Nano and cosmetics
Dossier: Nanos in cosmetics
By the AVICENN team – Last modification July 2024
Almost all cosmetic products contain nanos: toothpastes, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, foundations, nail polishes, mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, hair dyes, blushes, powders, soaps, shower gels, deodorants…
These nanos are mainly colorants, texture agents, antibacterial or UV filters.
Despite the labeling obligation (theoretically in force in Europe since 2013, but insufficiently applied) and the publication of a pseudo “catalog” by the European Commission in 2017 / 2019, the precise identification of nanoparticles in cosmetics is still very difficult today for consumers and health authorities, unless they resort to laboratory analysis.
Due to a lack of reliable data, their associated health risks are still poorly identified and assessed.
As for the risks to the environment, they are still insufficiently taken into account by the risk assessment and regulating authorities.
Where are nanos in cosmetics, what are they used for, how can they be detected and can they be replaced? How are they managed in France and in Europe? What are their risks to human health and ecosystems? These information sheets explore these different questions and will be enriched as we continue to monitor and receive your contributions.
The information sheets in this section
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Webconference
- Program:
- Presentation of the experimental standard CEN ISO/TS 19590, entitled “Nanotechnologies – Characterization of nano-objects by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in single particle mode”.
- Users’ feedbacks
- Organizer: AFNOR
- Website: www.afnor.org/…/nano-objets…
- Feedback on Anses’ 2024 research and stakeholders meetings on undone sciences regarding nanomaterials, radio frequency and biotechnologies
- Participants: ANSES staff, researchers, NGOs, representatives of industry federations
- Organizer: ANSES
- Website: www.anses.fr/fr/content/journees-rencontre-recherche-parties-prenantes-anses-2024
- 6th interdisciplinary nanoscience congress, dedicated to all academic and industrial scientists in nanoscience and nanotechnology, including researchers, engineers, PhD students, post-docs, etc.
- March 18 to 21, 2025
- Organizers: Centre national de Compétences en Nanosciences du CNRS, C’Nano
- Website: https://cnano2025.sciencesconf.org
Any questions or comments? This information sheet compiled by AVICENN is intended to be completed and updated. Please feel free to contribute.
This file was originally created in February 2019