Safety Assessment of Ethers and Esters of Ascorbic Acid as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 7 ethers and esters of ascorbic acid, which collectively function as antioxidants, skin-conditioning agents, skin protectants, fragrance ingredients, and skin bleaching agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients, and concluded that the ethers and esters of ascorbic acid are safe in the present practices of use and concentration, as described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of Carbonate Salts as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 6 carbonate salts which function as absorbents, bulking agents, opacifying agents, pH adjusters, buffering agents, abrasives, and oral care agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients, and concluded that these carbonate salts are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating.

Safety Assessment of Rosa canina-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 12 Rosa canina-derived ingredients, which are reported to function as skin conditioning agents, fragrance ingredients, cosmetic astringents, anti-acne agents, abrasives, humectants, and exfoliants in cosmetic products. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing the same constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching cumulative levels that may be hazardous to consumers. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients and concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

Safety Assessment of Bovine Milk Proteins and Protein Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 16 bovine milk proteins and protein-derived ingredients, which function mainly as skin and hair conditioning agents in personal care products. The Panel reviewed relevant data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.

Safety Assessment of Hydrofluorocarbon 152a as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, which functions as a propellant in personal care products. The Panel reviewed relevant data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that Hydrofluorocarbon 152a is safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate, which functions as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel reviewed relevant data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in oxidative hair dye formulations.

Amended Safety Assessment of Butyl Polyoxyalkylene Ethers as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 46 butyl polyoxyalkylene ethers that share a common structural motif, namely a butyl chain (4 carbon alkyl chain) bound to a polyoxyalkylene (PPG, PEG, or both); 23 of these ethers were previously reviewed by the Panel, and 23 are reviewed herein for the first time. Most of the butyl polyoxyalkylene ethers have several functions in cosmetics, but the most common reported functions include hair conditioning agent and skin conditioning agent, and many reportedly function as solvents. Upon review of new data, including frequency and concentration of use, and data from previous Panel reports and on read-across analogs, the Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating.

RNA-Seq unveiled section-specific host response to lack of gut microbiota in mouse intestine

To identify host responses induced by commensal microbiota in intestine, transcriptomes of four sections of the intestine were compared between germ-free (GF) mice and conventional (CV) controls using RNA-Seq. Cuffdiff revealed that jejunum had the highest number of differentially expressed genes (over 2000) between CV and GF mice, followed by large intestine (LI), duodenum, and ileum. Gene set association analysis identified section-specific alterations in pathways associated with the absence of commensal microbiota. For example, in GF mice, cytochrome P450 (Cyp)-mediated xenobiotic metabolism was preferably down-regulated in duodenum and ileum, whereas intermediary metabolism pathways such as protein digestion and amino acid metabolism were preferably up-regulated in duodenum, jejunum, and LI. In GF mice, carboxypeptidase A1 (Cpa1), which is important for protein digestion, was the top most up-regulated gene within the entire transcriptome in duodenum (53-fold) and LI (142-fold). Conversely, fatty acid binding protein 6 (Fabp6/Ibabp), which is important for bile acid intestinal reabsorption, was the top most down-regulated gene in jejunum (358-fold), and the drug-metabolizing enzyme Cyp1a1 was the top most down-regulated gene in ileum (40-fold). Section-specific host transcriptomic response to the absence of intestinal microbiota was also observed for other important physiological pathways such as cell junction, the absorption of small molecules, bile acid homeostasis, and immune response. In conclusion, the present study has revealed section-specific host gene transcriptional alterations in GF mice, highlighting the importance of intestinal microbiota in facilitating the physiological and drug responses of the host intestine.

Safety Assessment of Citrus Flower- and Leaf-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of 33 Citrus flower- and leaf-derived ingredients, which are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as fragrances and/or skin-conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. With Citrus flower- and leaf-derived ingredients, the Panel was concerned about the presence of the hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool in cosmetics. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

Safety Assessment of Inorganic Hydroxides as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of inorganic hydroxides, which function in cosmetics primarily as pH adjusters. Representatives from the cosmetic industry have indicated these ingredients are used in depilating and hair waving/straightening formulations to raise pH values. The Panel considered relevant data related to these ingredients. The Panel concluded that these inorganic hydroxides are safe in hair straighteners and depilatories under conditions of recommended use; users should minimize skin contact. These ingredients are safe for all other present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating.

