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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Mercury compounds is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Coal tar is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Mercury compounds | Coal tar |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | heavy metal | cmr |
| Where it hides | skin-lightening cream, mascara | anti-dandruff shampoo, hair dye, psoriasis products |
Mercury compounds is mercury and mercury salts used as preservatives and skin lighteners.
Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.
Mercury compounds: Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Banned in EU cosmetics; the US limits it to trace levels but enforcement gaps allow contaminated imports.
Coal tar: A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.
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