Endocrine Disruptors in Europe

Important Results of the Latest Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products

The latest Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products took place on October 22nd in Brussels. This meeting brings together the representatives of all EU Member States and aims to vote the regulatory proposals developed by the EU Commission.

Several important decisions taken by this committee are worth sharing and will be published in the next few months (most probably in January 2016).

Zinc oxide (nano and non-nano forms) has been approved by all EU Member States for addition to the list of official UV filters (Annex VI of the Cosmetics Regulation). The only limitation is that this new UV filter is “Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end user’s lungs by inhalation.” Although, there is room for interpretation BIORIUS considers that application releasing large-droplets sprays (e.g. fragrance pumps) are not covered by this ban, which would mainly focus on aerosols and other atomizers producing small droplets.

Potassium hydroxide will soon be allowed in callosity softeners/removers at up to 1.5% provided that the following warnings are labeled: avoid contact with eyes; can cause blindness; keep out of reach of children.

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) has been classified as CMR 2 by the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee and the normal conclusion of this classification should have been a ban of this ingredient in cosmetic product. However, the Industry submitted a convincing dataset supporting the safe use of this ingredient in nail-hardening products and the SCCS delivered a positive opinion. Consequently, an entry will be added to the Cosmetics Regulation to authorize the use of TPO in nail products at up to 5% provided that the following warning are labeled: avoid skin contact; read directions for use carefully.

The use of Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) will be restricted soon at a maximum concentration of 10% in rinse-off products, 7.0% in oxidative and 5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulation, 2.6% in other cosmetic products(including spray products, fine fragrances, hairsprays, and antiperspirants and deodorants). Furthermore, the concentration of ethylene glycol as an impurity of DEGEE will be limited at 0.1%. Finally, the use of DEGEE will probably be prohibited in oral hygiene and eye products.

Quaternium 15 will be withdrawn from the list of official preservatives (Annex V of the Cosmetics Regulation) because it has been classified as CMR 2 and received no support from the industry. Because the SCCS delivered no positive opinion on this ingredient, its use in cosmetic products is now prohibited.

Any questions?

Author

  • Frédéric Lebreux

    Dr. Frédéric Lebreux is Biorius's Chief Executive Officer and has worked in the cosmetic industry for more than 13 years. He is regularly invited as a speaker or Professor to cosmetic events.