Is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name 1,4-Dioxane. CAS 123-91-1.
Is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | shampoo (contaminant), body wash, bubble bath |
| CAS number | 123-91-1 |
What is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane)?
Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) (1,4-Dioxane) is a manufacturing byproduct contaminant.
Why is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) dangerous? Documented risks
A probable carcinogen; the EU limits it as a trace impurity, and US states are beginning to cap it.
Products that may contain Dioxane (1,4-dioxane)
- shampoo (contaminant)
- body wash
- bubble bath
How to avoid Dioxane (1,4-dioxane): safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Dioxane (1,4-dioxane)
Is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) banned in the EU?
Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) in US cosmetics?
Yes — Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Dioxane (1,4-dioxane)?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Dioxane (1,4-dioxane)?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Dioxane (1,4-dioxane).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.