2024 Update to EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) by adding 27 new chemicals, bringing the total to 957. This update includes solvents, polymers, surfactants, and preservatives, aiming to foster safer product innovation while enhancing transparency for manufacturers and consumers.
Expanding the Safer Chemical Ingredients List
The SCIL plays a key role in the EPA’s Safer Choice Program, which certifies products meeting strict human health and environmental safety standards. With these new additions, manufacturers now have a broader selection of safer ingredients for developing cleaning products, colorants, and other formulations that align with high safety criteria.
The newly added chemicals, categorized as preservatives, processing aids, colorants, and solvents, offer producers a greater variety of options for creating environmentally friendly products that maintain strong performance standards.
Fragrances Moved to Safer Choice Fragrances Palette
To streamline processes for manufacturers, the EPA has transferred all fragrance chemicals from the SCIL to the Safer Choice Fragrances Palette. This new, consolidated resource provides a comprehensive list of fragrances approved for Safer Choice-certified products.
Previously, only a subset of fragrances appeared on the SCIL. This change simplifies identification for manufacturers, ensuring all approved fragrances are accessible in a single source. Consumers who prefer fragrance-free options still have access to approximately 300 fragrance-free Safer Choice-certified products.
Reevaluation of Existing Chemicals
In addition to new additions, the EPA reassessed 23 chemicals on the SCIL. Updated scientific data led to reclassification for some chemicals to better reflect potential risks.
For instance, propyl acetate (CASRN 109-60-4) has been reclassified from a “full green circle” to a “yellow triangle,” indicating it still meets Safer Choice criteria but poses some concerns regarding health or environmental impact.
Another significant update is the classification of ethyl lactate (CASRN 97-64-3) as a “grey square.” This designation indicates it may be removed from the SCIL within 12 months due to emerging concerns about its safety. No Safer Choice-certified products currently use ethyl lactate.
A Commitment to Safer Chemistry
The EPA’s Safer Chemical Ingredients List undergoes regular updates to reflect the latest advancements in scientific research and safer chemistry. These updates ensure that products bearing the Safer Choice label are made with the safest available ingredients. By encouraging manufacturers to submit their chemicals for evaluation, the EPA continues to drive innovation in the creation of high-performing, safer products that protect human health and the environment.