On 19 March 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reported on the latest meetings of its Scientific Committees. On the agenda: five opinions from the RAC (Risk Assessment Committee) on proposed CLH classifications affecting ingredients that may be used in cosmetics.
Amorphous Silica
Among the substances covered by this opinion, Silica (CAS No.112945-52-5) and Hydrated Silica (CAS No.112926-00-8) are listed in the CosIng with the functions: Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Bulking, Opacifying, Viscosity controlling…
These substances are not currently regulated by European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, nor listed in Annex VI of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
The Netherlands proposal
The Netherlands proposed the following classification:
• STOT RE 1, H372 (respiratory tract) (inhalation) - Causes damage to organs (or a specific organ) through prolonged or repeated exposure.
The RAC opinion
The RAC approved this proposal.
Nitromethane
Nitromethane (CAS No.75-52-5; EC No.200-876-6 ; INCI: Nitromethane) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the function: Anticorrosive.
It is currently regulated by Annex III/18 of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which limits its maximum concentration in finished products to 0.3%.
It is listed in Annex VI/609-036-00-7 of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008, with the following classifications:
• Flam. Liq. 3, H226 - Flammable liquid and vapour
• Acute Tox. 4*, H302 - Harmful if swallowed
The Belgium proposal
Belgium proposed:
• to add the classification Acute Tox. 3, H331 - Toxic if inhaled (ATE = 5.50 mg/L (vapours));
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