Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex

What Is It?

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex is made from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that is essential for photosnythesis. In cosmetics and personal care products, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex is used in the formulation of bath products, cleansing products, dentifrices, deodorants, hair conditioners, shampoos, skin care products and other hair products.

Why Is It Used?

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex reduces or eliminates unpleasant odor and protects against the formation of such odors on the skin. Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex also imparts a green color to dentifrice products.

Scientific Facts

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex is obtained by extracting chlorophyllin from fescue and rye grasses.

Safety Information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex as a color additive exempt from certification. As a color, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex may be safely used for coloring dentifrices when it conforms to FDA specifications. FDA has also permits the use of Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex in Over-the-Counter (OTC) internal deodorant drug products. Internal deodorant drug products are taken internally to reduce odors from conditions such as colostomies, ileostomies or fecal incontinence. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred evaluation of this ingredient because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

All color additives used in foods, drugs and cosmetics in the United States must be approved by FDA and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. In some cases, FDA requires that each batch of color produced for use in regulated products can be used only if it is certified by the agency to meet strict specifications. FDA maintains a laboratory especially for this purpose and color manufacturers must pay a fee to support this activity. FDA only approves colors after extensive review of all safety data and publication of the basis for its approval in the Federal Register.

You can find out more about FDA regulation of colors at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-col.html

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Chlorophyllin Copper Complex

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex is listed as CI 75810 in the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union and may be used as a coloring agent in all cosmetics and personal care products (see Annex IV). When used in cosmetic products in the European Union, this ingredient must be called CI 75810.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: 
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

You can learn more about the regulation and labeling of colors at: 
http://www.personalcarecouncil.org/colors-cosmetics-regulation-and-nomen…

More Scientific Information

Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex is obtained from chlorophyll by replacing the methyl and phytyl ester groups with alkali and replacing the magnesium with copper. In cosmetics and personal care products, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex functions as a dentifrice colorant and deodorant agent.

Resources

Find out more about the regulation of Over-the-Counter drugs by the Food and Drug Administration

OTC Drug Home Page: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSa…

Information about OTC Drug monographs: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/over-counter-otc-drug-monograph-process

Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm

EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/