European assessment of titanium dioxide in cosmetics
The European Commission has asked the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to re-evaluate the safety of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in cosmetics, with regard to its genotoxicity in case of inhalation and oral exposure.
Among the types of cosmetics mentioned are: lip balms, lipsticks, toothpastes, powders and hair sprays.
This referral follows the concerns highlighted in May 2021 by EFSA regarding the potential genotoxicity of E171 (a food additive composed of titanium dioxide) and the submission, in May 2022, by an industrialist of a documented file supporting the safety of the non-nano (pigmentary) and nano forms of TiO2 in cosmetic products.
Several questions were posed to the SCCS:
- Is titanium dioxide safe in oral cosmetics?
- Should its previous opinions on inhalation and dermal exposure to titanium dioxide be revised? If so, what concentration limits does it recommend for each product category and type of use?
- What specifications does it recommend for titanium dioxide used in cosmetics?
- Does it have any other scientific concerns regarding the use of titanium dioxide in cosmetic products?
The SCCS has nine months to issue its opinion, which should therefore be finalized in March 2023.
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Upcoming Nano Agenda
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- Organizer: EFSA
- This workshop will present the proposed strategy for updating the EFSA Nano Guidance documents, aiming to merge them into a single guidance on risk assessment for nanomaterials and small/nanoparticles in the food and feed chain.
The event will provide an open platform for discussing key issues, approaches to addressing them, and ensuring the guidance reflects the latest scientific knowledge. Stakeholders will be encouraged to share experiences and engage with regulators, helping shape the updated guidance. - Website: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/workshop-risk-assessment-nanomaterials-and-materials-containing-smallnanoparticles-food-and
- This course is designed for engineers or senior technicians working in the field of micro and nanotechnologies in public or industrial laboratories, who need to solve problems related to controlling the properties of materials at the nanometric scale during their development and/or integration into devices.
- Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
- June 17 to July 3, 2025
- Website: https: //instn.cea.fr/formation/nano-caracterisation-pour-letude-des-materiaux-et-structures
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- Organizers: the Horizon Europe projects ACCORDs, iCare, MACRAMÉ, and nanoPASS
- Object: Addressing the needs of industry and regulators in assessing the safety and sustainability of advanced materials
- Location: OECD
- Website: https://icareproject.eu/…advanced-materials