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Answer: Yes — Hydrofluoric acid is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: rust removers (not cosmetics).
TL;DR: Hydrofluoric acid is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Hydrofluoric Acid. CAS 7664-39-3.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | rust removers (not cosmetics) |
| CAS number | 7664-39-3 |
Hydrofluoric acid (Hydrofluoric Acid) is a corrosive acid.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Extremely corrosive and toxic; banned in EU cosmetics.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Hydrofluoric acidwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Hydrofluoric acid is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Hydrofluoric acid can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Hydrofluoric acid automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Hydrofluoric acid.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Hydrofluoric acid or other ingredients banned overseas.
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