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Quick answer: Cadmium carries the heavier risk profile. Cadmium is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Nickel is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Cadmium | Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | medium |
| Banned in | European Union | — |
| Restricted in | — | European Union |
| Category | heavy metal | heavy metal |
| Where it hides | pigmented makeup (contaminant) | makeup (contaminant), eye products |
Cadmium (Cadmium) is a toxic heavy metal contaminant.
Nickel (Nickel) is a sensitizing metal contaminant.
Cadmium: A carcinogen and kidney toxin; banned in EU cosmetics.
Nickel: A common allergen; the EU restricts nickel impurities in cosmetics.
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