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Answer: Yes — Mercury compounds 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: skin-lightening cream, mascara.
TL;DR: Mercury compounds is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Mercury. CAS 7439-97-6.
| 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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Mercury compoundswith 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.
Mercury compounds is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
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.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Mercury compounds automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Mercury compounds.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Mercury compounds or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.