(1)

Titanium dioxide is currently allowed as a UV-filter in cosmetic products, including in the form of nanomaterial. Titanium dioxide (nano) is listed in entry 27a of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. It is allowed at a maximum concentration of 25 % in ready for use preparation, except in applications that may lead to exposure of the end user’s lungs by inhalation and subject to the characteristics listed in the entry.

(2)

The characteristics listed in entry 27a of Annex VI concern the allowed physico-chemical properties of titanium dioxide (nano) and the substances with which it can be coated.

(3)

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in an opinion of 7 March 2017, corrected on 22 June 2018 (2), that the use of the three forms of titanium dioxide (nano) under assessment, coated with either silica and cetyl phosphate (up to 16 % and 6 %, respectively), alumina and manganese dioxide (up to 7 % and 0,7 %, respectively), or alumina and triethoxycaprylylsilane (up to 3 % and 9 %, respectively), can be considered safe for use in cosmetic products intended for application on healthy, intact or sunburnt skin. The SCCS added that this conclusion, however, does not apply to applications that might lead to exposure of the consumer’s lungs to the titanium dioxide nanoparticles through the inhalation route (such as powders or sprayable products).

(4)

The SCCS also concluded that the ingredients used in some type of products (e.g. in lipsticks) may be incidentally ingested. The potential harmful effects of manganese dioxide should therefore be taken into account if the manganese dioxide-coated nanomaterials are to be used for applications that could lead to oral ingestion.

(5)

In light of the SCCS opinion and in order to take into account technical and scientific progress, the three combinations of coatings at their respective concentration limits as assessed by the SCCS should be allowed for use with titanium dioxide (nano) as a UV-filter, subject to the other conditions listed in entry 27a of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

(6)

However, there is a potential risk to human health arising from the ingestion of manganese dioxide. Therefore, the combination of coatings alumina and manganese dioxide should not be allowed for use in lip products, as they are ingested to some extent. Moreover, consumers may also apply some face products, such as sunscreens intended for application on the face, on the lips under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. The application of face products on the lips leads to ingestion of the product to some extent. Therefore, face products containing the combination of coatings alumina and manganese dioxide should bear a warning against the use of these products on the lips.

(7)

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(8)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Cosmetic Products,