What is M-N-MA?
Methyl-N-methylanthranilate (CAS No 85-91-6) is a fragrance ingredient, usually not declared on the ingredient list. Until 2022, the use of M-N-MA wasn’t regulated, however, the IFRA 49th Amendment limited its use to 0.1% in several product categories due to its phototoxic effects.
The European Commission mandated the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to assess whether its use is safe in cosmetic products due to the ingredient photosensitivity.
Which restrictions apply to M-N-MA?
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/135 includes in the EU Cosmetics Regulation the conclusions of the SCCS Scientific Advice 1616/20 and the SCCS Opinion 1455/11.
According to the new entry in Annex III to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, M-N-MA can be used:
- In leave-on products up to 0.1%;
- In rinse-off products up to 0.2%.
Moreover, M-N-MA cannot be used with nitrosating agents, allowing a maximum of nitrosamine content of 50 μg/kg, and products containing M-N-MA must be stored in nitrite-free containers.
Lastly, Methyl-N-methylanthranilate cannot be used in leave-on “sunscreen products and products marketed for exposure to natural or artificial UV light”
Deadline for M-N-MA
The European Commission provided some deadlines to implement the changes and last 21st November 2022, products that do not meet the requirements must be off shelves.
References
European Commission (2022). Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/135 of 31 January 2022 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of Methyl-N-methylanthranilate in cosmetic products.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R0135
European Commission. (2021). Scientific Advice on the SCCS Opinion on Methyl N-methylanthranilate (SCCS/1455/11).
https://ec.europa.eu/health/system/files/2021-11/sccs_o_242.pdf
IFRA Standard. (2020). Amendment 49. Methyl N-methylanthranilate.
https://ifrafragrance.org/standards/IFRA_STD_094.pdf
We recommend you to ask your fragrance supplier about the presence of Methyl-N-methylanthranilate (M-N-MA) in your fragrances.
If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact us at info@cosmeservice.com, we will be glad to help!
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