Nanoparticles

The term nanoparticle (from Greek: nanos"for "dwarf") is used to describe particles of a few to several thousand atoms or molecules. The term "nano" refers to the size of the particles, which is typically between 1 and 100 nm (nanometers).

In sun protection products, 2 substances are mainly used which can be called nanoparticles: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They are particularly effective UV filters and act on the skin like tiny mirrors that reflect sunlight.

There are several new provisions for cosmetic products containing nanomaterials:

- Nanomaterials must be identified in the labelling by the addition "(NANO)" after the INCI name (Article 19(1)(g) of the EU Cosmetics Regulation).

- Substances listed in Annexes III-VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation do not include nanomaterials unless this is explicitly stated. If a substance is covered by the Annexes and is not listed there as being explicitly listed as a nanomaterial for a specific product, this substance may not be used as a nanomaterial.

- If a cosmetic product contains nanomaterials, the notification of formulae (Article 13) shall indicate which nanomaterial is contained in the cosmetic product.

- According to Article 16 of the new Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, from 11 January 2013 cosmetic products containing nanomaterials must be notified to the European Commission 6 months before they are placed on the market.

The European Commission will publish a list of all nanomaterials that may be used in cosmetic products.