SCCS Opinion on Kojic Acid - SCCS/1637/21 - Final version

International audience; SCCS Opinion on Kojic Acid - SCCS/1637/21 - Final versionU. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraad, M. Dusinska, J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, B. Granum, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven, A. Koutsodimou, W. Uter, N. von GoetzThe SCCS adopted this document at its plenary meeting on 15 and 16 March 2022 (85 Pages)Mise en ligne 17 Mars 2022https://ec.europa.eu/health/publications/kojic-acid_enDescriptionSCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson), M. Dusinska, J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C.L. Galli, B. Granum, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers (Rapporteur), Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke (Rapporteur), S. WijnhovenSCCS external experts: A. Koutsodimou, W. Uter, N. von GoetzContact:SANTE-C2-SCCS@ec.europa.euOn request from: European CommissionSCCS Number: SCCS/1637/21Adopted on: 15-16 March 2022Conclusion of the opinion:(1) In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Kojic acid, does the SCCS consider Kojic acid safe when used in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 1 %?On the basis of the safety assessment, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Kojic acid, the SCCS is of the opinion that Kojic acid is not safe when used as a skin lightening agent in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 1%.(2) Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Kojic acid in cosmetic products?In the SCCS’s opinion, the use of Kojic acid as a skin lightening agent in cosmetic products is safe for the consumer up to a maximum concentration of 0.7% Kojic acid in the final product.(3) Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Kojic acid in cosmetic products?As Kojic acid is sometimes added to peeling agents, a weakened skin barrier may be of additional concern because of greater dermal absorption.Only the topical use of Kojic acid in cosmetics has been considered in this Opinion. Other uses (e.g. food) of natural or synthetic sources have not been considered.As far as the derivatives of Kojic acid are concerned, e.g. esters of Kojic acid such as Kojic acid dipalmitate and Kojic acid isopalmitate, and derivatives such as chloro-Kojic acid, these have not been included in this Opinion as no data has been submitted.Keywords:SCCS, revision, scientific opinion, Kojic acid, CAS No 501-30-4, EC No 207-922-4, Regulation 1223/2009Opinion to be cited as:SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), scientific opinion on Kojic acid, preliminary version of 26-27 October 2021, final version of 15-16 March 2022, SCCS/1637/21.