In the preliminary opinion for copper (nano) and colloidal copper (nano), SCCS states that it is unable to carry out a safety assessment of the nanomaterials copper and colloidal copper when used in leave-on and rinse-off dermal and oral cosmetic products, including skin, nail and cuticle, hair and scalp, and oral hygiene products, at a maximum concentration of one percent.  According to SCCS, it considered all the information provided by the notifiers and is of the opinion that it is not possible to carry out a safety assessment of the nanomaterials copper and colloidal copper due to the limited or missing essential information.  SCCS notes that much of the information provided on toxicity relates to copper as such, and in the absence of full study reports, it is not possible to determine the relevance of the data for nanoforms of copper under the current evaluation.  The EC asked whether SCCS has any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of copper and colloidal copper in nanoform in cosmetic products.  SCCS states that the information provided by the notifiers and obtained from the scientific literature suggests possible systemic uptake of copper nanoparticles (and/or ionic copper), which may lead to accumulation in certain organs.  In addition, according to SCCS, the available literature indicates potential mutagenic/genotoxic and immunotoxic/nephrotoxic effects of copper nanomaterials, raising an alert that warrants further safety evaluation of copper nanomaterials used as cosmetic ingredients.

Comments are due January 4, 2021.

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