What are nanoparticles?
The nanoparticles we use are tiny versions of the same safe ingredients that we have been using for decades. The only difference is that they are used at an extremely small scale, the nanometric scale.
1 millimetre = 1,000,000 nanometres
In some countries, where regulation recquires, all ingredients present in the form of nanomaterials are clearly indicated in the list of ingredients on packaging. The name of these ingredients are followed by the word "nano" in brackets : [nano]
Which ones do we use?
At L’Oréal, we only use 4 ingredients at the nanometric scale.
- Nano titanium dioxide
- Nano zinc oxide
- Nano carbon black
- Nano silica
What are they used for?
Nanoparticles are used safely for their unique cosmetic benefits. Its use allows to increase the level of sun protection and avoid white marks on skin (nano titanium dioxide & nano zinc oxide), deliver the best product texture and provide a matte finish on skin (nano silica), and increase the black intensity in mascara (nano carbon black).
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Avoid white marks
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Matte finish
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Intense black
Why are they questioned?
Nanoparticles are subject to controversy due to their possible impact when applied on damaged skin, and their potential toxicity in the event where they are ingested or inhaled (due to their small size).
Fact:
- Nanoparticles regulated (nano titanium dioxide, nano zinc oxide, nano carbon black) by the European Commission are deemed safe for cosmetic use by the EU’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS).
You can find more information here.
- Nano silica is currently being evaluated by European authorities. We are committed to taking appropriate action as soon as we learn of the results of this study. Like all our formulas, those containing nano silica are systematically subject to strict evaluation of their quality and safety.
Why and how do we use them?
We only use nanoparticles when they enhance product performance: provide a higher quality and comfort, a better texture, or a greater colour intensity.
The nanoparticles we use are safe, and their safety is confirmed by the SCCS.
We use nanoparticles in products that are not inhaled. They are not used in aerosols.
Nanoparticles we use cannot penetrate the skin, including damaged skin.
When nanoparticles are present in our cosmetic products, it is labelled as [nano] in the full ingredients list found on packaging, in the countries where regulation recquires it.