Safety Assessment of Keratin and Keratin-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 8 keratin-derived ingredients, which function mainly as skin and hair conditioning agents in personal care products. The Panel reviewed relevant data provided in this safety assessment and concluded that the 8 keratin-derived ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of Saccharide Esters as Used in Cosmetics

This is a safety assessment of 40 saccharide ester ingredients as used in cosmetics. The saccharide esters are reported to function in cosmetics as emollients, skin-conditioning agents, fragrance ingredients, and emulsion stabilizers. The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the relevant data for these ingredients. The Panel concluded that the saccharide esters are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this safety assessment.

Amended Safety Assessment of Acid Violet 43 as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reopened the safety assessment of Acid Violet 43, a cosmetic ingredient that is an anthraquinone dye reported to function in cosmetics as a colorant. This colorant has the same chemical structure as Ext. D&C Violet No. 2, which is a certified colorant; however, Acid Violet 43 is not a certified color and it could have impurities that are not allowed in the certified color. The Panel reviewed relevant new data related to this ingredient and concluded that Acid Violet 43 is safe in the present practices of use and concentration for use in hair dye formulations. This conclusion supersedes the previous conclusion for Acid Violet 43 that included impurity specifications indicated for the certified color.

Safety Assessment of PEGylated Alkyl Glycerides as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 60 PEGylated alkyl glycerides. PEGylated alkyl glycerides are mono-, di-, and/or triglycerides that have been modified with ethylene glycol repeat units (in the starting material form as epoxide). Most of the PEGylated alkyl glycerides are reported to function as skin-conditioning agents or surfactants. The Panel reviewed the available animal and clinical data as well as data from the 1999 report for the 5 polyethylene glycol (PEG) glyceryl cocoates and the 2012 report of PEGylated oils, to determine the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded these ingredients are safe in the current practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating; this conclusion supersedes the 1999 conclusion issued on 5 PEG glyceryl cocoate ingredients.

Safety Assessment of Citrus Fruit-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 80 Citrus fruit-derived ingredients, which are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as fragrances and/or skin-conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products when formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating, provided that leave-on products do not contain more than 0.0015% (15 ppm) 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP).

Safety Assessment of Citrus Plant- and Seed-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 30 Citrus plant- and seed-derived ingredients, which are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as fragrances and/or skin conditioning agents. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. With Citrus plant- and seed-derived ingredients, the Panel was concerned about the presence of the hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool in cosmetics. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel reviewed the available data presented and concluded that 18 of these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The data for the remaining 12 ingredients are insufficient to determine safety.

Safety Assessment of Citrus Peel-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 47 Citrus peel-derived ingredients, which are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as skin conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanical ingredients, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel concluded that Citrus peel-derived ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products when formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating, provided that leave-on products do not contain more than 0.0015% (15 ppm) 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP).

Safety Assessment of Phosphoric Acid and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Phosphoric Acid and its salts (31 ingredients), which are reported to function as buffering agents, corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, and pH adjusters in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed data relating to the safety of these ingredients and concluded that Phosphoric Acid and its salts are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be nonirritating.

Amended Safety Assessment of Methylisothiazolinone as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reassessed the safety of Methylisothiazolinone, which functions as a preservative in cosmetics. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment, and data from the previously published safety assessments of Methylisothiazolinone, and concluded that Methylisothiazolinone is safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 100 ppm (ie, 0.01%) and safe in leave-on cosmetic products when they are formulated to be nonsensitizing, which may be determined based on a quantitative risk assessment or similar methodology.

Final Amended Safety Assessment of Sodium Sulfate as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reopened the safety assessment of Sodium Sulfate, a cosmetic ingredient that is an inorganic salt reported to function in cosmetics as a viscosity increasing agent-aqueous. The Panel reviewed the relevant new data for the ingredient, including frequency of use and concentration of use, and considered data from the previous Panel assessment. The Panel concluded that Sodium Sulfate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating.

