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