Nanomaterials in Cosmetics: Regulatory Aspects

This chapter examines existing regulatory structures for cosmetic products containing nanomaterials. It does this by first providing a snapshot of the types of nanomaterials that are being incorporated into today's cosmetic products, and the potential benefits thereof. Second, by drawing on the current and projected cosmetic product landscape, it examines how these products fit under existing regulatory arrangements within the United States (US) and the European Union (EU)-the two largest cosmetics markets in the world (by dollar value). As the chapter shows, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to regulating a class of product, and factors beyond just science and scientific uncertainty will drive the design and implementation of a regulatory regime. This is arguably more so, though, with nanotechnology in the US and the EU, given the historical context in which nano-based products are being placed.