Beauty · Carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants

Is Acrylamide Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Acrylamide is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).

INCI name Acrylamide. CAS 79-06-1.

Is Acrylamide banned in the EU?

EU status	Restricted
US status	Allowed
Risk level	high
Where it shows up	face masks, styling products (residual)
CAS number	79-06-1

Acrylamide (Acrylamide) is a residual monomer in polyacrylamide.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

A probable carcinogen and neurotoxin; the EU strictly limits residual levels.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Acrylamide banned in the EU?

Acrylamide is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Acrylamide in US cosmetics?

Yes — Acrylamide 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 Acrylamide?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Acrylamide automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Acrylamide?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Acrylamide.

Is Acrylamide in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Acrylamide or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.