On 5 December 2023, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a draft opinion on the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in cosmetics. The TDMA have carried out a preliminary review of the opinion. Although the SCCS raises concerns about the safety of TiO2 and identified some gaps in the available data, the SCCS have concluded that some types of TiO2 are safe, subject to some additional testing requirements.
The types of TiO2 that the SCCS considered safe are only those that have undergone testing to the latest standards. The TDMA are looking at carrying out the same tests for other types of TiO2 used in cosmetics to provide reassurance on the safety. These studies are also in line with the TDMA Science Programme.
The TDMA are pleased that the SCCS provided clarity on the studies required and that it also stands by previous SCCS opinions on the safety of TiO2 in cosmetics in different applications. We continue to stand by the safety of TiO2 and are working on a comprehensive response to the public consultation which runs until 6 February 2024.
This follows the recent reaffirmation of the safety of TiO2 as a food additive by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other comprehensive evaluations published by Health Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan which did not raise any health concerns around the safety of TiO2.
