Fatty alcohol ether sulfates with low 1,4-dioxane levels

1,4-dioxane is a common by-product in manufacturing of fatty alcohols ethoxylates and fatty alcohols ether sulfates.

EUROPEAN UNION

In March, 2021 ECHA submitted classified 1,4-dioxane as  a substance of very high concern on the basis of the criteria set out in reach article 57. 1,4-dioxane has been listed in Annex VI of the CLP regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. In March 2019, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) adopted an opinion that 1,4-dioxane is suspected to be carcinogenic (1B).

1,4-dioxane is listed in Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in their scientific opinion about an acceptable trace level in cosmetic products that residual concentrations of 1,4-dioxane below 10 ppm are considered as safe for consumers.

USA

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency has classified 1,4-dioxane as, "likely to be carcinogenic to humans," by all routes of exposure. All household -cleaning products, cosmetic products and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane at concentration level greater than 5 ppm will be banned beginning in January 2022.

Enaspol is fully aware of this major change in classification and we would like to ensure you that our products will remain compliant. We only buy from verified suppliers who guarantee the lowest possible content of 1,4-dioxanes.  The level is then further reduced to a trace amount not greater than 5 or 10 ppm in the finished products such as household-cleaning products, cosmetic products etc.