Amended Safety Assessment of Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reassessed the safety of the mixture Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/Methylisothiazolinone (MI), which functions as a preservative in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment, and data from the previously published safety assessment of this mixture, and concluded that MCI/MI is safe in cosmetics when formulated to be nonsensitizing, based on the results of a quantitative risk assessment or similar methodology; however, at no point should concentrations exceed 7.5 ppm in leave-on products or 15 ppm in rinse-off products.

Amended Safety Assessment of Fatty Acyl Sarcosines and Sarcosinate Salts as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 5 acyl sarcosines and 9 sarcosinate salts as used in cosmetics; all of these ingredients are reported to function in cosmetics as hair conditioning agents and most also can function as surfactants-cleansing agents. The ingredients reviewed in this assessment are composed of an amide comprising a fatty acyl residue and sarcosine and are either free acids or simple salts thereof. The Panel relied on relevant new data, including concentration of use, and considered data from the previous Panel report, such as the reaction of sarcosine with oxidizing materials possibly resulting in nitrosation and the formation of N-nitrososarcosine. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating, but these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds may be formed.

Activation of Nrf2 decreases bile acid concentrations in livers of female mice

1. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of oxidative/electrophilic stress. Studies suggest a role of Nrf2 in regulating bile acid (BA) metabolism in male mice. However, whether Nrf2 is important for BA homeostasis in female mice remains undefined. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of Nrf2 activation, either through CDDO-imidazolide (CDDO-Im) treatment or genetic modulation of Kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1), on BA homeostasis in female mice.2. Both pharmacological and genetic Nrf2 activation increased mRNA levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and 3 (Mrp2 and Mrp3), two Nrf2 target genes, in livers and ilea of female mice. Both pharmacological and genetic activation of Nrf2 decreased BA concentrations in the liver, which did not appear to be due to increased biliary BA excretion or decreased ileal BA absorption. Importantly, both pharmacological and genetic activation of Nrf2 downregulated hepatic Cyp7a1 mRNA, which might be attributable to the upregulation of the Fxr-Fgf15 signalling in the ileum.3. To conclude, Nrf2 activation lowers BA concentrations in livers of female mice, which appears to be attributable to the decreased hepatic BA synthesis.

Effect of Gender and Various Diets on Bile Acid Profile and Related Genes in Mice

Diet is an important factor for many diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that several diets had remarkable effects on bile acid (BA) homeostasis, but no comprehensive information for both genders has been reported. Therefore, the current study characterized the nine most used laboratory animal diets fed to both genders of mice for a comparable evaluation of the topic. The results revealed that marked gender difference of BA homeostasis is ubiquitous in mice fed the various diets, and of the nine diets fed to mice, the atherogenic and calorie-restricted diets had the most marked effects on BA homeostasis, followed by the laboratory chow and essential fatty acid-deficient diets. More specifically, females had higher concentrations of total BAs in serum when fed six of the nine diets compared with male mice, and 26 of the 35 BA-related genes had marked gender difference in mice fed at least one diet. Although mice fed the calorie-restricted and atherogenic diets had increased BA, which was more pronounced in serum than liver, the intestinal farnesoid X nuclear receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 axis changed in the opposite direction and resulted in different hepatic expression patterns of Cyp7a1 Compared with AIN-93M purified diet, higher hepatic expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 was the only alteration in mice fed the laboratory chow diet. The other diets had little or no effect on BA concentrations in the liver and plasma or in the expression of BA-related genes. This study indicates that gender, the atherogenic diet, and the calorie-restricted diet have the most marked effects on BA homeostasis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Previous evidence suggested that various diets have effect on bile acid (BA) homeostasis; however, it is not possible to directly compare these findings, as they are all from different studies. The current study was the first to systematically investigate the influence of the nine most used experimental mouse diets on BA homeostasis and potential mechanism in both genders of mice and indicates that gender, the atherogenic diet, and the calorie-restricted diet have the most marked effects on BA homeostasis, which will aid future investigations.