Micronized UV filter receives EU approval

TINOSORB A2B from BASF is the first  micronized UV filter to be  included in the positive list (Annex VI) of the new EU Cosmetics Regulation, making the broadband filter with particle sizes smaller than 100 nanometers the first to be approved for use in cosmetics in Europe.

Tinosorb A2B, the first of a new generation of finely ground UV filters, equally protects against UVB and UVAII radiation. It is part of the BASF Care Creations UV-Filter Portfolio.

“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.

Serving as most efficient filter, Tinasorb AB  protects the skin against UV wavelengths ranging from 290 to 340 nanometers. The SPF performance of cosmetics such as sunscreens can be increased and contribute to preventing skin cancer and light-induced skin aging.

“The absorption spectrum of a micronized UV filter depends on its particle size. With particle sizes of about 100 nanometers, optimum SPF performance can be achieved due to better skin coverage,” said Uli Osterwalder, marketing manager and scientific adviser for the Sun Care segment. “We took advantage of this principle in the development of Tinosorb A2B.”

The new generation UV filter 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. As a result, a lower UV filter concentration is necessary than with conventional ingredients.

Exacting evaluation process

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 so-called positive list – a term used for Annex VI of the Cosmetics Regulation.

The new EU 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′s Care Chemicals division has submitted registration dossiers for all UV filters with nanoscale parts that are already available on the European market: The UV filters Z-Cote?, Z-Cote? HP1 and Tinosorb? M are in the approval process.