EU scientific committee publishes draft opinion on titanium dioxide's genotoxicity for public consultation

On 5 December 2023, the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a preliminary opinion on Titanium Dioxide.

Previous SCCS Opinions on dermally applied cosmetic products remain unchanged for the TiO2 grades and coatings evaluated. New dermal absorption data are needed for other TiO2 grades and coatings that are not covered by the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 or entry 27a in Annex VI. Nanoform TiO2 is already restricted under entry 27a.

SCCS opinion

The Scientific Council on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials in cosmetic products, including pigmentary and nano grades. The SCCS is of the opinion that the available evidence is not sufficient to exclude the genotoxicity potential of almost all TiO2 grades used in oral cosmetic products. The only exceptions are two nano grades (RM09 and RM11) for which no genotoxicity concern is indicated. More experimental data is needed to exclude the genotoxicity potential of other TiO2 grades used in oral cosmetic products. The SCCS approach to risk assessment differs from that of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as cosmetic products are not meant for oral ingestion.

The SCCS recommends that the safety of pigmentary TiO2 grades in cosmetics should be assessed, as some contain more than 50% nano-sized particles.

Deadline for comments

The public can provide feedback on the SCCS draft opinion on titanium dioxide until 6 February 2024.