Is Sodium perborate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Sodium perborate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Sodium Perborate. CAS 7632-04-4.
Is Sodium perborate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | hair bleach, whitening products |
| CAS number | 7632-04-4 |
What is Sodium perborate?
Sodium perborate (Sodium Perborate) is a bleaching and oxidizing agent.
Why is Sodium perborate used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Sodium perborate dangerous? Documented risks
A reproductive toxicant (borate); banned/restricted in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Sodium perborate
- hair bleach
- whitening products
How to avoid Sodium perborate: 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 Sodium perborate
Is Sodium perborate banned in the EU?
Sodium perborate is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Sodium perborate in US cosmetics?
Yes — Sodium perborate 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 Sodium perborate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Sodium perborate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Sodium perborate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Sodium perborate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium perborate 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.