Is Chlorphenesin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Chlorphenesin is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
INCI name Chlorphenesin. CAS 104-29-0.
Is Chlorphenesin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | lotion, makeup, wipes |
| CAS number | 104-29-0 |
What is Chlorphenesin?
Chlorphenesin (Chlorphenesin) is a preservative.
Why is Chlorphenesin used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Chlorphenesin dangerous? Documented risks
The EU caps it at 0.3%.
Products that may contain Chlorphenesin
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%The Ordinary
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water GelNeutrogena
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionThe Ordinary
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HAThe Ordinary
- The Ordinary Buffet Multi-Technology Peptide SerumThe Ordinary
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer Extra-Dry SkinNeutrogena
How to avoid Chlorphenesin: 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 Chlorphenesin
Is Chlorphenesin banned in the EU?
Chlorphenesin is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Chlorphenesin in US cosmetics?
Yes — Chlorphenesin 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 Chlorphenesin?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Chlorphenesin automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Chlorphenesin?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Chlorphenesin.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Chlorphenesin or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related preservatives
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.