EU Commission approves use of zinc oxide as UV filters in cosmetics

The EU Commission Working Group on Cosmetics has approved the use of zinc oxide as a UV filter in cosmetic products.

According to the Standing Committee, zinc oxide can be used in nano and non-nano forms as a UV filter. This addition into the Annexure VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation is likely to be made in early 2016.

UV filters cut down the amount of ultraviolet rays from getting into skin by reflecting and converting the rays into heat.

In sunscreens, zinc oxide forms a thin layer on the skin and it reflects the sun rays instead of allowing penetration, thus avoiding any damage to the skin.

This announcement has been welcomed by cosmetics companies.

The approval on the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in cosmetic products to remove roughness on skin, and trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), an ingredient used in nail modeling products, has been discussed.

TPO has been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR); however, the Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has found the product to be safe for use in cosmetic products.

However, as the substance has been found to be allergenic, it is to be used only by professionals.

The committee also discussed and came to an agreement on the concentration limits on the use of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) in cosmetics products.

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Image: Zinc Oxide approved for use in sunscreens. Photo: Courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.