Currently, the general limit for water-soluble zinc salts used in cosmetics is 1%.
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has carried out a safety assessment of the use of water-soluble zinc in oral hygiene products. Zinc is added to products to combat plaque formation, tartar and bad breath.
In its assessment, the SCCS took into account that zinc is also ingested through food. The proposed new limits therefore aim to ensure that the total intake of zinc is not excessive.
Children's toothpaste and mouthwash
The Committee concluded that the current limit of 1% soluble zinc in toothpaste is too high for children under 1 year of age. The Committee proposed to reduce the limit to 0.72% in toothpaste, which is considered a safe level.
Furthermore, the Committee recommended a considerably lower limit for the safe use of mouthwash, in this case a maximum of 0.1% soluble zinc.
It is now up to the European Commission to decide whether to implement the proposed changes.
To find out more about zinc and other cosmetic ingredients, please contact:
Poul Bo Larsen
pbl@dhigroup.com
Tel +45 4516 9478
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