Loading…
Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Lead is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Mercury compounds is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Lead | Mercury compounds |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | heavy metal | heavy metal |
| Where it hides | lipstick (contaminant), kohl | skin-lightening cream, mascara |
Lead (Lead) is a toxic heavy metal contaminant.
Mercury compounds is mercury and mercury salts used as preservatives and skin lighteners.
Lead: A potent neurotoxin with no safe level; banned in EU cosmetics.
Mercury compounds: Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Banned in EU cosmetics; the US limits it to trace levels but enforcement gaps allow contaminated imports.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Lead and Mercury compounds (plus 140+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →