- Details
- Created: 13 December 2015
25/04/2015
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) met for a plenary meeting on 25 March 2015, when the Committee finalised an opinion on MBBT [2,2’-methylene-bis-(6(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4(1,1,3,3 tetramethylbutyl)phenol)] used in cosmetic products. It concluded that this substance is safe for use in cosmetic products under certain conditions.
MBBT is regulated in Annex VI of the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, ‘with the maxiuum concentration of 10% in cosmetic products such as sunscreens, day care products and skin lightening products'; its safety was confirmed in 1998 by the former structure of the committee, the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food (SCCNFP). In 2013, the SCCS assessed the safety of the nanoform of MBBT.
In this 2015 opinion, the SCCS has concluded that ‘the use of MBBT [2,2’-methylene-bis-(6(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol)] in nano-structured form with the following characteristics as a UV-filter at a concentration up to 10% in dermally applied cosmetic products is considered to not pose a risk of adverse effects in humans after application on healthy, intact skin.
The Scientific Committee nevertheless stated that it is worthwhile to monitor possible irritation effects via the cosmetivigilance programs (http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/files/pdf/sue_reporting_guidelines_en.pdf). The committee also identified, potential long term bioaccumulation, and potential environmental effects to as concerns related to the use of this substance.
Follow this link to read the full SCCS opinion on MBBT.

