Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient

Bismuth Citrate

INCI: BISMUTH CITRATE

CAS Number
https://fragrancematerialsafetyresource.elsevier.com/sites/default/files/495-62-5.pdf
Function
Hair colorant (progressive hair dye — reacts with hair sulfur/keratin to darken over time)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 2.0%
🇺🇸 US Status restricted
US Notes FDA: Permanently listed color additive, exempt from certification (21 CFR 73.2110); restricted to cosmetics intended for coloring hair on the scalp only, NTE 0.5% (w/v); NTE 2.0% per updated regulations

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Restricted to scalp hair only; prohibited for eyelashes, eyebrows, or body hair. Heavy metal (bismuth) with potential for systemic exposure and skin staining if misapplied. Must not be used in leave-on skin products. Raw materials must be monitored for heavy metal impurities including lead and arsenic.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

colorant

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bismuth Citrate safe in cosmetics?

Restricted to scalp hair only; prohibited for eyelashes, eyebrows, or body hair. Heavy metal (bismuth) with potential for systemic exposure and skin staining if misapplied. Must not be used in leave-on skin products. Raw materials must be monitored for heavy metal impurities including lead and arsenic. The EU classifies Bismuth Citrate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Bismuth Citrate allowed in the EU?

Bismuth Citrate EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 2.0%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Bismuth Citrate do in cosmetics?

Bismuth Citrate functions as: Hair colorant (progressive hair dye — reacts with hair sulfur/keratin to darken over time). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: https://fragrancematerialsafetyresource.elsevier.com/sites/default/files/495-62-5.pdf.

What is the Margin of Safety for Bismuth Citrate?

adequate 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.

Compliance Tools

Check Bismuth Citrate 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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