Europe Restricts the Use of Peanut Oil, Extracts and Derivatives and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

SAFEGUARDS | Cosmetics, Personal Care & Household NO. 192/17

The European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2017/2228 on December 4, 2017 to restrict the use of peanut oil (and its extracts and derivatives), as well as hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Peanut oil (Arachis Hypogaea Oil) is the refined fixed oil obtained from the seed kernels of one or more of the cultivated varieties of peanut. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is obtained through the hydrolysis of wheat germ. Currently, there is no restriction or prohibition of peanut oil (and its extracts and derivatives) and hydrolyzed wheat protein.

In consideration of the opinions SCCS/1526/14 and SCCS/1534/14 from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), the European Commission notes the potential risk associated with these substances; and therefore, restricts the use of Peanut Oil (and its extracts and derivatives) with a maximum concentration of peanut proteins of 0.5ppm and the use of hydrolyzed wheat protein with a maximum molecular weight average of peptides of 3.5kDa.

This Regulation shall enter into force on December 25, 2017.

Timeline for compliance:

• From September 25, 2018, only cosmetic products which comply with the Regulation shall be placed on the Union market

• From December 25, 2018, only cosmetic products which comply with the Regulation shall be made available on the Union market

Reference Source:

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2228 of 4 December 2017 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products [1]
• SCCS/1526/14 Opinion on Peanut oil (sensitisation only) adopted on 27 March 2014, revision of 23 September 2014 [2]
• SCCS/1534/14 Opinion on Hydrolysed wheat proteins (sensitisation only) adopted on 18 June 2014, revision of 22 October 2014 [3]

Next step:

The industry is advices to check and confirm if existing cosmetic products which are already on market contain peanut oil, extracts and derivatives or hydrolyzed wheat protein in their formulation. In any situation where the raw material cannot fulfil the new requirement, these products shall be phased out in the above-mentioned period, or shall be replaced by a raw material which can meet the specification. Manufacturers are also suggested to be careful about the selection of ingredients which will be used in their new cosmetic products.

For enquiries, please contact:

Freda Yang
Technical Manager
+86 021 6107 2962

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