In July 2013 the SCCS was in the opinion that the use of nano titanium dioxide could not be considered as safe in spray products. The safety of this cosmetic ingredient will be re-evaluated. The request from the European Commission has been published in September 2015.
Background
Titanium Dioxide (CAS/EC numbers 13463-67-7/236-675-5, 1317-70-0/205-280-2, 1317-80-2/215-282-2) is authorized both as colorant under entry 143 of Annex IV and as UV-filter under entry 27 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
In July 2013 the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) delivered an Opinion on Titanium Dioxide (nano) (SCCS/1516/13) to assess the safety of the nano form of Titanium Dioxide. In the Opinion the SCCS concluded that the use of Titanium Dioxide (nano) as UV-filter in sunscreens, with the characteristics indicated in the Opinion, and at a concentration up to 25%, can be considered to not pose any risk of adverse effects in humans after application on healthy, intact or sunburnt skin.
The SCCS also considered that, on the basis of available information, the use of Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles in spray products cannot be considered safe. In addition, the SCCS indicated, in a further Opinion of 23 September 2014 for clarification of the meaning of the term ‘sprayable application/products’ for the nano forms of Carbon Black CI 77266, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, that its concern is limited to spray applications that might lead to exposure of the consumer’s lungs to Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles by inhalation.
In July …
