Summary sheet on Commission
Review (ref. XXIV/1993/97)
Ingredient : Zirconium
and compounds
CAS n° : 7440-67-7
Function and max in use
concentration : deodorant,
antiperspirant
Relevant toxicity data :
Assessment of
genotoxicity : Zirconium
oxychloride is clastogenic in
vitro and in vivo
Toxicokinetics :
Zirkonium crosses the blood
brain barrier and the placental
barrier
Human data : Zirkonium
compounds have been associated
with the development of
hypersensitivity granulomas
Classification: 2a (See
Classification of Substances)
SCCNFP Opinion
Zirconium and zirconium
compounds should not be used in
cosmetic products with the
exception of the Aluminium
Zirkonium complexes under
reference n° 50 in Annex III,
part 1 and of Zirconium lakes,
salts and pigments of colouring
agents listed with ref 3, in
annex IV, part 1.
Zirconium is able to
cross the blood brain barrier
and the placental barrier.
Zirconium oxychloride has been
found to be mutagenic in vivo.
Skin granulomas have
occurred from use of deodorants
containing Zirconium salts, and
lung granuloma have been
reported in zirconium workers.
Statement on the
toxicological evaluation
The SCCNFP is the
scientific advisory body to the
European Commission in matters
of consumer protection with
respect to cosmetics and
non-food products intended for
consumers.
The Commission's general
policy regarding research on
animals supports the
development of alternative
methods to replace or to reduce
animal testing when possible.
In this context, the SCCNFP has
a specific working group on
alternatives to animal testing
which, in co-operation with
other Commission services such
as ECVAM (European Centre for
Validation of Alternative
Methods), evaluates these
methods.
SCCNFP opinions include
evaluations of experiments
using laboratory animals; such
tests are conducted in
accordance with all legal
provisions and preferably under
chemical law regulations. Only
in cases where no alternative
method is available will such
tests be evaluated and the
resulting data accepted, in
order to meet the fundamental
requirements of the protection
of consumer health.