EU to ban “reproductive toxicant” 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl used in nail polishes

27 Feb 2023 --- The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has identified diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (TPO) as a substance of very high concern and “will become prohibited as a cosmetic ingredient,” according to Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (article 15).

Currently, TPO is allowed to be used in nail modeling products with a concentration of 5% in artificial nail systems, with the substance only being allowed for professional use.

ECHA proposed the ban on TPO after finding in 2020 that it has “adverse effects on sexual function and fertility.”

Nail polish use
According to ECHA, there is no alternative substance to TPA.

“There is to our knowledge no information on alternative substances. Further research is required to determine whether structurally similar substances, found in the ECHA registration database, are alternative substances,” explains the body.

The substance was initially deemed safe in 2014 by ECHA. However, its use is only allowed by professionals.

“Without due care, there could be accidental skin contact at the cuticle and the side of the nails,” explained ECHA.

ECHA proposed the ban on TPO after finding in 2020 that it has “adverse effects on sexual function and fertility.”“Massive” issues with TPO
A 2020 German study on TPO found that histological changes (changes in tissue and cells) in male rat testicles in all test subjects were “massive” and led to a “substantial reduction of fertility.”

“Testicular atrophy and reduced number of sperm in the epididymis were observed for all males,” noted the authors.

For females, three out of nine rats reported “irregular cycling during the mating period.”

Furthermore, a French study concluded that “a consistent reproductive toxicity was found among studies in male rats, leading to infertility.”

Regulatory moves
During the last months, authorities have moved to regulate further chemicals used in the cosmetics segment.

ECHA recently released the draft Community Rolling Action Plan consisting of 24 substances suspected of posing a risk to human health or the environment, of which seven are cosmetic ingredients subject to evaluation.

Earlier this month, ECHA published a proposal calling for a restriction of 10,000 PFAS.

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety published its final opinion on using aluminum in cosmetic products – other than deodorants, antiperspirants, lipsticks and toothpaste – and determined its safety as a cosmetic ingredient.

By Marc Cervera

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