Update to EU Cosmetics Regulation – Titanium Dioxide New Entry in Annex III of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 for Titanium Dioxide November 10, 2021 SUBSCRIBE TO EXPONENT UPDATES The EU Cosmetics Regulation has recently been updated regarding the use of titanium dioxide. Since 1 October 2021, new restrictions now apply to products containing this ingredient. Titanium dioxide is widely used in cosmetic products and manufacturers must ensure new and existing products are compliant with these new restrictions. On 26 May 2021, the third CMR “Omnibus” Regulation—which includes all substances recently classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR) under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008—was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, amending Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 on Cosmetics. The update includes a new Annex III entry for titanium dioxide, following its harmonised classification as a category 2 carcinogen by inhalation. Article 15 of The European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 states that ingredients classed as category 2 CMRs may be used in cosmetics if the substance has been evaluated by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and found safe for use. The SCCS have reviewed the safety of titanium dioxide, and based on their published opinion, changes will be made to Annexes III, IV, and VI of the regulation. New addition to Annex III (restricted ingredients) The restriction applies only to titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 µm: In face products in loose powder form: maximum 25%. Only pigmentary titanium dioxide permitted. In hair aerosol spray products: maximum 1.4% allowed for general consumers and 1.1% for professional use. Only pigmentary titanium dioxide permitted. Other products: not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end user’s lungs. Change to Annex IV (permitted colourants Must meet purity criteria set out in Commission Directive 95/45/EC (E171). Titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 µm, to be used in compliance with Annex III. Nano form – up to a maximum of 25% permitted. Change to Annex VI (permitted UV filters) Maximum 25% permitted. Titanium dioxide in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 µm, to be used in compliance with Annex III. For “other products” referred to in Annex III, the maximum permitted use level is also 25%. Nano form, up to a maximum of 25%. The regulation entered into force on 15 June 2021 and applied from 1 October 2021. Therefore, new and existing cosmetics products in the EU must now be compliant with the new restrictions. These restrictions are not currently applicable in Great Britain but are applicable in Northern Ireland. How Exponent Can Help Exponent’s experts in chemical and cosmetic regulations are ready to help cosmetics manufacturers and brands selling products in the EU to keep their products legal and compliant by carrying out thorough formulation reviews and providing timely updates on future ingredient restrictions. AUTHORS Claire Fordyce, Ph.D. Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Senior Scientist Derby (UK) +44 (0) 1332 868009 cfordyce@exponent.com Iain Brunning Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Senior Managing Scientist Derby (UK) +44 (0) 1332 868 006 ibrunning@exponent.com RELATED PRACTICES & CAPABILITIES Chemical Regulation & Food Safety Regulation & Safety of Cosmetics RELATED INDUSTRIES Chemical Also of Interest Corporate Culture Subscribe To Exponent Insights News & Events Investors Contact Privacy Policy Security Statement Exponent Privacy By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Accept All Cookies