The change sees the official entry of Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT) as a nano-sized UV filter into Annex VI of the EU Cosmetic Regulation.
This use of MBBT (nano), as Chemical Watch reports, will from now on will be authorised at a maximum concentration of 10% w/w, except in applications that may lead to the exposure of the end user's lungs by inhalation.
A favourable change
One ingredients manufacturer has spoken out in support of the move: BASF says it welcomes the entry of MBBT into the Regulation annex, as its portfolio includes MBBT in the ingredient Tinosorb M.
“We are the largest supplier of safe-to-use, high-performance UV filters that help to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation such as sunburn, premature appearance of wrinkles and – with frequent intensive exposure – an increased risk of skin cancer,” explains Dirk Mampe, Vice President, Business Management Personal Care Solutions Europe.
“Tinosorb M is an integral part of our broad sun care portfolio and has proven its relevance for many years by being used in numerous consumer products worldwide.
“We welcome the EU approval of MBBT in nano form after this long transitional period.”
MBBT’s regulatory history
MBBT received its approval as cosmetic UV active ingredient in 2000, and this has not been changed since.
However, in 2009, an additional approval was required for products in nano form due to a recasting of EU cosmetics Legislation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009).
Then, in 2015, the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a positive Page 2 P276/18e scientific opinion on the safety of MBBT (nano) which it reconfirmed in January 2018 after assessing additional questions raised by individual EU member states.
It has now, due to the most recent EC decision, been approved for use in cosmetics in Europe.
This, notes BASF, makes it the company’s third UV filter in nano form to be approved, after Tinosorb® A2B in 2014, and Z-Cote® in 2016.