Is Hydrogen Peroxide safe in cosmetics?
Hydrogen Peroxide has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Also known as: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Albone 35CG, Albone 50CG, Albone 70CG, Caswell No. 486AAA (+15 more)
INCI: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen Peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as oxidizing agent; hair bleach; melanin oxidizer; hair dye developer;. NOAEL 0.00166667 mg/kg bw/day (cross-referenced against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max Hair products: max 12% (w/v) in rinse-off oxidative hair treatment; ≤3% in other cosmetic products; professional-only above 6%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 7722-84-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Hydrogen Peroxide is classified GHS Danger (H271, H302, H314, H318, H332, H335, H412) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max Hair products: max 12% (w/v) in rinse-off oxidative hair treatment; ≤3% in other cosmetic products; professional-only above 6%.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status/eu_max; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
oxidizing agent; hair bleach; melanin oxidizer; hair dye developer; antimicrobial; oral care agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
Hair products: max 12% (w/v) in rinse-off oxidative hair treatment; ≤3% in other cosmetic products; professional-only above 6%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR (2018/2024) concluded safe at present practices of use and concentration; OTC drug for oral health applications; no US-specific cap for hair use, but professional concentrations require labeling; synergistic oxidative stress with monoethanolamine implicated in hair-dye-induced hair loss
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Hydrogen Peroxide.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Hydrogen Peroxide. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 60 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 150 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 250 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Carcinogenicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 450 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Reproductive | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | =30 mg/kg/day | oral | rat | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =30 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | repeated dose toxicity | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =30 mg/kg/day | oral | rat | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =30 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | repeated dose toxicity | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =30 mg/kg/day | oral | rat | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Hydrogen Peroxide across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
36, Sup 7, 71
Evaluation Year
1998
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
OxidiserHarmful / IrritantCorrosive
Hazard Class and Category
Ox. Liq. 1; Acute Tox. 4 *; Acute Tox. 4 *; Skin Corr. 1A
Hazard Statements
- H271 May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser
- H332 Harmful if inhaled
- H302 Harmful if swallowed
- H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Specific Concentration Limits / M-factors
Ox. Liq. 1; H271: C ≥ 70.0% ****; Ox. Liq. 2; H272: 50.0% ≤ C < 70.0% ****; *; Skin Corr. 1A; H314: C ≥ 70.0%; Skin Corr. 1B; H314: 50.0% ≤ C < 70.0%; Skin Irrit. 2; H315: 35.0% ≤ C < 50.0%; Eye Dam. 1; H318: 8.0% ≤ C < 50.0%; Eye Irrit. 2; H319: 5.0% ≤ C < 8.0%; STOT SE 3; H335: C ≥ 35.0%
Inserted via ATP: CLP00
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: other
Receptor targets: TR (oxidative stress on thyroid)
LOEC: 10 µM
EU status: restricted (max 12% H2O2 in hair; max 0.1% teeth)
indirect modulator (thyroid enzyme oxidation)
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100,000 - 1,000,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
SA Saudi SFDA (III - Restricted)
Product type: (a) Hair products (b) Skin products (c) Nail hardening products (d) Oral products, including mouth rinse, tooth paste and tooth whitening or bleaching products (e) Tooth whitening or bleaching products (f) Products intended for eyelashes. Max: (a) 12 % of H2O2 (40 volumes), present or released (b) 4 % of H2O2, present or released (c) 2 % of H2O2, present or released (d) ≤ 0,1 % of H2O2, present or released (e) > 0,1 % ≤ 6 % of H2O2, present or released (f) 2 % of H2O2, present or released.
JPKR Japan/Korea Cosmetics
Japan (Prohibited): Must not be used
Korea (Restricted): max 2.0
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
India: Restricted · max (a) 12 % of H2O2 (40 volumes), present or released (b) 4 % of H2O2, present or released (c) 2 % of H2O2, present or released (d) ≤ 0,1 % of H2O2, present or released (e) > 0,1 % ≤ 6 % of H2O2, present or released (f) 2 % of H2O2, present or released
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (10)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP | banned | - | All cosmetics |
| CN | restricted | 12 | Hair products (a) Hair dye oxidant (b) Skin care (c) Nail care |
| IN | restricted | 12.0 | hair bleaching and hair colouring products |
| IN | restricted | 0.1 | oral hygiene products |
| IN | restricted | 4.0 | skin care products |
| AU | restricted | 6.0 | teeth whitening (OTC) |
| AU | restricted | 35.0 | professional dental |
| GCC | restricted | 12.0 | Hair bleach products |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
Aggregated DA Values (2 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured | 30.0% | in_vivo | - | SCCP/0122 |
| default | 1.0% | - | - | SCCP/0122 |
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Bleach / Color | 3–12 | 12 | CIR/VCRP |
Additional Ingredient Properties
2 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
oral_care
{"cas_number": "7722-84-1", "ingredient_class": "whitening_agent", "function_primary": "Chemical whitening agent", "function_secondary": "Antimicrobial", "anti_caries_mechanism": "Minimal", "fluoride_content_ppm_if_applicable": "0", "enamel_hardness_improvement": "None (may temporarily reduce)", "anti_plaque_mechanism": "Oxidative antimicrobial", "biofilm_disruption": "Moderate", "anti_gingivitis_…
regulatory
{"eu_status": "restricted", "us_status": "allowed", "eu_max_concentration": "0.12", "restricted_in": "max 12% in hair products", "regulation_reference": "Annex III/12"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Anti-stain agent
Biocide
Bleaching agent
Brightener
Chemical reaction regulator
Cleaning agent
Deodorizer
Filler
Foamant
Food preservative
Regulatory List Membership (4)
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Hydrogen Peroxide.
