EU scientific advice puts CBD cosmetics at 0.19% – and THC impurity at 0.00025%

What the SCCS concluded

In Scientific Advice SCCS/1685/25, the Committee assessed pure cannabidiol (CAS 13956-29-1) for cosmetic use after a Commission call for data (June 2023-September 2024). Based on limited available data, the SCCS considers CBD safe at concentrations up to 0.19% in dermal cosmetic products and oral cosmetic products, used separately or together.

For delta-9-THC present as a contaminant in CBD preparations, the SCCS considers impurities safe up to 0.00025% in the same product types. The advice does not cover inhalation exposure (for example sprays that reach the lungs).

The opinion is scientific guidance under the Cosmetics Regulation framework. It does not itself amend Annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The Commission may still use it later to set restricted-use entries or concentration limits.

What it means for buyers

• Creams and leave-on topicals: 0.19% CBD is the SCCS safety ceiling for pure CBD in the assessed scenarios – check INCI and supplier specs, not marketing “high strength” claims alone.
• THC on the COA: Cosmetics impurity thinking now has a published figure (0.00025%). That is far below hemp field THC percentages used for oils sold as food.
• Not a food green light: SCCS cosmetics advice does not authorise ingestible CBD oils or gummies under novel food rules.
• Plant-source rules still apply: National and EU narcotics/cosmetics source restrictions (for example flower-top extracts) remain separate from this concentration advice.

Context next to ECHA and novel food

ECHA’s reproductive-toxicity debate and EFSA’s ~2 mg/day provisional food intake sit on different legal tracks. Cosmetics buyers should read SCCS numbers as a safety reference that may shape future Annex III-style limits, not as a retail free pass for every CBD cream on the shelf.

Sources

• European Commission (24 Apr 2026) – SCCS advice on CBD in cosmetics
• SCCS/1685/25 – Scientific Advice on CBD (adopted 26 Mar 2026)

Related guides

• Is CBD legal in Germany? (2026 country guide)
• Is CBD legal in Belgium? (2026 country guide)
• Best CBD oils in Europe 2026 – lab-checked comparison

FAQ

Does the SCCS opinion ban CBD cosmetics above 0.19%?

No. It is scientific advice that CBD is considered safe up to 0.19% under the assessed uses. It does not by itself amend the Cosmetics Regulation.

What THC impurity level did the SCCS accept?

Up to 0.00025% THC as an impurity in dermal and oral cosmetic products, used separately or in combination.

Does this approve CBD food oils in the EU?

No. Cosmetics advice is separate from novel food authorisation for ingestible CBD.