SCCS Review of TiO2
The European Commission has requested the SCCS to re-evaluate the safety of titanium dioxide for use in certain cosmetic products following the recent EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) opinion concluding that titanium dioxide was not considered safe when used as a food additive.
In March 2021, the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF Panel) of the European Food Safety Authority issued an opinion on the safety of TiO2 as a food additive concluding that TiO2 should no longer be considered as safe when used as a food additive. This finding was based on new scientific evidence introduced to the panel that indicated that a concern for genotoxicity could not be ruled out.
Following this, the European Commission services received a dossier submission by industry accompanied by a comprehensive and up to date review of the genetic toxicity database for TiO2 providing scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of non-nano (pigmentary) and nano form of TiO2 in cosmetic products. With this, the Commission has requested the SCCS to re-asses the safety of TiO2 with focus on genotoxicity and exposure via the inhalation and oral route (lip care, lipstick, toothpaste, loose powder, hair spray), since the currently available scientific evidence supports an overall lack of dermal absorption of TiO2 particles.
Specifically, the SCCS has been asked to address
- In light of the EFSA Opinion on genotoxicity concerns, does the SCCS consider Titanium Dioxide safe in oral cosmetic products?
- In light of the EFSA Opinion, does the SCCS consider that previous Opinions issued by the SCCS on inhalation and dermal exposure to Titanium Dioxide need to be revised?
In the event that the estimated exposure to Titanium Dioxide from cosmetic products is found to be of concern, SCCS is asked to recommend safe concentration limits for each category of products and types of use. - In light of the potential removal of the Titanium Dioxide purity specification from the food additives Regulation, the SCCS is requested to review and indicate the respective specifications for Titanium dioxide when used in cosmetics.
- Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns regarding the use of Titanium Dioxide in cosmetic products?
The SCCS has approved this mandate with a 9-month deadline.
Sources
• Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), Request for a scientific opinion on the safety of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) (CAS/EC numbers 13463-67-7/236-675-5, 1317-70-0/215-280- 1, 1317-80-2/215-282-2) in cosmetic products, European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, 22 June 2022
