EU Commission (EC) bans specific nanomaterials in cosmetics

The EU Commission has amended the Cosmetics Regulation to prohibit certain nanomaterials considered a "potential risk" to human health, including various forms of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and styrene/acrylates copolymer. These materials will be banned from the EU market starting February 2025, with a complete ban effective November 2025. Specific restrictions also apply to hydroxyapatite (nano), which is limited to 10% in toothpaste and 0.465% in mouthwash and cannot be used in products that expose users' lungs. There is also a lack of safety data, according to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) on certain nanomaterials. Also, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) on Advanced Materials has proposed new methods for nanoparticle detection in cosmetics and food, although challenges remain in validation. RIVM suggests creating a registry for titanium background quantities in food and developing reference materials to aid in enforcing nanoparticle regulations.