EU declares butylparaben unsafe for children’s products at current legal limits

EUROPE – The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has officially declared butylparaben unsafe for children’s products at its current legal concentration of 0.14%, citing concerns over its endocrine-disrupting effects. 

Butylparaben, a widely used preservative in cosmetics and personal care products, has been flagged for its potential to interfere with hormonal development, particularly in children under 10 years old when exposed to multiple products simultaneously.

Following a comprehensive safety review, the SCCS has recommended lowering the maximum allowable concentration to 0.028% for children’s products to minimize endocrine-related risks. 

The committee’s findings highlight that shower gels, body lotions, face creams, and toothpaste containing butylparaben at 0.14% pose a significant safety concern when used in combination. 

This decision aligns with the EU’s broader efforts to tighten regulations on cosmetic ingredients, ensuring that products marketed for children meet stricter safety standards.

The committee determined that infants could be exposed to up to 952 µg/kg/day of the substance through the use of lotions, creams, and other products, nearly four times higher than the established safe limit of 245 µg/kg/day.

The SCCS committee examined data from children aged six months to 10 years, evaluating the amount of butylparaben absorbed through topical application and oral exposure.

Findings revealed that regular use of butylparaben-containing products, such as face creams, hand soaps, and toothpaste, could lead to excessive exposure levels, with body lotion posing the greatest risk due to its large application area and prolonged skin contact.

The SCCS clarified that its assessment does not apply to sprays, such as aerosols and mouth sprays, due to potential inhalation risks, and advised brands to review product formulations, particularly for leave-on items like lotions, to ensure compliance with updated safety standards.

In addition to butylparaben, the EU has also banned 20 other cosmetic ingredients deemed hazardous, effective September 1, 2025. 

The newly prohibited ingredients have been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMRS).

These include diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (TPO), which was previously permitted under specific limits.

TPO, commonly used in UV-curing nail gels and coatings, functions as a photoinitiator, enabling the hardening process under UV light.

The decision reflects growing concerns over potential health risks, prompting stricter ingredient safety regulations.

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