Final Screening Assessment Approves Monoazo Pigments

The Color Pigments Manufacturers Association (CPMA) and the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA) collaborated to provide new information on safety of color pigment used in lipstick.

Findings in a recent screening assessment published by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada (the Ministries) found that 32 of 33 monoazo pigments, including C.I. Pigment Red 4, do not require risk management action, which is a victory for the CPMA and the color pigments industry, according to the associations. 

The Final Screening Assessment for Certain Monoazo Pigments, released in May, concludes that C.I. Pigment Red 4, which is used in lipstick formulations, does not pose a risk to either human health or the environment based on information CPMA and the CCTFA shared with the Ministries.

Collective input clarified use of C.I. Pigment Red 4 in lipstick formulations and current regulations in Europe and the US. This information is reflected in the revised conclusion of the final assessment, which ensures the continued safe use of C.I. Pigment Red 4 in lipstick applications.

The final assessment, published as part of the Second Phase of the Canadian Chemicals Management Plan, provides the most comprehensive government review to date of the ecological and toxicological characteristics and safety of the monoazo pigments, considering uses in sensitive applications such as cosmetics, art and craft materials for children, and tattoos.