Risks of copper nanoparticles in cosmetics
On March 5, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on copper nanoparticles.
While the SCCS reports a lack of sufficient data (in terms of characterization and toxicology) to allow it to evaluate copper in nano forms, it nevertheless points to risks that warrant further evaluation of the safety of copper nanomaterials used as cosmetic ingredients. The main issues are: the risk of accumulation in certain organs – particularly the liver and spleen – linked to systemic exposure, and the potential mutagenic / genotoxic and immunotoxic / nephrotoxic effects.
About 30 cosmetic products have been reported to the SCCS by seven manufacturers.
Note: the SCCS also published on March 8 a “corrigendum” of its “Scientific advice on the safety of nanomaterials in cosmetics” published in January, incorporating the results of this assessment in its Annex I (where the risk potential score for copper in nano form was raised to 40, the highest score).
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Upcoming Nano Agenda
- 8th Congress of Occupational Medicine and Health (CNMST 2026)
- Theme 5: Emerging pathologies and risks, Mr Henri Bastos (ANSES), Pr Lynda Bensefa-Colas (AP-HP), Dr Catherine Nisse (CHU Lille)
- Website: www.medecine-sante-travail.com
- 20th meeting of the “nano and health” dialogue committee
- Organizer: ANSES
- Training intended for occupational physicians, occupational risk prevention specialists (IPRP), company prevention specialists, prevention department staff from Carsat, Cramif and CGSS, institutional prevention specialists (Dreets, Dreal, MSA…).
- Organizer: French National institute of research and security (INRS)
- October 5 to 9, 2026
- Website: www.inrs.fr/…/formation/…JA1030_2026