Amended Final Report On the Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Rosinate

Abstract

Pentaterythrityl Rosinate (previously called Pentaerythritol Rosinate) is the ester of rosin acids with the polyol pentaerythritol. It is used as a skin conditioning agent-emollient and viscosity increasing agent-nonaqueous in a few cosmetic formulations. In a previous safety assessment, it was concluded that the available data were insufficient to support the safety of this ingredient in cosmetic products. Additional data needed included: concentration of use, source and method of manufacture, chemistry (ultraviolet [UV] spectral analysis, pH, and impurities), ocular irritation, human dermal irritation and sensitization, and photosensitization (only if Pentaerythritol Rosinate absorbs UVA or UVB light). It was also noted that the carcinogenic potential of this ingredient was still of concern because of the low concentration tested in the available carcinogenicity study. Additional data were received. This ingredient is produced by the fractional distillation of crude tall oil to form rosin, which is then esterified with monopentaerythritol. It is typically used at concentrations of 0. 5-10%. It does not significantly absorb in the UVA or UVB portion of the spectrum. Formulations with 10% Pentaerythrityl Rosinate produced only minimal ocular irritation. Likewise tests of formulations with the ingredient at concentations of 7-9.2% resulted in minimal dermal irritation. The ingredient was nonsensitizing in animal maximization tests. Clinical tests of formulations with the ingredient at concentrations of 7-9.6% resulted in neither irritation nor sensitization. No data, however, were provided on possible impurities. Absent information on the actual chemical structure, the lack of information on impurities was considered significant. On further review, a single carcinogenicity study with negative results reported in the earlier safety assessment was considered inadequate. The absence of genotoxicity data was also considered significant. The lack of impurity and chemical structure information also raised a concern about the need for reproductive and developmental toxicity data. On the basis of this further review, it was concluded that the available data are still insufficient to support the safety of this ingredient in cosmetic products. Additional data needed include: (1) two genotoxicity assays, at least one in a mammalian system; if positive, then a 2-year dermal carcinogenicity study using National Toxicology Program (NTP) methods is needed; (2) dermal absorption; if significantly absorbed, then both a 28-day dermal toxicity study and a reproductive and developmental toxicity study may be needed; and (3) chemical properties, including structure and impurities.