Biography
Anne-Cécile is a chemical engineer with a master’s degree in toxicology. She has successfully combined scientific expertise with regulatory acumen throughout her career as a regulatory toxicologist. With over 20 years of experience, she has held strategic and leadership roles in the industry, contributing to the safety and compliance of products in the perfume, cosmetics, detergent, and biocide sectors. Anne-Cécile is currently the Regulatory and Public Affairs Director at EcoXtract, a company specialising in bio-based extraction of lipids, plant-based proteins and natural ingredients.
Abstract
Hexane, a widely used petrochemical solvent with a variable and complex composition, is under intensified scrutiny due to mounting health and regulatory concerns. Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing concern for the general population, and hexane’s neurotoxicity has placed it at the center of regulatory actions. EFSA has concluded that no safe dose of hexane can be identified, and the EU has officially classified it as STOT RE 1 for its effects on the nervous system. Furthermore, German authorities have recommended its inclusion as an SVHC and the implementation of restrictive measures.
These developments signal significant implications for industries globally, including in the USA. While businesses may currently comply with existing regulations, aggregated consumer exposure to hexane exceeds safe thresholds, raising the urgency for action. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. By adopting safe and sustainable alternatives, your business can lead the way with hexane-free products, setting new standards for innovation and responsibility.