The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR) announced at its meeting on Dec. 4-5, 2006 that it is reopening its safety assessment of Calendula officinalis (marigold) to study whether botanical extracts are safe in leave-on cosmetic products.
The European Organization of Cosmetic Ingredients, Industries & Services (UNITIS) claimed that the extracts were safe for cosmetics in the 45-page document that it submitted to CIR. The organization listed each possible extract and reported no toxicological red flags, a move the CIR deems insufficient.
Although the CIR finds UNITIS' report helpful, the panel finds it "bypasses the issue of what's in the extract and addresses what's in the plant."
CIR initially considered finding the extract safe for rinse-off products, but decided that data was insufficient and more information was needed. CIR is currently evaluating the extract for dermal safety data including a 28-day dermal toxicity test and reproductive toxicity research.
