EC amends restriction on four preservatives and a UV filter

The opinion follows a review by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety which recommends these preservatives be used at concentrations of 0.2%.

The SCCS evaluated the safety of the mixture citric acid and silver citrate and stated that on the basis of the data submitted, the use of that mixture as a preservative in cosmetic products, at a concentration up to 0,2% (corresponding to a silver concentration of 0,0024 %), does not pose a risk to the health of the consumer.

The Committee had previously concluded in its opinion of 8 December 2009 (3) that, apart from the fact that quaternary ammonium derivative formulations have the potential to be skin irritants, especially when combinations of the concerned compounds are used, the use of cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride do not pose a risk to the health of the consumer in concentrations below certain limits.

Assessment of tris-biphenyl triazine​

The SCCS also assessed nano UV filter tris-biphenyl triazine and concluded that at a use of 10% as a UV-filter in cosmetic products, it can be considered safe for dermal application.

However, the Committee stated that there was too much uncertainty to conclude about the safe use of the substance in spray applications, due to concerns over possible inhalation exposure.

"Spray products containing tris-biphenyl triazine cannot be recommended until additional information on safety after repeated inhalation is provided​."​

Speaking of nano ...​

The European Commission recently agreed to hold a meeting to allow member states and other interested parties to see and discuss options for regulating nanomaterials.

Officials have confirmed that the meeting will be held over the summer where they plan to reveal nanomaterial regulations drawn up by its different departments.

The news has been a long time coming for the industry as the Committee had initially promised to present final proposals for amending REACH’s annexes to take better account of nanomaterials back in October, and then again in time for a stakeholder meeting last week which was also missed.

The options currently being considered include impact assessment, recommendations on best practice for member states wanting to establish national registers, an EU observatory drawing publicly available information from other sources and two types of registry.

A proposal on the impact assessment should be ready by early 2015.