UK government launches a call for data on nanomaterials in cosmetics

On 14 August 2023, the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published a call for submission of any scientific information relevant to the safety assessment of nanomaterials used in cosmetics.

Details of the call

Any interested parties, including academia, manufacturers of cosmetic products / raw materials, and consumer associations are invited by the OPSS to submit any scientific information relevant to the safety assessment of the following nanomaterials used in cosmetics.

1. Platinum (nano)

2. Copper (nano)

3. Silver (nano), colloidal silver (nano)

4. Gold (nano), colloidal gold (nano), gold thioethylamino hyaluronic acid (nano)

5. Silica (nano), hydrated silica (nano), silica silylate (nano), silica dimethyl silylate (nano)

6. Lithium magnesium sodium silicate (nano)

7. Hydroxyapatite (nano)

Any scientific data submitted for the safety assessment must include all relevant elements as prescribed in the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety Guidance on the Safety Assessment of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics.

The deadline for submission of data on silica (nano), hydrated silica (nano), silica silylate (nano), and silica dimethyl silylate (nano) is 27 June 2025. Data on all other substances must be submitted by 22 December 2023. Relevant data can be submitted by email to opss.safetyassessment@beis.gov.uk

Background

Article 16 of the UK Cosmetics Regulation mandates the prior notification of cosmetic items that incorporate nanomaterials to the Secretary of State, a minimum of six months before being placed on the market. This obligation can be fulfilled through the utilization of the Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN) portal.

When dealing with nanomaterials not listed in Annexes IV, V, and VI, these notifications must include additional data on the safety of the nanomaterial for use in cosmetic products.

Notes regarding the call

The Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) will use 70 kg as their default bodyweight assumption for adults in new safety assessments. This aligns with other UK groups, carrying out chemical risk assessments across a range of sectors that have agreed that a default adult body weight of 70 kg is representative of the UK adult population. 

The OPSS is asking for original study reports and literature in full to be submitted for all data relied upon in the safety assessment. This is particularly important for the pivotal studies, those which support the critical No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and point of departure and the dermal absorption value.

The office takes the examination of data very seriously and commits to subjecting all provided information to independent scientific review. Cosmetic products available to consumers must be safe for human health. Following the conclusion of the review process the OPSS will take the necessary action to ensure the safety of consumers. This could include but is not limited to prohibiting or restricting specific ingredients if a risk to human health is identified.