Beauty · Heavy metals

Is Mercury compounds Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Mercury compounds is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).

INCI name Mercury. CAS 7439-97-6.

Is Mercury compounds banned in the EU?

EU status	Banned
US status	Allowed
Risk level	high
Where it shows up	skin-lightening cream, mascara
CAS number	7439-97-6

Mercury compounds is mercury and mercury salts used as preservatives and skin lighteners.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Banned in EU cosmetics; the US limits it to trace levels but enforcement gaps allow contaminated imports.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Mercury compounds banned in the EU?

Mercury compounds is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Mercury compounds in US cosmetics?

Yes — Mercury compounds 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 Mercury compounds?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Mercury compounds automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Mercury compounds?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Mercury compounds.

Is Mercury compounds in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Mercury compounds or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.