On 2 May 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on children’s exposure assessment for butylparaben. For more information about the mandate for this review, please see this news item.
The SCCS concluded that:
- butylparaben is not safe for children between 0.5-1 years, 1-3 years, 3-6 years and 6-10 years, when used as preservative at a maximum concentration of 0.14 % (as acid) in all cosmetic products included in this assessment when used in combination. Except for body lotion, it is safe in single dermal and oral product categories, when used only in the respective product category.
- For butylparaben to be considered safe, the aggregate exposure must not exceed 245 µg/kg bw/day. The concentrations in different product categories have therefore been re-calculated, and butylparaben is considered safe for children of all age groups and product types included in the assessment, whether used individually or in combination at 0.14 % (as acid) in rinse-off products, 0.002 % (as acid) in leave-on products and 0.092 % (as acid) in oral care products.
- This Opinion is not applicable to any sprayable product (including mouth spray) that may lead to exposure of end-user’s lungs by inhalation.
