Prohibited Substance
CHROMIUM
Safety score · 0–100
Avoid
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
Elemental chromium metal. Banned from EU cosmetics (Annex II) — chromium, chromic acid and salts are prohibited. Strong GHS sensitization and carcinogenicity flags.
Chromium (CAS 7440-47-3, PubChem CID 23976) is a transition metal. EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex II prohibits chromium, chromic acid and their salts in cosmetic products. PubChem GHS classification lists H317 (skin sensitizer), H319 (serious eye irritation), H334 (respiratory sensitizer — may cause asthma), H335, H341 (suspected of causing genetic defects), H371, H400/H410 (aquatic toxicity); pictograms GHS07, GHS08, GHS09. Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is IARC Group 1 human carcinogen; trivalent Cr(III) is a major contact allergen (frequent positive in patch-test series). Trace chromium contamination in colour cosmetics is regulated under technically unavoidable-impurity limits. Evidence level high.
Function
Skin benefits
- No legitimate cosmetic use — metallic chromium is not an INCI-accepted functional ingredient
Known concerns
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II bans chromium, chromic acid and their salts from cosmetics
- GHS H317 skin sensitizer and H334 respiratory sensitizer (PubChem CID 23976)
- Cr(VI) is IARC Group 1 carcinogen; Cr(III) sensitizer
- H341 suspected genetic-defect risk; H400/H410 aquatic toxicity
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related prohibited substances
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.