The Safety of cosmetic packaging
Packaging in direct contact with the cosmetic product is called primary packaging. The characteristics of the materials in direct contact with the product are therefore important in terms of cosmetic product safety. Information on the characteristics of these packaging materials should make it possible to estimate any potential risks. Relevant characteristics can include the composition of the packaging material, including technical substances such as additives, technically unavoidable impurities or substance migration from the packaging.
Because the greatest concern is the possible migration of substances from the packaging to the cosmetic product and that no standard procedures are available in this area, one of the industry’s most widely established and accepted methodologies is based on verifying compliance with food contact legislation.
The materials used to manufacture cosmetic product packaging include plastics, adhesives, metals, alloys, paper, cardboard, printing inks, varnishes, rubber, silicone, glass and ceramics. In accordance with the regulatory framework for food contact, these materials and articles are regulated by Regulation, which is known as the Framework Regulation. These materials and articles should also be manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP), based on systems for quality assurance, quality control and documentation. The Framework Regulation also provides for the possibility of establishing specific measures for each type of material to ensure compliance with the basic principles established. The material for which the most specific measures have been established is plastic, as covered by Regulation 10/2011(6) and subsequent amendments.