On June 25, 2019, the European Commission’s (EC) Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) posted two requests for scientific opinions: hydroxyapatite (nano) and copper (nano) and colloidal copper (nano). According to the mandate for hydroxyapatite (nano), the EC received 17 notifications for cosmetic products containing hydroxyapatite in nano form. The EC states that according to the notifications, this ingredient is used in both leave-on and rinse-off dermal and oral cosmetic products, including skin (skin care) and oral hygiene (toothpaste, mouthwash) products, with different concentration and specifications. The EC has concerns about the use of hydroxyapatite in nano form “because of the potential for nanoparticles to be absorbed dermally or across a mucous membrane and to enter cells.” It requests SCCS carry out a safety assessment of the nano form of hydroxyapatite as reported in the notifications.
According to the mandate for copper (nano) and colloidal copper (nano), the EC received 36 notifications for cosmetic products containing copper (31 notifications) and colloidal copper (five notifications) in nano form. According to the notifications submitted, both ingredients are used in nano form in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products, including skin, nail and cuticle, hair and scalp, and oral hygiene products with different concentration and specifications. The EC states that it has concerns on the use of copper and colloidal copper in nano form “because of the potential for nanoparticles to be absorbed dermally or across a mucous membrane and to enter cells.” It requests SCCS carry out a safety assessment of the nano form of copper and colloidal copper reported in the notifications.
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