Is Boric acid Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Boric acid is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Boric Acid. CAS 10043-35-3.
Is Boric acid banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | talc-free powders, bath products |
| CAS number | 10043-35-3 |
What is Boric acid?
Boric acid (Boric Acid) is a buffering and antimicrobial agent.
Why is Boric acid used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Boric acid dangerous? Documented risks
A reproductive toxicant; the EU restricts borates in cosmetics.
Products that may contain Boric acid
- talc-free powders
- bath products
How to avoid Boric acid: 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 Boric acid
Is Boric acid banned in the EU?
Boric acid is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Boric acid in US cosmetics?
Yes — Boric acid 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 Boric acid?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Boric acid automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Boric acid?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Boric acid.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Boric acid 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.