NICKEL IN COSMETICS: A GUIDE TO SAFETY AND CORRECT CLAIMS

Dott. Simone Gabbanini, Head of Quality Control

Nickel is a metal widely found in nature, but when it comes to skincare, its presence can be a source of concern. As one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), it is essential to understand how it is managed within beauty formulations and what product labels actually mean.

The regulatory framework: what does EU law say?

In the European Union, the safety of beauty products is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Under this regulation, Nickel is listed in Annex II, which identifies substances strictly prohibited for use in cosmetics.

However, the law includes an important clarification regarding "technically unavoidable traces." What does this mean?

• There is no intentional addition of the metal

• Traces may originate from raw materials (such as mineral pigments) or the manufacturing process

• These traces cannot be totally eliminated, even when following strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Nickel Free vs. Nickel Tested: clearing the confusion

Marketing terms in the cosmetic industry can often be confusing. It is vital to distinguish between these claims to make informed purchases, especially for those with reactive or sensitive skin.

Why is "Nickel Free" incorrect?

From a legal and technical standpoint, the claim "Nickel Free" is generally not considered acceptable. Since current technology cannot guarantee the absolute absence of every single nickel atom (due to those unavoidable traces), declaring a product entirely "free" of the metal would be inaccurate.

The value of "Nickel Tested"

The correct and transparent claim is "Nickel Tested." This label indicates that the specific production batch has undergone laboratory analysis to verify the concentration of the metal.

Typically, the safety threshold is set at below 1 ppm (one part per million). This is an incredibly low concentration, considered safe even for highly sensitive individuals, as it significantly reduces the risk of:

• Redness and itching

• Skin inflammation

• Cumulative allergic reactions

Safety and prevention

For those prone to allergies, prevention starts with choosing brands that prioritize safety. A consistent healthy lifestyle and careful attention to ingredients are the pillars of maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

BeC is actively committed to this field, testing its products through rigorous analysis. Our goal is to ensure the highest purity standards, offering cosmetic solutions that protect consumer wellbeing without compromising on quality.