The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has started consulting the cosmetics sector, along with health and consumer associations over whether a commonly used synthetic fragrance should be classified as a chemical that causes skin sensitisation. If the agency is persuaded this should happen, it will ask the European Commission to classify hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, with a safety dossier being collated warning manufacturers and retailers of the potential problems.
Products containing the chemical may then require special labelling. The fragrance is also known by the trade name Lyral and is found in some soaps, edts, aftershaves and deodorants, as well as scented products, room fresheners and detergents. An initial consultation will end on August 16. The move was proposed by the Swedish government. Concerns about the chemical have been raised in the past. The National Allergy Research Centre, at Denmark’s University of Copenhagen said the ingredient caused contact allergic reactions in 2-3% of eczema patients undergoing patch testing.