copper
Copper is a mineral chemical element used in cosmetics. It performs humectant, astringent, and preservative functions in formulations.
Roles & functions
Skin conditioning — Keeps the skin in good condition and protects it; improves its comfort.
Hair conditioning — Improves the appearance, softness and manageability of the hair.
Humectant — Attracts and retains water to help maintain hydration.
Preservative — Limits the growth of micro-organisms to preserve the product.
Astringent — Temporarily tightens the skin or the pores.
Colorant — Adds colour to the product or to the application.
Safety limit not to exceed
| Population | Limit / day | Type of reference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult · general population | 0.07 mg/kg pc | Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | EFSA SC 2023 (EFSA J 21(1):7728) |
| From 7 years to 131 months | 3 mg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 7 years to 131 months | 3 mg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 11 years to 179 months | 4 mg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 1 year to 47 months | 1 mg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 4 years to 83 months | 2 mg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
| From 15 years to 215 months | 4 mg | Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) | SCF 2003 |
Official reference limit, for information only, this is not personalised advice. Ask a pharmacist about your situation.
Last verified :
What the authorities say
| Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009) | Autorisé |
| CLP classification (Reg. 1272/2008) | No CMR classification |
| ECHA — endocrine disruptor (human health) | Not identified as an endocrine disruptor |
| ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59) | Not on the Candidate List (SVHC) |
| European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III) | No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling |
| European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009) | Regulated nanoform (Reg. 1223/2009) |
What the EFSA says
Yes. Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues
Yes. Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
Yes. Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Yes. Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation
Yes. Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body
Yes. Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation
Yes. Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Yes. Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Source: EFSA / Reg. (EU) 432/2012
No contraindication is specified to date for this ingredient.
Products containing it
In Lou’s database
| Most frequent categories | Hair & nails · Sun protection & tanning · Joints |
| Most frequent brands | Granions · Forte Pharma · Arkopharma · Lazartigue · Mium Lab |
A question about this ingredient?
Lou answers you and looks at your products with you, in store.