Glyoxylic acid under surveillance: implications of the European data call for manufacturers
The European Commission is launching a call for data on the use of glyoxylic acid in cosmetic products.
This initiative follows multiple cosmetovigilance alerts reported throughout 2024, which raised significant concerns about a potential association between glyoxylic acid and cases of acute renal failure. In January 2025, these concerns were formally acknowledged by ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), which concluded that glyoxylic acid is highly likely to be responsible for the reported adverse effects.
In response, ANSES has advised the European Commission to initiate a comprehensive risk assessment of glyoxylic acid, with the potential objective of regulating its use via inclusion in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
This data call specifically concerns the toxicological safety of glyoxylic acid (CAS No. 298-12-4, EC No. 206-058-5) and will remain open from 9 April 2025 to 8 April 2026.
As a trusted partner to the cosmetics industry, Eurofins C&PC is actively supporting stakeholders in compiling and submitting robust safety data. With our deep expertise in toxicological risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and analytical testing, we assist manufacturers and brands in navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and preparing scientific dossiers aligned with European Commission expectations.