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
- Awareness-raising aimed at personnel in contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
- Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
- On the agenda: potential impact on health; metrology and protection; control of potential risks associated with nanomaterials; consideration of societal aspects.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/formation/maitrise-des-risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux-sensibilisation
- 11th International Conference on Nanotoxicology
- Forum aimed at personnel from research and academic institutions as well as from industry, governmental agencies, and other relevant organisations
- Organizers: the leading EU-funded H2020 Projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS, and SUNSHINE
- 23 – 25 September 2024
- Site internet: https://www.nanotox2024.eu
- As part of the “unusual CNRS visits” program, “Dive into the invisible world of atoms: explore nanotechnologies” : discover how nano-objects are manufactured and analyzed, with control and ultimate spatio-temporal resolutions of around 1/10,000 meters, in spaces exceptionally open to the public.
- Organizer: Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies (C2N), a flagship laboratory for research in nanoscience and nanotechnology in France (CNRS)
- Site internet : https://visitesinsolites.cnrs.fr/…
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