A 10-step framework for use of read-across (RAX) in next generation risk assessment (NGRA) for cosmetics safety assessment.

This paper presents a 10-step read-across (RAX) framework for use in cases where a threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach to cosmetics safety assessment is not possible. RAX builds on established approaches that have existed for more than two decades using chemical properties and in silico toxicology predictions, by further substantiating hypotheses on toxicological similarity of substances, and integrating new approach methodologies (NAM) in the biological and kinetic domains. NAM include new types of data on biological observations from, for example, in vitro assays, toxicogenomics, metabolomics, receptor binding screens and uses physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) modelling to inform about systemic exposure. NAM data can help to substantiate a mode/mechanism of action (MoA), and if similar chemicals can be shown to work by a similar MoA, a next generation risk assessment (NGRA) may be performed with acceptable confidence for a data-poor target substance with no or inadequate safety data, based on RAX approaches using data-rich analogue(s), and taking account of potency or kinetic/dynamic differences.

Development of a HS-SPME-GC-MS method for the analysis of phthalates in glycerin and liquid paraffin: application to safety evaluation of cosmetic packagings.

Migration of molecules from packaging into products is a well-known phenomenon of which the studies in the food and medical industries are regulated in Europe by several legislations. However, for cosmetic packagings, there is no protocol nor specific migration limits available. The objective of this work was to use glycerin and liquid paraffin as cosmetic product simulants to perform a safety assessment on phthalates in 11 plastic packagings used in the cosmetic industry. To study these compounds in the matrices, 2 extraction techniques were compared: liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The optimization of the 2 processes of extraction showed that SPME was more adapted to the study. Finally, samples of glycerin and liquid paraffin were analyzed by a SPME-GC-MS method to quantitate 10 regulated phthalates. In glycerin, only DEP was quantitated above the LOQ in 3 packagings, but the concentrations measured were under the set concentration threshold of 0.5 ppm. In liquid paraffin, DEP was quantitated above this concentration threshold. A safety evaluation was so performed by calculating the systemic exposure damage, and the results were finally considered to be safe for consumers.

Safety assessment of cosmetic products, with emphasis on the ocular area: regulatory aspects and validation processes

Before marketing a cosmetic product, a series of biological assays, such as ocular irritation tests, must be conducted in order to prove that the product is safe. However, a few scientific articles mention the discussion and evolution of cosmetic products testing performed in the eyes area. The aim of this study was to review the available literature on the evolution of tests carried out with cosmetics, in the ocular area, as well as to describe the methodologies that have been used and that are currently accepted. In Brazil, tests performed on animals are still allowed. However, the international laws strongly recommend the use of alternative methods for evaluating the risk of cosmetic ingredients and products. Regulatory requirements involving the registration of these products also request safety support of them in human beings. To perform ocular tests in human beings, it is necessary to involve an ophthalmologist for conducting clinical protocols. These protocols signed by the expert physician are sent to the National Health Surveillance Agency in order to endorse the product manufacturer concerning its safety. The safety support of a cosmetic product is very important, taking into account that the consumer has free access to these products of widespread use in today's society.

Com o objetivo de comprovar que um produto cosmético é seguro, antes que este seja colocado no mercado, este deve passar por uma série de ensaios biológicos, que avaliem sua segurança, como, por exemplo, os testes de irritação ocular. Porém, poucos artigos científicos trazem a discussão e a evolução sobre os testes de produtos cosméticos realizados na área dos olhos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a evolução dos testes realizados com cosméticos, na região ocular, bem como descrever as metodologias que já foram utilizadas e as que são aceitas atualmente. No Brasil, são ainda permitidos testes em animais, entretanto, as legislações internacionais indicam fortemente a utilização de métodos alternativos para avaliação de risco de ingredientes e produtos cosméticos. As exigências regulatórias que envolvem o registro desses produtos solicitam também a comprovação de segurança destes produtos em serem humanos. Para a realização dos testes oculares em humanos, é necessário o envolvimento de um oftalmologista na condução de protocolos clínicos. Esses protocolos assinados pelo médico especialista são enviados à Agencia Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, a fim de respaldar o fabricante do produto sobre a segurança do mesmo. A comprovação da segurança de um produto cosmético é bastante importante, considerando-se o livre acesso aos consumidores e o amplo uso desses produtos na sociedade atual.