Beyond dermal exposure: The respiratory tract as a target organ in hazard assessments of cosmetic ingredients

• Published in: Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology Vol. 124; p. 104976
• Main Authors: Thá, Emanoela Lundgren, Canavez, Andrezza Di Pietro Micali, Schuck, Desiree Cigaran, Gagosian, Viviana Stephanie Costa, Lorencini, Márcio, Leme, Daniela Morais
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-08-2021
• Subjects: Alternative methods; Dermal exposure; Inhalation exposure; Irritation; New approach methodologies; Sensitisation; Dermal exposure; Inhalation exposure; Alternative methods; New approach methodologies; Sensitisation; Irritation
• ISSN: 0273-2300; 1096-0295
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104976

Dermal contact is the main route of exposure for most cosmetics; however, inhalation exposure could be significant for some formulations (e.g., aerosols, powders). Current cosmetic regulations do not require specific tests addressing respiratory irritation and sensitisation, and despite the prohibition of animal testing for cosmetics, no alternative methods have been validated to assess these endpoints to date. Inhalation hazard is mainly determined based on existing human and animal evidence, read-across, and extrapolation of data from different target organs or tissues, such as the skin. However, because of mechanistic differences, effects on the skin cannot predict effects on the respiratory tract, which indicates a substantial need for the development of new approach methodologies addressing respiratory endpoints for inhalable chemicals in general. Cosmetics might present a particularly significant need for risk assessments of inhalation exposure to provide a more accurate toxicological evaluation and ensure consumer safety. This review describes the differences in the mechanisms of irritation and sensitisation between the skin and the respiratory tract, the progress that has already been made, and what still needs to be done to fill the gap in the inhalation risk assessment of cosmetic ingredients.
•Consumers may be exposed to aerosol and powder cosmetics via inhalation.•Exposure to cosmetics has been associated with respiratory symptoms.•There are no validated alternative tests for respiratory irritation/sensitisation.•Existing data for these endpoints should be used to determine cosmetics' hazards.•Non-animal approaches for respiratory irritation/sensitisation are urgently needed.