Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics

Lillian C. Becker, Ivan Boyer, Wilma F. Bergfeld, Donald V. Belsito, Ronald A. Hill, Curtis D. Klaassen, Daniel C. Liebler, James G. Marks, Ronald C. Shank, Thomas J. Slaga, Paul W. Snyder, F. Alan Andersen, Lillian J. Gill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

This is a safety assessment of alumina and aluminum hydroxide as used in cosmetics. Alumina functions as an abrasive, absorbent, anticaking agent, bulking agent, and opacifying agent. Aluminum hydroxide functions as a buffering agent, corrosion inhibitor, and pH adjuster. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluated the safe use of alumina in several medical devices and aluminum hydroxide in over-the-counter drugs, which included a review of human and animal safety data. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel considered the FDA evaluations as part of the basis for determining the safety of these ingredients as used in cosmetics. Alumina used in cosmetics is essentially the same as that used in medical devices. This safety assessment does not include metallic or elemental aluminum as a cosmetic ingredient. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that alumina and aluminum hydroxide are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)16S-33S
JournalInternational journal of toxicology
Volume35
Issue number3_suppl
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Toxicology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this