On 30 October 2025, during its plenary meeting, the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) approved the European Commission’s mandate to assess the safety of several synthetic amorphous forms of nano silica used in cosmetic products.
Background
Silica, in its various synthetic amorphous forms, is widely used in cosmetic products due to its versatile physicochemical properties. Depending on the method of production and surface treatment, these materials are designated under specific INCI names such as:
• Hydrated Silica (CAS No.7631-86-9/112926-00-8, EC No.231-545-4/-),
• Pyrogenic Silica (CAS No.7631-86-9 (112945-52-5), EC No.231-545-4),
• Silica Silylate (CAS No.68909-20-6/102262-30-6, EC No.231-545-4/-), and
• Silica Dimethyl Silylate (CAS No.68611-44-9, EC No.231-545-4).
These ingredients are commonly employed in a broad range of cosmetic formulations including skin care, make-up, and oral care products, where they serve various reported functions including abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying, viscosity controlling, skin conditioning – emollient, and emulsion stabilising.
The safety of nanomaterials used in cosmetic products falls under the scope of Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009. This provision requires specific notification and safety assessment of nanomaterials intended for use in cosmetic products placed on the EU market. Within this framework, the European Commission has mandated the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to assess the safety of specific silica nanomaterials for use in cosmetics.
In 2015, the SCCS adopted an Opinion on Hydrated Silica, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate and Silica Silylate (nano form) …
