The question was that simple, “Does the SCCS zinc oxide in its nano-form safe for use as a UV filter?” The answer by the european experts takes 112 pages, and may be summarized as, “All in all, yes, but…” However, the “but” word means many things and may be written in capital letters…
In its background, the Opinion of the SCCS, adopted during the 16th plenary session on 18 September 2012, reminds us that zinc oxide (CAS: 1314-13-2) has widespread use in cosmetics, for several purposes: bulking, skin protection and UV absorber, besides its authorized use in all cosmetics as a cosmetic colorant (CI 77947).
This is the third time that the SCCS has to give its opinion on this ingredient: the two previous requests for an opinion were about zinc oxide in pigmentary form, the other one, about nano-zinc, in order to have it approved as an anti-UV filter in sunscreens at a maximum level of 25% in the finished product.
Then, in 2003 and 2005, zinc oxide had been considered as safe for use in its non-nano form: the experts pointed out the lack of reliable data for an evaluation of its nano form.
For this third opinion, the SCCS had been supplied with new data, providing an overall safety assessment by taking into account the entire available information.
The SCCS, therefore, had to answer three questions:
1. Does the SCCS consider zinc oxide in its nano-form safe for use as a UV-filter with a concentration up to 25% in cosmetic …
