The use of cosmetics is universal and certainly dates back to ancient times. In contemporary times, the use of cosmetics is taking off with the scientific study of their composition. The first research was carried out in France in the 19th century and led to the development of high-performance products that were less expensive and offered consumers a greater choice. Today, these products cannot be placed on the market unless their safety has been evaluated and confirmed by an expert.
Article 10 of the European Cosmetics Regulation states that : “Prior to placing a cosmetic product on the market, ensure that the cosmetic product has undergone a safety assessment on the basis of the relevant information and that a cosmetic product safety report is set up in accordance with Annex I…”.
Moreover, Article 3 of the Cosmetics Regulation states that “cosmetic product made available on the market shall be safe for human health when used under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use…”.[1] However, the placing on the market of a cosmetic product does not require prior authorisation or CE marking but it must meet certain regulatory requirements and in particular that it is not harmful to the health of the consumer[2].
The risk assessment by the toxicologist expert is multifactorial. From exposure to danger, the elements characterising the risk are multiple. The assessor must constantly analyse it according to the environmental context, the possible transfer of material, the concentrations involved, the exposed zone(s) and, of course, the population concerned.
When combined with risk factors, the investigation tools are fortunately very useful. The evolution of knowledge through R&D and that of the techniques used in the …
