Is Nickel Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Nickel is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (heavy metals).
INCI name Nickel. CAS 7440-02-0.
Is Nickel banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | makeup (contaminant), eye products |
| CAS number | 7440-02-0 |
What is Nickel?
Nickel (Nickel) is a sensitizing metal contaminant.
Why is Nickel used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Nickel dangerous? Documented risks
A common allergen; the EU restricts nickel impurities in cosmetics.
Products that may contain Nickel
- makeup (contaminant)
- eye products
How to avoid Nickel: 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 Nickel
Is Nickel banned in the EU?
Nickel is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Nickel in US cosmetics?
Yes — Nickel 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 Nickel?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Nickel automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Nickel?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Nickel.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Nickel 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.