BASF's Tinosorb A2B (INCI: Tris-biphenyl Triazine) has been added to Annex VI (the positive list) of the EU Cosmetics Regulation ((EC) No. 1223/2009). According to the company, it is the first UV filter to be included in the positive list and the first UV filter with particles sizes smaller than 100 nm to be approved for use in European cosmetics.
“Tinosorb A2B equally protects against UVB and UVAII radiation, thereby making an important contribution to preventing skin cancer and light-induced skin aging. After a long approval process we are delighted that we are now allowed to bring the UV filter to market and that our customers can use it in sunscreen products,” said Dirk Mampe, head of business management for personal care specialties Europe.
Tinosorb A2B is a broad spectrum, micronized UV filter that protects the skin against UV wavelengths ranging from 290 to 340 nanometers. It complements conventional oil-soluble UV filters by closing the current gap between UVA and UVB absorbers, thus enabling a balanced protection across the entire spectrum of solar UV radiation. The UV filter allows for the SPF performance of sunscreens to be increased, lowering the amount of UV filter necessary.
All new UV filters intended for the use in cosmetics on the European market are subject to a thorough evaluation process. For that purpose, a comprehensive dossier with complex toxicity studies needs to be submitted to the EU Commission and has to be assessed by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The evaluation and approval process of the EU is completed as soon as the respective UV filter has been added to the positive list, a term used for Annex VI of the Cosmetics Regulation. The Cosmetics Regulation further stipulates that the EU Commission must be notified of all ingredients containing nanoscale material. This also applies to ingredients that have already been approved. BASF has submitted registration dossiers for the UV filters Z-Cote, Z-Cote HP1 and Tinosorb M, which are in the approval process.
