Is Lead Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Lead is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).
INCI name Lead. CAS 7439-92-1.
Is Lead banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | lipstick (contaminant), kohl |
| CAS number | 7439-92-1 |
What is Lead?
Lead (Lead) is a toxic heavy metal contaminant.
Why is Lead used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Lead dangerous? Documented risks
A potent neurotoxin with no safe level; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Lead
- lipstick (contaminant)
- kohl
How to avoid Lead: 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 Lead
Is Lead banned in the EU?
Lead is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Lead in US cosmetics?
Yes — Lead 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 Lead?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Lead automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Lead?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Lead.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Lead 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.