under the REACH Regulation.
Although the restriction has not yet been adopted, the proposal represents another important step in the European evaluation of cosmetic ingredients and may have significant implications for manufacturers.
What is Octocrylene?
Octocrylene (CAS No. 6197-30-4) is an organic UV filter widely used in sunscreen products and other cosmetics requiring UV protection.
It is appreciated because it:
- absorbs UVB rays;
- contributes to broad-spectrum sun protection;
- improves the photostability of other UV filters, particularly Avobenzone;
- is commonly used in creams, lotions, sprays and lip products.
Today, Octocrylene is authorised under Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Current maximum concentrations are:
- 9% in propellant spray products;
- 10% in all other cosmetic products.
What is the proposed REACH restriction?
France has proposed restricting the placing on the market and use of finished cosmetic products containing Octocrylene.
The proposal would prohibit cosmetic products containing:
≥ 0.001% w/w of Octocrylene
This threshold is considerably lower than the concentrations currently permitted under the Cosmetics Regulation.
It is important to note that this is not yet a legal restriction.
What is the current status?
On 17 June 2026, ECHA opened a 60-day consultation on SEAC's draft opinion.
SEAC supports the proposed restriction and aligns with the conclusions previously adopted by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC).
The consultation remains open until:
17 August 2026
Following the consultation, ECHA will finalize its scientific opinions before the European Commission decides whether to amend REACH Annex XVII.
Why is REACH involved if Octocrylene is already regulated?
This proposal illustrates how cosmetic ingredients may be regulated through different European legislative frameworks.
The Cosmetics Regulation determines whether an ingredient may be used in cosmetic products and under what conditions.
REACH, however, can introduce broader restrictions where concerns relate to risks for human health or the environment throughout the substance lifecycle.
As a result, an ingredient may comply with the Cosmetics Regulation while simultaneously being evaluated under REACH.
What does this mean for cosmetic companies?
Although the proposal is not yet legally applicable, companies using Octocrylene should closely monitor regulatory developments.
Now is an appropriate time to:
- identify products containing Octocrylene;
- evaluate potential reformulation scenarios;
- review alternative UV filters;
- assess the impact on product portfolios;
- monitor the progress of the REACH restriction.
Early preparation can significantly reduce future compliance risks if the restriction is eventually adopted.
Could this affect sunscreen formulations?
Potentially, yes.
Octocrylene is widely used not only because it provides UVB protection but also because it stabilizes other UV filters.
If restricted, manufacturers may need to reassess:
- UV filter combinations;
- SPF performance;
- photostability;
- product claims;
- regulatory strategy across different markets.
Conclusion
The proposed REACH restriction on Octocrylene represents another important regulatory development for the European cosmetics industry.
Although no legal obligations currently apply, the positive opinions from both RAC and SEAC indicate that the proposal is progressing through the REACH restriction process.
Companies should therefore closely monitor upcoming regulatory decisions and begin assessing the potential impact on their formulations.
Need support?
Our regulatory experts monitor ingredient restrictions across Europe and can help you assess their impact on your cosmetic portfolio, reformulation strategy and regulatory compliance.
Contact our team to discuss your cosmetic compliance project.
Octocrylene is one of the most widely used UV filters in sunscreen and skincare products. However, its regulatory status in Europe could soon change.
On 17 June 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a 60-day public consultation on the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) draft opinion regarding France's proposal to restrict Octocrylene under the REACH Regulation.
Although the restriction has not yet been adopted, the proposal represents another important step in the European evaluation of cosmetic ingredients and may have significant implications for manufacturers.
What is Octocrylene?
Octocrylene (CAS No. 6197-30-4) is an organic UV filter widely used in sunscreen products and other cosmetics requiring UV protection.
It is appreciated because it:
- absorbs UVB rays;
- contributes to broad-spectrum sun protection;
- improves the photostability of other UV filters, particularly Avobenzone;
- is commonly used in creams, lotions, sprays and lip products.
Today, Octocrylene is authorised under Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Current maximum concentrations are:
- 9% in propellant spray products;
- 10% in all other cosmetic products.
What is the proposed REACH restriction?
France has proposed restricting the placing on the market and use of finished cosmetic products containing Octocrylene.
The proposal would prohibit cosmetic products containing:
≥ 0.001% w/w of Octocrylene
This threshold is considerably lower than the concentrations currently permitted under the Cosmetics Regulation.
It is important to note that this is not yet a legal restriction.
What is the current status?
On 17 June 2026, ECHA opened a 60-day consultation on SEAC's draft opinion.
SEAC supports the proposed restriction and aligns with the conclusions previously adopted by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC).
The consultation remains open until:
17 August 2026
Following the consultation, ECHA will finalize its scientific opinions before the European Commission decides whether to amend REACH Annex XVII.
Why is REACH involved if Octocrylene is already regulated?
This proposal illustrates how cosmetic ingredients may be regulated through different European legislative frameworks.
The Cosmetics Regulation determines whether an ingredient may be used in cosmetic products and under what conditions.
REACH, however, can introduce broader restrictions where concerns relate to risks for human health or the environment throughout the substance lifecycle.
As a result, an ingredient may comply with the Cosmetics Regulation while simultaneously being evaluated under REACH.
What does this mean for cosmetic companies?
Although the proposal is not yet legally applicable, companies using Octocrylene should closely monitor regulatory developments.
Now is an appropriate time to:
- identify products containing Octocrylene;
- evaluate potential reformulation scenarios;
- review alternative UV filters;
- assess the impact on product portfolios;
- monitor the progress of the REACH restriction.
Early preparation can significantly reduce future compliance risks if the restriction is eventually adopted.
Could this affect sunscreen formulations?
Potentially, yes.
Octocrylene is widely used not only because it provides UVB protection but also because it stabilizes other UV filters.
If restricted, manufacturers may need to reassess:
- UV filter combinations;
- SPF performance;
- photostability;
- product claims;
- regulatory strategy across different markets.
Conclusion
The proposed REACH restriction on Octocrylene represents another important regulatory development for the European cosmetics industry.
Although no legal obligations currently apply, the positive opinions from both RAC and SEAC indicate that the proposal is progressing through the REACH restriction process.
Companies should therefore closely monitor upcoming regulatory decisions and begin assessing the potential impact on their formulations.
Need support?
Our regulatory experts monitor ingredient restrictions across Europe and can help you assess their impact on your cosmetic portfolio, reformulation strategy and regulatory compliance.
Contact our team to discuss your cosmetic compliance project.
