This article compiles the cosmetic regulation updates that took place in September and October in Europe (including the UK), America, and the Asia Pacific region.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has updated its classification of talc and acrylonitrile, now labeling it as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) for all forms not containing asbestos or asbestiform fibers. This update, published in The Lancet Oncology, may significantly impact the chemical industry, especially under California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65).

6PPD, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, with CAS number 793-24-8, serves as an antioxidant and antiozonant in tires, playing a crucial safety role by protecting tire components from erosion by ozone, oxygen, and other harmful factors. However, as tires wear against the road surface during driving, particles containing 6PPD are released, which can transform into the highly toxic 6PPD-quinone upon reaction with ozone, posing risks to aquatic life.

EPA announced that it has finished the risk management rule under the updated existing chemical review process in Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), banning the manufacture, import, processing, distribution and use of chrysotile asbestos.

On February 22, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory for the first half of 2024. The updated TSCA Inventory contains a total of 86,741 chemical substances, of which 42,293 are active. The latest update adds 23 new chemicals compared to the August 2023 Inventory. The TSCA Inventory is updated biannually to keep chemical information current and accurate.

This new rule is scheduled to be effective 60 days after its publication. After that, its manufacturers or processors of the 329 PFAS are required to seek EPA review of the activity by submitting a SNUN to EPA and complying with relevant applicable requirements.

The California Environmental Production Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has announced to add bisphenol S (BPS) to Prop 65 list, as a result of its reproductive toxicity (female reproductive endpoint). Bisphenol S, or BPS, with the IUPAC name 4-4hydroxyphenyl sulfonylphenol, is always used as a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA). BPS is commonly used to produce plastics and synthetic fibers in the manufacturing of hard plastic items and clothing textiles. It is also utilized as a color developer for thermal paper and as protective coatings for some food cans. BPS could even be detected in personal care products, food, baby bottles, etc.

FDA Direct is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration's web-based and free structured product labeling (SPL) authoring tool. Previously CDER Direct, FDA Direct now includes CDER Direct and Cosmetics Direct. Users can create separate accounts, depending on drugs or cosmetics submissions, or a single account that includes both CDER Direct submissions as well as Cosmetics Direct submissions.

Ceramic products, as traditional materials for food contact, are ubiquitous in the daily lives of people worldwide. Items such as bowls, cups, soup pots, tea sets, knives, ladles, plates, and dishes are commonly made of ceramic materials. Ceramics are generally perceived by the public as safe, non-toxic, and healthy materials for daily life. They come in diverse shapes, with smooth and delicate surfaces, vibrant colors, and are easy to clean, making them highly favored by many. However, ceramic products still pose safety risks, primarily stemming from the glazing process. Glazes often contain sodium silicate and metal salts, and coloring pigments may also include metal salts, leading to the potential leaching of heavy metals. Therefore, countries worldwide have established clear regulatory requirements for ceramic products.

Dechlorane Plus (DP) is an additive flame retardant widely used in polymer materials such as plastics and fibers due to its excellent colorability, thermal stability, outstanding electrical properties, and low smoke emission. However, as significant risks of exposure to humans and the environment associated with DP have been confirmed, various regions globally have initiated actions to control this substance. Many export-oriented electronic product companies have already started supply chain investigations regarding this substance.