Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed

Barium Sulfate

INCI: BARIUM SULFATE

CAS Number
7727-43-7
Function
Colorant (white pigment), Opacifying agent
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status restricted
US Notes FDA delisted barium sulfate as a color additive and it is no longer authorized under color additive regulations (21 CFR Part 82). If used in US cosmetics, should be positioned under opacifying agent function rather than as a color additive to avoid regulatory conflict. CIR Final Report (June 2014, published IJT 2018) assessed it as safe at current use concentrations with the condition that formulation must be non-irritating.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Barium Sulfate. 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 2000 ppm oral - oral REACH
NOAEL 2000 ppm oral rat oral REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged inhalation of dust particles may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in baritosis (a form of benign pneumoconiosis).
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir
Verdict: safe

lfate should be formulated to be non- irritating. The Panel concluded that barium sulfate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating. Keywords barium sulfate, safety, cosmetics Introduction The saf

Expert Verdict

Barium sulfate (CAS 7727-43-7) is permitted in the EU under Annex IV Entry 122 with no concentration cap and approved for all product types. In the US, it is delisted as a color additive but may be used under the opacifying agent function. CIR (2018) concluded it is safe in present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. The compound has negligible dermal absorption due to its water-insoluble nature. For spray and powder formulations, particle size control is critical (95-99% of particles should exceed 10 μm aerodynamic diameter). Cosmetic-grade material must be verified against heavy metal purity specifications for lead, arsenic, and chromium.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

colorant opacifier inorganic-pigment fda-delisted inhalation-caution heavy-metal-impurity-risk benign-pneumoconiosis-risk eu-annex-iv cir-reviewed spray-caution particle-size-critical eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barium Sulfate safe in cosmetics?

Barium sulfate (CAS 7727-43-7) is permitted in the EU under Annex IV Entry 122 with no concentration cap and approved for all product types. In the US, it is delisted as a color additive but may be used under the opacifying agent function. CIR (2018) concluded it is safe in present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating. The compound has negligible dermal absorption due to its water-insoluble nature. For spray and powder formulations, particle size control is critical (95-99% of particles should exceed 10 μm aerodynamic diameter). Cosmetic-grade material must be verified against heavy metal purity specifications for lead, arsenic, and chromium. The EU classifies Barium Sulfate as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is Barium Sulfate allowed in the EU?

Barium Sulfate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Barium Sulfate do in cosmetics?

Barium Sulfate functions as: Colorant (white pigment), Opacifying agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7727-43-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Barium Sulfate?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Barium Sulfate?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Barium Sulfate is 2000 ppm based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Compliance Tools

Check Barium Sulfate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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