Is Chromium Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Chromium is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).
INCI name Chromium VI. CAS 18540-29-9.
Is Chromium banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | pigments (contaminant) |
| CAS number | 18540-29-9 |
What is Chromium?
Chromium (Chromium VI) is a toxic hexavalent chromium contaminant.
Why is Chromium used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Chromium dangerous? Documented risks
A carcinogen and sensitizer; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Chromium
How to avoid Chromium: 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 Chromium
Is Chromium banned in the EU?
Chromium is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Chromium in US cosmetics?
Yes — Chromium 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 Chromium?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Chromium automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Chromium?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Chromium.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Chromium 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.