Biweekly Updates of Global Regulations on Cosmetics (April)

 

EU-SCCS Preliminary Opinion for Comments on Silver Zinc Zeolite as a Cosmetics Preservative

On 4 April 2023, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released a preliminary opinion on the safe use of silver zinc zeolite as a preservative in cosmetic products. In light of the data provided, the SCCS considers that Silver Zinc Zeolite (CAS No. 130328-20-0) incorporating a maximum silver content of 2.5% is safe in spray deodorant and powder foundation when used at the proposed concentration of 1%.  This preliminary opinion is open for comments and the deadline is 5 June 2023.

EU - Proposal for Changes to the Cosmetics Regulations.

On March 2023, a regulatory proposal that changes substance listings and conditions of use in the Cosmetics Regulation's Annexes III, IV and VI is currently being discussed in the EU.

The regulatory proposal is based on scientific studies by the EU's Scientific Committee for Consumer Products (SCCS) and aims to provide safe conditions of use for these substances in cosmetics.

It concerns the following regulatory proposals:

* Proposal for a regulation of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

* Proposal for regulation of Bis-(diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl Benzoyl) Piperazine (HAA299) (UV filter)

* Proposal for changes in the regulation of the UV filter homosalat

* Proposal for changes to the regulation of the dye Acid Yellow 3

* Proposal for changes in the regulation of resorcinol

Australia Lists Benzene as a Permitted Cosmetic Ingredient

On 30 March 2023, the Australian government added Benzene to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals. It stipulates that Benzene as a fragrance component can be imported into Australia at up to 1 tonne per annum.

When imported as a component of liquid fragrance, Benzene can be used at up to 10% concentration, for local reformulation into finished cosmetic and household products.  

When imported or formulated as a component of finished cosmetic and household products, it shall follow the maximum concentration as listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Maximum Concentration of Benzene in Finished Cosmetic and Household Products

Products	Maximum Concentration
Non-spray deodorant	0.03%
Leave-on cosmetic products	0.1%
Fine fragrance	0.2%
Hair care products	0.4%
Rinse off cosmetic and household products	0.6%
Air care products	5%

The US has Stopped the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program

On 27 March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stopped accepting and processing submissions to the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) as a result of the FDA’s plans to develop a program for submission of the facility registrations and product listings mandated by the “Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022” (MoCRA). The FDA is developing the new program and will provide further updates on its forthcoming availability.