Is Selenium sulfide Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Selenium sulfide is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Selenium Sulfide. CAS 7488-56-4.
Is Selenium sulfide banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | anti-dandruff shampoo |
| CAS number | 7488-56-4 |
What is Selenium sulfide?
Selenium sulfide (Selenium Sulfide) is an antifungal dandruff active.
Why is Selenium sulfide used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Selenium sulfide dangerous? Documented risks
Restricted in the EU; a US OTC dandruff active with limited oversight.
Products that may contain Selenium sulfide
- anti-dandruff shampoo
How to avoid Selenium sulfide: 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 Selenium sulfide
Is Selenium sulfide banned in the EU?
Selenium sulfide is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Selenium sulfide in US cosmetics?
Yes — Selenium sulfide 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 Selenium sulfide?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Selenium sulfide automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Selenium sulfide?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Selenium sulfide.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Selenium sulfide or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
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.