Number

034-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

This document concerns information on musk xylene, a synthetic musk used in fragrances, and potential alternatives to its use. The main alternatives to musk xylene are compounds from macrocyclic and alicyclic musk groups. Polycyclic musks are also an alternative but have in recent years been considered unsafe because of their potential negative effects on the environment.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Evidence of assessment: there is evidence of an official (positive) assessment of the substitution
Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed

Reason substitution

CMR

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Musk ketone is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Musk xylene is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database and has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). Alternative substances: The alternatives are not included in the database of hazardous substances according to SUBSPORTplus screening criteria (SDSC). » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC)

Description of Substitution

Musk xylene is a substance used in fragrance formulation, helping to ‘fix’ aromas and to ensure persistence in a range of household products (such as detergents, fabric softeners, fabric conditioners, cleaning agents, air fresheners, etc.) and cosmetic products (such as soaps, shampoos, perfumes, etc.). Potential alternatives to musk xylene can be divided into three different groups. Macrocyclic musks, alicyclic musks and polycyclic musks. Macrocyclic musks: The main alternative in this group of musks are thibetolide, ethylene brassilate, muscenone and nirvanolide. There have been few studies conducted on these chemicals but their physiological and chemical properties seem to suggest that they are more biodegradable than nitromusks (musk xylene and musk ketone) or polycyclic musks. Alicyclic musks: The main alternatives in this group of synthetic musks are cyclomusk, helvetolide and romandolide. This group of musks is produced at a commercial scale, which suggests that they are being used in fragrances, possibly as a replacement for musk xylene. There are however even fewer studies made on these chemicals than on macrocyclic musks and their properties are largely unknown. Polycyclic musks: The main alternatives of this group include AHTN and HHCB. These musks were originally proposed as alternatives to nitromusks (musk xylene and musk ketone) but have in the recent decade been heavily criticised by NGOs and in consumer journals due to their potential for persistence. This group of substances is widely used today and even though they are gradually being phased out they will most likely be on the market for several years to come. A final note on alternatives to musk xylene is that substitution in the fragrance industry is generally difficult. A particular fragrance is dependent on the compounds used in the formula as well as on the manufacturing process. It is therefore difficult to change any of the ingredients or processes in the formula without changing the actual scent of the product. A lot of information from the fragrance industry is also secret. Musk xylene has been identified as a substance of very high concern under the REACH regulation and should therefore be substituted. Continued use of the compound will be arduous. Substitution of a component present in a fragrance is hard without losing the original scent.

Case/substitution evaluation

This is a dossier prepared for the inclusion of musk xylene for the candidate list of SVHC. The dossier identifies the alternatives in use. Even though some of the alternatives may be regarded safer than the original substance, there is still a need to identify even safer alternatives for musk xylene.

State of implementation

Partial capacity

Date and place of implementation

the European Union

Availability ofAlternative

All substances described in this text are commercially produced and fully available.

Type of information supplier

Authority

Contact

The report was submitted by the Netherlands to ECHA who are now distributing it.

Further information

Available from: https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/5365c11d-6875-4e40-81b1-647285b69154

Type of publication and availability

Annex XV dossier, freely available

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST). Université de Montréal. Michel Gérin Denis Bégin 2001

Publication source

Type of publication and availability

https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/5365c11d-6875-4e40-81b1-647285b69154

Date, reviewed

December 11, 2020