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Quick answer: Mercury compounds carries the heavier risk profile. Mercury compounds is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Octocrylene is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Mercury compounds | Octocrylene |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | medium |
| Banned in | European Union | — |
| Restricted in | — | European Union |
| Category | heavy metal | uv filter |
| Where it hides | skin-lightening cream, mascara | sunscreen, SPF lotion, lip balm |
Mercury compounds is mercury and mercury salts used as preservatives and skin lighteners.
Octocrylene is an organic UV filter that stabilizes other filters.
Mercury compounds: Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Banned in EU cosmetics; the US limits it to trace levels but enforcement gaps allow contaminated imports.
Octocrylene: Can degrade into benzophenone, a possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; the EU restricts its concentration.
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