Scientific advice on the safety of nanomaterials in cosmetics (SCCS) – Final Advice

U. Bernauer (1) , L. Bodin (2, 1) , Q. Chaudhry (1) , P.J. Coenraads (1) , M. Dusinska (1) , E. Gaffet (3, 1) , E. Panteri (1) , C. Rousselle (4, 1) , M. Stepnik (1) , S. Wijnhoven (1) , W.H. De Jong (1) , N. Von Götz (1)

1 SCCS - Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS)
2 CEA - Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
3 IJL - Institut Jean Lamour
4 ANSES - Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail

The SCCS is requested to determine the nanomaterials, as published in the recent catalogue of nanomaterials of 2019, for which specific concerns can be identified and justified in order to establish a priority list of nanomaterials for risk assessment (Article 16(4) Reg.1223/2009). More specifically, the SCCS is requested to provide a description of the specific concerns that have been identified for the nanomaterials mentioned above. This process should be based on the currently available scientific literature and SCCS’ expert judgement. Through a review of the available information and expert judgment, the SCCS has identified certain aspects of nanomaterials that constitute a basis for concern over safety to consumers’ health when used in cosmetic products. These include: Physicochemical aspects relating to: very small dimensions of the constituent particles; solubility/persistence; chemical nature and toxicity of the nanomaterial; physical/morphological features of the constituent particles; surface chemistry and surface characteristics (surface modifications/coatings); Exposure aspects relating to: the frequency and the amounts used, whether the number/type of consumer product(s) used is relatively high; and whether there is a potential for systemic exposure of the consumer to nanoparticles and potential accumulation in the body; Other aspects relating to: novel properties, activity or function, and specific concern arising from the type of application. A detailed account of these aspects has been presented in this Advice. Also, the nanomaterials listed in the EC catalogue of nanomaterials of 2019 have been tabulated in an order of priority according to risk potential in Annex 1 of this Advice.

Mots clés: analytical chemistry; chemical compound; consumer protection; cosmetic product; directive (EU); manufactured goods; nanotechnology; risk management; scientific report; toxic substance

Domaines: Science des matériaux [cond-mat.mtrl-sci]

U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads, M. Dusinska, et al.. Scientific advice on the safety of nanomaterials in cosmetics (SCCS) – Final Advice. EW-AQ-22-002-EN-N, European Commission - Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety. 2021, pp.49. ⟨hal-03759691⟩