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Nanomaterials in Cosmetics

Nanomaterials in cosmetic products are strictly regulated in the EU according to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

What are nanomaterials?
According to EU law, nanomaterials are insoluble or biopersistent and intentionally manufactured materials ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. 

Where are nano materials commonly found in cosmetics?
Nanomaterials can often be found in: 
- Colorants and pigments (CI INCIs, e.g CI 42090, CI 77891)
- Preservatives
- UV filters such as Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, biphenyl triazine and MBBT. 

How can my product fulfil EU nanomaterials cosmetics regulations?
In the EU, responsible persons must register their product on the cosmetic products notification portal (see our CPNP page here). If your product contains nanomaterials, this must be notified in the portal 6 months before the product is placed on the market, with the identification and the foreseeable exposure conditions. This could lead to additional procedures and safety checks - if the European commission has concerns regarding the product they may enquire SCCS to perform a safety assessment of the product. 

If your product does contain nanomaterial INCIs, then this must be explicitly stated on the packaging in the ingredients list. The word ‘nano’ must be placed in brackets after the ingredient/INCI.



How can I ensure that my product does not contain nanomaterials? 


For your product to comply with EC No 1223/2009, products that commonly contain nanomaterials as mentioned above should explicitly state that this is not the case. Each raw material must have a declaration from the supplier that it does not contain nanomaterials. There are 2 manners to do so: 

1. A statement - this is a declaration from the supplier stating that the raw material has no nanomaterials inside it. For example: 


2. An analysis - this is a test report showing the particle size of the raw material. Particles must be over 100 nm in external size, where the threshold is 50%. See this page for more information. For example: 

We hope to have informed you of the EU legislation for nanomaterials in cosmetics products. If you have other questions please contact office@skinconsult.com.

Remember: Safety first!

 

Publish date Sep 1, 2023