On Août 21, 2026, the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemicals Safety (SAG-CS) published a number of opinions on several cosmetic ingredients.
The Scientific Advisory Group on Chemicals Safety (SAG-CS) determined that triclocarban is safe for use as a preservative at 0.2% in all cosmetics, except for mouthwash across all age groups and toothpaste for children, and is safe up to 1.5% in adult rinse-off products. In alignment with the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), SAG-CS found that incorporating 0.2% triclocarban into mouthwashes or toothpastes for young children could push aggregate exposure beyond safe levels. Furthermore, while in silico and in vitro evidence hints at potential endocrine activity, the broader data shows no evidence of in vivo endocrine disruption or genotoxicity risks.
Aligning with the EU SCCS, SAG-CS concluded that triclosan is safe for use as a preservative at 0.2% in mouthwashes and at 0.3% in toothpastes, hand and body soaps, non-spray deodorants, face powders, blemish concealers, and nail-cleansing products used prior to applying artificial nails. Adequate genotoxicity data indicates no genotoxic risk, and despite in silico and in vitro indications of endocrine activity, there is insufficient evidence to classify it as an in vivo endocrine disruptor.
Matching the EU SCCS position, SAG-CS declared resorcinol acceptable for cosmetic use provided label conditions from the UK Cosmetics Regulation are met. Safe maximum concentrations include 1.25% on-head for oxidative hair dyes and eyelash colors, as well as 0.5% for hair lotions and shampoos. Although resorcinol displays in vitro endocrine activity, current evidence demonstrates it does not meet the WHO definition of an endocrine disruptor and presents no in vivo genotoxic potential at cosmetic concentrations.
OPP and Sodium-OPP
In agreement with the EU SCCS, SAG-CS established that o-phenylphenol (OPP) and sodium o-phenylphenate (sodium OPP) are acceptable at maximum concentrations of 0.2% in rinse-off products and 0.15% in leave-on products. When combined, their joint concentration must not exceed these same limits. Oral care and spray products were explicitly excluded from this safety assessment.
SAG-CS considers daidzein safe for cosmetic use up to a maximum concentration of 0.02% w/w, aligning with the EU SCCS. Although literature suggests daidzein possesses endocrine-disrupting properties, the Point of Departure used in its safety assessment protects against potential endocrine-mediated adverse effects, and the ingredient is unlikely to display in vivo genotoxic potential.
Silver, Mass (Particle Diameter > 100 nm < 1 mm)
SAG-CS concluded that micron-sized particulate silver is safe at 0.3% in rinse-off cosmetics (excluding mouthwash and toothpaste) and leave-on cosmetics (excluding lip products), at 0.2% in lip products, and at 0.05% in mouthwash and toothpaste, while excluding propellant sprays. This opinion diverges from the EU SCCS by allowing higher concentrations in rinse-off products and omitting the EU’s higher limits for oral hygiene and nail products, prompting the CTPA to seek further clarification regarding this independently defended ingredient.