Regulatory Flags
oxidizing-agent
hair-dye-developer
bleach-agent
restricted
keratinocyte-cytotoxic
eu-annex-iii
professional-use
epa_safer_alternative
fda_food_additive
eu_cosing_listed
jecfa_safe
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Hydrogen Peroxide by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
41
Lowest NOAEL
20
Highest NOAEL
500
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg/day, mg/kg bw/d
COSMOS_DB
SCCS_vision_codex
SCCNFP_vision_codex
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 30.0% | in_vivo | - |
| 1.0% | - | - |
Known Synonyms
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
Albone 35CG
Albone 50CG
Albone 70CG
Caswell No. 486AAA
EINECS 231-765-0
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 000595
Interox
Kastone
Lensept
Peroxan
Peroxide
UN 2984 (8%-20%)
UN 2014 (20%-52%)
Perossido di idrogeno
Waterstofperoxyde
UNII-BBX060AN9V
High Test Peroxide
Pre milk HP 0.5
Pre milk HP 1.0
Chemical Function
Bleaching agent
Cleaning agent
Biocide
Regulatory Lists
active_ingredient; agricultural; applied; Pesticides
active_ingredient; agricultural; applied; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL71595
Max Phase
4
Adverse Event Associations
452
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydrogen Peroxide allowed in the EU?
Hydrogen Peroxide EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Hair products: max 12% (w/v) in rinse-off oxidative hair treatment; ≤3% in other cosmetic products; professional-only above 6%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Hydrogen Peroxide do in cosmetics?
Hydrogen Peroxide functions as: oxidizing agent; hair bleach; melanin oxidizer; hair dye developer; antimicrobial; oral care agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7722-84-1.
What is the NOAEL for Hydrogen Peroxide?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Hydrogen Peroxide is 60 mg/kg bw/day based on a Subchronic study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide used outside cosmetics?
Hydrogen Peroxide also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Hydrogen Peroxide is classified GHS Danger (H271, H302, H314, H318, H332, H335, H412) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max Hair products: max 12% (w/v) in rinse-off oxidative hair treatment; ≤3% in other cosmetic products; professional-only above 6%.
Compliance Tools
Check Hydrogen Peroxide compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
Related Ingredients
(20S)-Protopanaxadiol
Moderate
Similar safety
(Cnidium Officinale/Coptis Chinensis/Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) Root Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning
(Cryptomeria Japonica/Chamaecyparis Obtusa) Stem Ferment Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Antimicrobial, antioxidant, humectant
(Eclipta Prostrata/Houttuynia Cordata) Leaf Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning
(Lepidium Meyenii/Sarcodon Aspratus) Root Water
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning
(Licorice/Reynoutria Japonica) Root/Stem Extract
Moderate
Similar safety
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
Ammonium Phosphate
Good
Chemical family
Buffering, pH Adjuster, Corrosion Inh...
TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE
Good
Chemical family
Anticaking, Buffering, Chelating, Ora...
HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS EXTRACT
Good
Browse nearby
Fragrance, Skin Conditioning
HYDRATROPIC ALDEHYDE
Good
Browse nearby
Perfuming
HYDROCHLOROFLUOROCARBON 142B
Good
Browse nearby
Deodorant, Propellant
HYDROCHLOROFLUOROCARBON 22
Good
Browse nearby
Propellant
1,4-Butanediol
Poor
Same EU status
Solvent, humectant, viscosity control...
1-Acetoxy-2-Methylnaphthalene
Good
Same EU status
Hair dyeing; colours the hair
1-Hexyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate
Good
Same EU status
Hair dyeing — oxidative hair colourin...
Is Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Products?
Scan any product label with Piro — our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.
Try Piro Free →Analyze Your Full Ingredient List
Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for Hydrogen Peroxide in your formulation.