Following a new submission of exposure data by the “Aluminium” Consortium led by Cosmetics Europe, the European Commission asked the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) to give a new opinion on the safety of its compounds in cosmetic products. The Scientific Committee has just published its preliminary Opinion. It is open for comment until 16 February 2024.
Background
Aluminium (Al) and Al compounds are used in a variety of cosmetic products, predominantly in deodorants, antiperspirants, lipsticks, and toothpastes. Several Al compounds are regulated in different entries of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009.
In March 2020, the SCCS adopted its final Opinion SCCS/1613/19 and in March 2021 an addendum to this Opinion, in which he concluded that the use of aluminium compounds is safe at the equivalent aluminium concentrations up to:
(a) 6.25% in non-spray deodorants or non-spray antiperspirants
(b) 10.60% in spray deodorants or spray antiperspirants
(c) 2.65% in toothpaste, and
(d) 14% in lipstick
In March 2021, industry submitted a dossier focusing on the aggregate exposure to aluminium concerning the European population. In its Opinion SCCS/1644/22, the SCCS has defined safe concentrations in sprayable and non-sprayable products, but concluded that the aggregate exposure to aluminium from cosmetic and non-cosmetic sources may exceed safe limits for consumers at the highest exposure ranges.
The Aluminium consortium then submitted a new probabilistic exposure assessment report.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• Aluminium in cosmetic products: Final Opinion of the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 7 April 2020
• Addendum to the SCCS Opinion on Aluminium: final …
