European assessment of titanium dioxide in cosmetics
.
.
.
22/06/2022
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.
Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
13
Mai
2025
5th Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology (BfR & Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Network – Würzburg, Germany)
Würzburg
Conference
- 5th Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology
- Organizers: the Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Network, with the support of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
- Date: May 13-14, 2025
- Topics:
- the application of nanotechnology in various sectors, including digitalization, 2D/3D printing, carbon-based materials and battery materials
- nano on various regulations (REACh, food contact materials, cosmetics, bioagents, PPPs)
- adaptation and development of OECD Test Guidelines for nano and advanced materials (Malta Initiative)
- review on nano-specific NAMs (new approach methodologies)
- when you’re nano and you know it: dealing with uncertainty regarding the nanomaterial definition in regulatory frameworks
- …
- Website: www.isc.fraunhofer.de/…2025/5th-symposium-nanotechnology.html
19
Mai
2025
Toxicokinetics: the fate of chemicals in the body (ATC, Paris)
Paris
Training
- 4-day training :
- the different routes by which toxic substances can enter the body
- the importance of toxicokinetics in preventing the toxicity of substances,
- the absorption, distribution, metabolisation and elimination of xenobiotics
- the toxicity of nanoparticles
- Organizer : Association Toxicologie Chimie (ATC)
- From May, 19 to May, 22
- Speakers :
- Frédéric Gaidou (Chemical engineer specialising in Toxicology, ERAMET Group, Paris, President ATC Paris)
- Sarah Dognin dit Cruissat (Doctor of Pharmacy, nutritionist, toxicochemist, CALMEVA, Lyon)
- Jean-Dominique Puyt (Veterinary Doctor, Honorary Professor at the École Vétérinaire, Nantes)
- Isabelle Malissin (Doctor, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris)
- Nicole Proust (Research Engineer, Honorary Director of Research at the CNRS, Specialist in Nanotechnologies, Arsenic, Electromagnetic Waves, Palaiseau)
- Marie-Chantal Canivenc-Lavier ((Nutri-toxicologist, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation INRA-Dijon)
- Claude Lesné (Doctor, Honorary Senior Research Engineer at the CNRS)
- Nicole Proust (Ingénieure Recherche, Directeur de recherche honoraire du CNRS, Spécialiste Nanotechnologies, Arsenic, Ondes électromagnétiques, Palaiseau)
- Website : https://www.atctoxicologie.fr/notre-formation.html
1
Juin
2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
On line
Training
- E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into 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 program:
- 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
- 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
- 3 – Metrology and characterization of nanomaterials
- 4 – Prevention and protection against nanomaterials in the workplace
- 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
- The 2-hour course can be viewed for one month from the date of registration.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/…risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux…