Is Arsenic Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Arsenic is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).
INCI name Arsenic. CAS 7440-38-2.
Is Arsenic banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | pigments (contaminant), kohl |
| CAS number | 7440-38-2 |
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic (Arsenic) is a toxic metalloid contaminant.
Why is Arsenic used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Arsenic dangerous? Documented risks
A known carcinogen; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Arsenic
- pigments (contaminant)
- kohl
How to avoid Arsenic: 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 Arsenic
Is Arsenic banned in the EU?
Arsenic is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Arsenic in US cosmetics?
Yes — Arsenic 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 Arsenic?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Arsenic automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Arsenic?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Arsenic.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Arsenic or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related heavy metals
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.