TAGS: Skin Care
ECHA has assessed the safety of pigments used in tattoo inks, at the request of European Commission. ECHA is not proposing to ban tattoos, nor all green and blue tattooing colors. The Agency submitted a restriction proposal to the Commission in June 2019, and the Commission will discuss it with Member States in February.
To Restrict Substances Harmful to Skin
ECHA has proposed to restrict over 4000 substances in tattoo inks and permanent make up, together with three Member States and Norway.
Some of these substances are already restricted under the EU’s Cosmetic Products Regulation and are not allowed to be used on the skin. They are also, therefore, not safe to be injected under the skin either.
Proposal Includes Carcinogenic Substances
ECHA’s proposal includes carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances, skin sensitizers or irritants, substances corrosive or damaging to the eye, metals as well as other substances already regulated in cosmetic products.
With regards to Pigment Blue 15 and Pigment Green 7, ECHA has recommended one option that a two-year transitional period could be granted before banning them. This would allow ink formulators to find safer alternatives while ensuring the availability of green and blue tattoo inks in the meantime.
ECHA’s restriction proposal has been subject to a consultation and scrutinized by its scientific committees. The Commission is presenting a draft restriction for discussion with EU Member States in February 2020.
Source: ECHA