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.

Upcoming Nano Agenda

3
Avr.
2025
Dimensional analysis by electron and atomic force microscopy of particles (NanoMesureFrance, Online)
On line
Webinar
  • Webinar presenting the example guide produced by NanoMesureFrance, to illustrate the difficulties encountered in dimensional analysis of particles by electron and atomic force microscopy.
  • Organizers: Association NanoMesureFrance
  • Speakers: Valérie Godefert & François-Xavier Ouf (LNE & NanoMesureFrance)
  • Website: www.eventbrite.fr/…nanomesurefrance-webinar-…

14
Avr.
2025
Advanced Characterization Techniques in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (Nano2025, Rome – Italy)
Rome
Congress
  • Advanced Characterization Techniques in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology 
  • 10th European Congress on Advanced Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
  • 14 and 15 April 2025
  • Website: https://nanomaterialsconference.com
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