Recently, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) opened seven draft industrial chemical evaluation statements for public comment, covering 21 chemicals listed on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC). Comments are due by November 26, 2026 (local time).
Among them, substances includingLilial and Bourgeonal,Phenol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)- (Thymol) and Acetic acid, 2,2-dichloro- have been assessed as having the 'Personal care products not covered by other end uses' use. Relevant personal care product companies should pay close attention.
Consultation Overview
The seven draft evaluation statements, released on September 30, 2026, all concern chemicals listed on the AIIC, comprising four human health evaluations (EVA00188, EVA00189, EVA00190 and EVA00192) and three environment evaluations (EVA00207, EVA00209 and EVA00212). Each draft statement sets out information on the uses, hazards and risks of the relevant chemicals and, depending on the evaluation outcomes, proposes risk management recommendations and information for safe use.
Among the three evaluations relevant to personal care products, EVA00189 (Lilial and Bourgeonal) includes recommendations for public health and workers, while EVA00190 (Thymol) and EVA00192 (dichloroacetic acid) include recommendations for workers, all accompanied by information for safe use.
Chemicals Relevant to Personal Care Products
The three draft evaluations relevant to personal care products are all human health evaluations, covering four chemicals in total, as detailed in the table below:
| Subject of evaluation | CAS No. | Focus | Use | Proposed outcome | Evaluation |
| Lilial | 80-54-6 | Health | Air care products; Cleaning and furniture care products; Laundry and dishwashing products; Personal care products not covered by other end uses | Recommendation to regulatory body (public health); Recommendation to regulatory body (workers); Information relating to safe introduction and use | EVA00189 |
| Bourgeonal | 18127-01-0 | ||||
| Bourgeonal,Phenol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)- (Thymol) | 89-83-8 | Health | Air care products; Cleaning and furniture care products; Laundry and dishwashing products; Personal care products not covered by other end uses | Recommendation to regulatory body (workers); Information relating to safe introduction and use | EVA00190 |
| Acetic acid, 2,2-dichloro- | 79-43-6 | Health | Automotive care products; Chemical intermediate; Textiles; Laundry and dishwashing products; Personal care products not covered by other end uses | Recommendation to regulatory body (workers); Information relating to safe introduction and use | EVA00192 |
Note: “Personal care products not covered by other end uses” in the table is the AICIS end-use category related to personal care products.
Key Impacts on Cosmetics Companies
(1) Screening formulations and supply chains: Lilial and Bourgeonal are structurally related lily-of-the-valley-type fragrance substances, and Thymol is a common fragrance ingredient. Raw material and product companies should screen whether the products they supply to or sell in Australia contain the above substances.
(2) Following the evaluation conclusions and subsequent regulation: The three evaluations remain at the draft stage. The final evaluation conclusions and the proposed risk management recommendations (e.g. measures targeting public health and workers) may affect the conditions under which the relevant substances can be used in Australia. Companies should continue to follow up.
(3) Watching international regulatory trends: Lilial has been prohibited in cosmetic products in the EU since March 2022 due to its classification as toxic to reproduction Category 1B (CMR 1B). The human health evaluation of it by AICIS this time indicates tightening regulation of relevant fragrance materials, and companies are advised to evaluate alternatives in due course.
CIRS Reminder
Australia administers industrial chemicals (including ingredients contained in cosmetics and personal care products) that are introduced into or manufactured in Australia under the unified AICIS framework. Companies may submit comments through the AICIS website before November 26, 2026, and follow the release of the final evaluation statements and subsequent risk management measures.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
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