Following the mandate given by the European Commission to the SCCS in June 2019, within the framework of the evaluation of ingredients listed as nanomaterials, the Scientific Committee has just published its Preliminary Opinions on the safety of Copper and Colloidal Copper, as well as Hydroxyapatite. They were adopted at the CSSC plenary meeting of 27-28 October 2020 and are open for comments until 4 January 2021.
Copper [nano] and Colloidal Copper [nano]
Background
The Commission services received 36 notifications under Article 16 of the Cosmetics Regulation via the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) for cosmetic products containing Copper (31 notifications) and Colloidal Copper (5 notifications) with CAS No.7440-50-8, and EC No.231-159-6 in nano form.
The Commission has concerns on the use of Copper and Colloidal Copper in nano form because of the potential for nanoparticles to be absorbed dermally or across a mucous membrane and to enter cells.
For an exhaustive background information, see the article
• SCCS: Requests for Opinions on 3 nanos and DHA, CosmeticOBS, 1st July 2019
Opinion
1. In view of the above, and taking into account the scientific data provided, does the SCCS consider the nanomaterials Copper and Colloidal Copper safe when used in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products including skin, nail and cuticle, hair and scalp and oral hygiene products, according to the maximum concentrations and specifications reported in the attached list, taking into account reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions?
The SCCS has considered all the information provided by the Notifiers and is of the opinion that it is not possible to carry out safety assessment of the nanomaterials Copper …
