On March 20, 2015, the SCCS has adopted by written procedure its Opinion on the nano forms of the cosmetic ingredients Silica, Hydrated silica, and Silica Surface Modified with Alkyl Silylates. This Opinion is open for comments until June 26, 2015.
Background
The Commission received 172 notifications of cosmetic products containing the following nanomaterials: Silica (nano), Hydrated silica (nano), Silica silylate (nano), and Silica dimethyl silylate (nano).
The Commission has concerns on the use of silica in nano-form because of the potential high exposure in many types of products and because concerns have been raised regarding the potential for nanoparticles of silica to break out of the agglomerates and enter cells.
Therefore, the Commission would like to request the SCCS a safety assessment of the four types of nano silica covered in the notifications, in the above-mentioned categories of products, taking into account the reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions.
For exhaustive background information, see the article
• Nano silica: request for the SCCS Opinion of September 30, 2013
Opinion
1. In view of above, and taken into account the scientific data provided, SCCS is requested to give its opinion on the safety of the nanomaterials Silica, Hydrated silica, Silica silylate and Silica dimethyl silylate for use in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics products, including hair, skin, lip, face, and nail products, taking into account the reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions.
The submission comprises safety assessment of 28 SAS (synthetic amorphous silica) materials, of which …
