EU Cosmetic Ingredients Ban Extends to Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc Pyrithione is a common anti-dandruff ingredient that has been added to the EU cosmetic ingredients ban in October 2021. In use for more than 60 years in the industry, the ingredient can no longer be used in cosmetic products starting in March 2022.
What is Zinc Pyrithione?
Zinc Pyrithione is a salt that is used primarily in the following types of products:
- Anti-dandruff products
- Hair conditioner agents
Additionally, this form of zinc is used as a preservative and anti-seborrheic, or a type of shampoo that is meant to break up oils.
Traditionally, products contain anywhere from 1% to 2% of this ingredient.
Why Zinc Pyrithione is Now on the EU Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients List
Potential concerns surrounding Zinc Pyrithione were brought to light in 2018 when the ECHA’s risk committee proposed that the ingredient was a presumed human carcinogen. Additionally, in animal studies, the ingredient was found to be a reproductive toxicant and a mutagen.
Under EU Cosmetics Regulations, an ingredient of this nature may be allowed under exceptions if no suitable alternative exists.
Zinc Pyrithione Added to the List of EU Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients
On the 29th of October, this form of zinc was added to the list of banned EU cosmetic ingredients. Zinc Pyrithione was allowed in two primary forms prior to the ban:
- Rinse-off hair products with concentrations of1%
- Other rinse-off products with concentrations of 0.5% or lower
Maximum concentrations of 0.1% were allowed for preservative purposes. However, while Zinc Pyrithione may be safe in rinse-off hair products, there was no consensus on a lack of suitable alternatives in the anti-dandruff market.
Due to the potential safety risks and alternative ingredients that may offer the same benefits, Zinc Pyrithione is now an Annex II ingredient, which prohibits its use in cosmetic products available in the EU market.
Any product containing this form of zinc must be removed from the 1st of March 2022 and onward.
Cosmereg assists you with a tailored solution to your needs and fully complies with EU cosmetic regulations. Contact us for more information
