Details
- Status
- Open
- Opening date
- Deadline
Target audience
The Commission would like to invite any interested parties, including
- academic and other research institutes
- EU countries’ authorities
- manufacturers of cosmetic products
- raw material producers and suppliers
- consumers associations
Policy fields
Internal market and industry, public health.
Objective of this call for data
The objective of this call for data is to gather comprehensive scientific information to assess the safety of glyoxylic acid in hair straightening products. The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) has raised concerns about the potential renal toxicity from the use of hair straightening products at high temperature that contain glyoxylic acid and the related potentially unsafe exposure for consumers and professionals. Given the widespread use of glyoxylic acid, it is crucial to evaluate any associated health risks.
This initiative aims to provide the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) with the necessary data to conduct a thorough safety assessment. The findings will inform potential regulatory actions to ensure consumer safety, aligning with the Commission's commitment to safeguard public health while maintaining market integrity.
Period of consultation
From 9 April 2025 to 8 April 2026 (12 months)
Requirements
We invite you to submit data on all physicochemical properties, toxicokinetics and toxicological endpoints, assessment of exposure through consumer products and/or an indication of the suggested safe concentration levels for glyoxylic acid (CAS No. 298-12-4, EC No. 206-058-5) when used in hair straightening products. Please provide your input with
a) The attached template-checklist
b) A table of contents
c) Numbered references
Data submitted should be in line with the SCCS ‘Notes of Guidance’ (testing of cosmetic ingredients and their safety evaluation - 12th revision).
How to submit your contribution
Any information should be delivered with the reference: ‘Call for data – Glyoxylic Acid’ by e-mail to GROW-COSMETICS-CALLS-FOR-DATA@ec.europa.eu by 8 April 2026 at the latest.
Why we are consulting
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (CPR) provides a regulatory framework to ensure a high level of protection of human health while ensuring the functioning of the internal market. Environmental concerns from substances used in cosmetic products are considered through the application of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (‘REACH Regulation’).
To address potential risks to human health, the CPR lays down a system of restrictions and prohibitions on the use of certain substances in cosmetics, based on a thorough scientific risk assessment carried out by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
Glyoxylic acid (CAS No. 298-12-4, EC No. 206-058-5) is commonly used in hair care products, especially in hair straightening/smoothing but it is also reported in depilatory/hair removal products. It works as a milder alternative to formaldehyde-based treatments by altering the hair's keratin structure, reducing curl, and controlling frizz. In addition, it is used as a pH adjuster in formulations to regulate acidity and enhance product stability. Moreover, Glyoxylic acid can be found in exfoliating or brightening formulations due to its mild keratolytic properties. While effective, glyoxylic acid can release formaldehyde under certain conditions, leading to regulatory scrutiny in some regions. Its safety has not been assessed by the SCCS, and recent reports have associated its use in hair straightening products by consumers and professional with acute renal failure cases.
Given the possible health concerns, it is necessary to collect comprehensive data on the safety of glyoxylic acid (CAS No. 298-12-4, EC No. 206-058-5) when used in hair straightening products. This assessment will consider the potential renal toxicity and other safety endpoints to ensure consumer protection.
Upon receipt of sufficient and appropriate data, the Commission will assess the respective information and proceed in mandating the SCCS for this safety assessment. If needed, the Commission may take appropriate action for the use of Glyoxylic Acid, when used in hair straightening products. In particular, pursuant to Article 31(1) and (2) of the Cosmetics Regulation, the Commission may, after consulting the SCCS, amend the Annexes to the Regulation for the purposes of adapting them to technical and scientific progress and, where there is a potential risk to human health, arising from the use of substances in cosmetic products. To determine this, relevant scientific information, and data on the safety of Glyoxylic Acid would be required.